Difference between revisions of "Stretching"

From IntactiWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Add text and citation.)
(4 common treatments for phimosis)
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 24: Line 24:
 
  |DOI=10.1111/j.1445-2197.1989.tb07640.x  
 
  |DOI=10.1111/j.1445-2197.1989.tb07640.x  
 
  |accessdate=2022-09-20
 
  |accessdate=2022-09-20
 +
}}</ref> Zampieri et al. (2005) reported success with stretching with betamethosone topical cream in boys.<ref name="zampieri2005">{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Zampieri
 +
|first=
 +
|init=N
 +
|author-link=
 +
|last2=Corroppolo
 +
|first2=
 +
|init2=M
 +
|author2-link=
 +
|last3=Comoglio
 +
|first3=
 +
|init3=FS
 +
|author3-link=
 +
|last4=Giacomello
 +
|first4=
 +
|init4=L
 +
|author4-link=
 +
|last5=Ottolenghi
 +
|first5=
 +
|init5=A
 +
|author5-link=
 +
|etal=no
 +
|title=Phimosis: Stretching Methods with or without Application of Topical Steroids?
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|journal=J Pediat
 +
|date=2005-11
 +
|volume=147
 +
|issue=5
 +
|pages=705-6
 +
|url=https://www.cirp.org/library/treatment/phimosis/zampieri1/
 +
|archived=
 +
|quote=
 +
|pubmedID=16291369
 +
|pubmedCID=
 +
|DOI=10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.07.017
 +
|accessdate=2025-10-24
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
 +
 +
Foreskin stretchers should take care to avoid [[paraphimosis]].
 +
 +
The foreskin may also be stretched longitudinally to permanently lengthen it.
 +
 +
=== A word to intact teens ===
 +
 +
Boys are born with a [[foreskin]] that is non-retractable for reasons of [[Immunological_and_protective_function_of_the_foreskin#The_protective_and_hygienic_function_of_the_foreskin| protection]]. The inner surface is fused with the [[glans penis]] by a [[synechia]] (similar to a fingernail that is glued to the nail bed of the finger). Also the tip of the foreskin is too narrow to retract. As a boy gets older, the synechia disintegrates and releases the foreskin and the foreskin gets wider, so the foreskin gradually becomes [[Retraction of the foreskin| retractable]]. A survey carried out in [[Denmark]] found that the mean age of first foreskin retraction is 10.4 years.<ref name="Thorvaldsen">{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Thorvaldsen
 +
|init=MA
 +
|last2=Meyhoff
 +
|init2=H
 +
|title=Patologisk eller fysiologisk fimose?
 +
|trans-title=Pathological or physiological phimosis?
 +
|language=Danish
 +
|journal=Ugeskr Læger
 +
|volume=167
 +
|issue=17
 +
|pages=1858-1862
 +
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/normal/thorvaldsen1/
 +
|quote=
 +
|pubmedID=
 +
|pubmedCID=
 +
|DOI=
 +
|date=2005
 +
|accessdate=2023-12-09
 +
}}</ref> This means that 1/2 of boys become retractable earlier and 1/2 of boys become retractable later. a few [[intact]] boys go through [[puberty]] but find that their [[foreskin]] is still too narrow to permit retraction.
 +
 +
Beaugé (1997) reported that boys, who [[masturbation| masturbate]] by pulling their [[foreskin]] away from the body, will not stretch the tight part of the foreskin so non-retractile foreskin will persist. He advised changing the method of [[masturbation]] to the more conventional method of pulling the foreskin toward the body so that the narrow orifice gets stretched.<ref name="beauge1997">{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Beaugé
 +
|init=Michel
 +
|author-link=
 +
|last2=
 +
|init2=
 +
|author2-link=
 +
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/treatment/phimosis/beauge2/
 +
|title=The causes of adolescent phimosis
 +
|journal=Br J Sex Med
 +
|date=1997
 +
|volume=
 +
|issue=September/October
 +
|pages=26
 +
|accessdate=2021-04-21
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 +
The traditional way of addressing this issue was to consult a [[Issues_with_American_urologists_and_the_practice_of_male_circumcision#Issues_with_care_of_adult_intact_males| urologist]] and get a [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]], however we now understand that in the vast majority of cases, manual [[stretching]] over a few months will widen the narrow [[foreskin]] by [[tissue expansion]], make the foreskin retractable and eliminate the need for a destructive and harmful [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].
 +
 +
One should continue to stretch until one gets satisfactory [[gliding action]].<ref>{{REFweb
 +
|title=Managing a Tight Foreskin
 +
|url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#Managing-a-Tight-Foreskin
 +
|archived=
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|language=
 +
|last=
 +
|first=
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=
 +
|publisher=WikiHow
 +
|website=
 +
|date=
 +
|accessdate=2025-09-25
 +
|format=
 +
|quote=
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 +
====Retracting one's foreskin====
 +
The [[foreskin]] is a double layer of skin. It is lubricated by body fluid called [[lymph]] between the two layers. The outer layer is designed to glide smoothly back over the inner layer. One should be able to retract it without pain.<ref>{{REFweb
 +
|url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#References
 +
|title=How to Pull Your Foreskin Back Without Pain
 +
|last=
 +
|first=
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=
 +
|publisher=WikiHow
 +
|date=
 +
|accessdate=2025-09-26
 +
}}</ref> Sometimes, especially when one is young, the tip may be too tight to retract over the [[Glans penis| head of the penis]].
  
 
== Methods ==
 
== Methods ==
Human [[skin]] can be stretched and normally returns to its normal size and position. But when stretching is done over a longer period of time, chances are that this stretching causes new [[skin]] cells to grow and [[tissue expansion]] to occur. We all know this from the [[skin]] which covers e.g. the human stomach or the breast area.
+
Human [[skin]] can be stretched and normally returns to its normal size and position. But when stretching is done over a longer period of time, chances are that this stretching causes new [[skin]] cells to grow ([[mitosis]]) and [[tissue expansion]] to occur. We all know this from the [[skin]] which covers e.g. the human stomach or the breast area.
 
+
=== Topical steroid cream for stretching ===
Basically, all curative or constructive stretching of human [[skin]] should be accompanied by applying a steroid cream or lotion to the [[skin]]. The steroid thins the skin and makes stretching easier. It does not work without stretching.  Betamethasone valerate<ref>{{REFweb
+
Basically, all curative or constructive stretching of human [[skin]] should be accompanied by applying a steroid cream to the [[skin]]. The steroid thins the skin and makes stretching easier. Topical steroid treatment is also useful to hasten foreskin retraction in boys with nonretractile foreskins. A number of steroid preparations have been used, including [https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4897-722/betamethasone-valerate-topical/betamethasone-valerate-topical/details Betamethasone Valerate] 0.05% to 0.1%, triamcinolone 0.1% and mometasone furoate 0.1%.<ref name="cps2015">{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Sorokin
 +
|first=S. Todd
 +
|init=ST
 +
|author-link=
 +
|last2=Finlay
 +
|first2=JC
 +
|author2-link=
 +
|last3=Jeffries
 +
|first3=AL
 +
|author3-link=
 +
|etal=yes
 +
|title=Newborn male circumcision
 +
|journal=Paediatr Child Health
 +
|location=
 +
|date=2015-08
 +
|volume=20
 +
|issue=6
 +
|pages=311-20
 +
|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4578472/
 +
|quote=
 +
|pubmedID=26435672
 +
|pubmedCID=4578472
 +
|DOI=10.1093/pch/20.6.311
 +
|accessdate=2023-06-15
 +
}}</ref> It does not work without stretching.  Betamethasone valerate<ref>{{REFweb
 
  |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betamethasone
 
  |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betamethasone
 
  |title=Betamethasone
 
  |title=Betamethasone
 
  |website=Wikipedia
 
  |website=Wikipedia
 
  |accessdate=2020-12-21
 
  |accessdate=2020-12-21
}}</ref> is the most commonly recommended active ingredient. A cream with 0.05% betamethasone appears effective in treating phimosis in boys,<ref>{{REFjournal
+
}}</ref> is the most commonly recommended active ingredient. A cream with 0.05% betamethasone appears effective in treating [[phimosis]] in boys,<ref>{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Moreno
 
  |last=Moreno
 
  |init=G
 
  |init=G
Line 52: Line 190:
 
  |DOI10.1002/14651858.CD008973.pub2
 
  |DOI10.1002/14651858.CD008973.pub2
 
  |pubmedID=25180668
 
  |pubmedID=25180668
}}</ref> and often averts the need for circumcision.<ref>{{REFjournal
+
}}</ref> and often averts the need for [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].<ref>{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Van Howe
 
  |last=Van Howe
 
  |init=RS
 
  |init=RS
Line 158: Line 296:
 
Manual stretching should continue until the [[foreskin]] will [[Gliding action| glide smoothly]] back and forth while the [[penis]] is erect.
 
Manual stretching should continue until the [[foreskin]] will [[Gliding action| glide smoothly]] back and forth while the [[penis]] is erect.
  
====A word to intact teens====
+
<b>Warning: There are reports of physicians who prescribe topical steroid cream to treat a tight or non-retractable foreskin, but fail to advise their patient that manual stretching is required.</b>
 
 
Boys are born with a [[foreskin]] that is non-retractable for reasons of [[Immunological_and_protective_function_of_the_foreskin#The_protective_and_hygienic_function_of_the_foreskin| protection]]. The inner surface is fused with the [[glans penis]] by a [[synechia]] (similar to a fingernail that is glued to the nail bed of the finger). Also the tip of the foreskin is too narrow to retract. As a boy gets older, the synechia disintegrates and releases the foreskin and the foreskin gets wider as a boy ages, so the foreskin gradually becomes [[Retraction of the foreskin| retractable]]. Some boys go through puberty but find that their [[foreskin]] is still too narrow to permit retraction.
 
 
 
Beaugé (1997) reported that boys, who masturbate by pulling their [[foreskin]] away from the body, will not stretch the tight part of the foreskin so non-retractile foreskin will persist. He advised changing the method of [[masturbation]] to the more conventional method of pulling the foreskin toward the body so that the narrow orifice gets stretched.<ref name="beauge1997">{{REFjournal
 
|last=Beaugé
 
|init=Michel
 
|author-link=
 
|last2=
 
|init2=
 
|author2-link=
 
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/treatment/phimosis/beauge2/
 
|title=The causes of adolescent phimosis
 
|journal=Br J Sex Med
 
|date=1997
 
|volume=
 
|issue=September/October
 
|pages=26
 
|accessdate=2021-04-21
 
}}</ref>  
 
 
 
The traditional way of addressing this issue was to consult a urologist and get a [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]], however we now understand that in the vast majority of cases, manual stretching over a few months will widen the foreskin by [[tissue expansion]], make the foreskin retractable and eliminate the need for a destructive [[Adolescent and adult circumcision| circumcision]].
 
 
 
 
=== Fingers ===
 
=== Fingers ===
Where the [[phimosis]] is very mild it may be possible to stretch the [[foreskin]] by pulling it back tightly against the head of the erect penis. One should pull the [[foreskin]] back until one feels tension in the foreskin and hold that for perhaps five minutes. Do that twice a day. Do not force retraction and do not cause yourself pain.
+
It is possible to stretch the [[foreskin]] by pulling it back tightly against the [[glans]] of the erect [[penis]]. One should pull the [[foreskin]] back until one feels non-painful tension in the tight part of the foreskin and hold that for perhaps five minutes. Do that two or more times a day. <u>'''Do not force retraction and do not cause yourself pain'''</u>. One should gradually see the narrow tip widen and become more retractable.
  
 
Or the fingers can be inserted into the opening and used to stretch the foreskin. If the foreskin is only slightly tight, a minor case of phimosis, then the stretching can be accomplished using fingers inserted into the opening in the foreskin and applying outward pressure.<ref name="glansie">{{REFweb
 
Or the fingers can be inserted into the opening and used to stretch the foreskin. If the foreskin is only slightly tight, a minor case of phimosis, then the stretching can be accomplished using fingers inserted into the opening in the foreskin and applying outward pressure.<ref name="glansie">{{REFweb
Line 206: Line 322:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
 
* [... more to be added ...]
 
* [... more to be added ...]
 +
 +
==Video==
 +
<br>
 +
===Tips for a tight foreskin===
 +
<youtube>v=LoyZ_ur1IqI</youtube>
 +
<br>
 +
===Essential guide to foreskin stretching===
 +
<youtube>v=8K7qPuxROBo</youtube>
 +
===4 common treatments for phimosis===
 +
<youtube>v=NPwFMSZjiII</youtube>
  
 
{{SEEALSO}}
 
{{SEEALSO}}
 +
* [[Acroposthion]]
 +
* [[Development of retractable foreskin]]
 
* [[Frenulum breve]]
 
* [[Frenulum breve]]
 
* [[Gliding action]]
 
* [[Gliding action]]
 +
* [[American urologists and the practice of male circumcision]]
 
* [[Mitosis]]
 
* [[Mitosis]]
* [[Retraction of the foreskin]]
+
* [[Paraphimosis]]
 +
* [[Physiological phimosis]]
 +
* [[Preputial sac]]
 +
* [[Preputioplasty]]
 
* [[Tissue expansion]]
 
* [[Tissue expansion]]
  
 
{{LINKS}}
 
{{LINKS}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512060858/http://www.foreskin.org:80/phi-once.htm
 +
|title=From Tight Phimosis to Full Retraction: One Man's Stretching Experience
 +
|last=Anonymous
 +
|first=
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=
 +
|publisher=Archive
 +
|date=1998
 +
|accessdate=2025-06-17
 +
}}
 
* {{REFweb
 
* {{REFweb
 
  |url=http://phimosisjourney.com/
 
  |url=http://phimosisjourney.com/
Line 221: Line 364:
 
  |accessdate=2020-12-23
 
  |accessdate=2020-12-23
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
* {{REFweb
 
* {{REFweb
 
  |url=https://www.wikihow.fitness/Do-Phimosis-Stretching?amp=1
 
  |url=https://www.wikihow.fitness/Do-Phimosis-Stretching?amp=1
Line 254: Line 396:
 
  |quote=
 
  |quote=
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
* {{REFweb
 
* {{REFweb
 
  |url=https://foreskinstretching.com/
 
  |url=https://foreskinstretching.com/
Line 262: Line 403:
 
  |accessdate=2021-04-18
 
  |accessdate=2021-04-18
 
}}
 
}}
 
 
* {{REFweb
 
* {{REFweb
 
  |title=Phimosis Stretching: Helpful illustrated guide (with examples)
 
  |title=Phimosis Stretching: Helpful illustrated guide (with examples)
Line 279: Line 419:
 
  |quote=The goal of phimosis stretching is to get to a stage where you can move your foreskin, back and forth, freely over the glans while the penis is erect.
 
  |quote=The goal of phimosis stretching is to get to a stage where you can move your foreskin, back and forth, freely over the glans while the penis is erect.
 
}}
 
}}
 
+
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://www.foreskin.org/stretching-foreskin-without-surgery/
 +
|title=How to Stretch Your Foreskin Without Surgery – Treat Phimosis
 +
|last=Rangel
 +
|first=Frank
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=
 +
|publisher=
 +
|date=2023-07-17
 +
|accessdate=2024-12-11
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/uncircumcised_talk/comments/1kzd5x4/comment/mv5h46j/
 +
|title=how come my foreskin is so tight when I pull it over the head of my dick and kind of hurts it didn't use to
 +
|last=Anonymous
 +
|publisher=REDDIT
 +
|date=2025-05
 +
|accessdate=2025-10-13
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://www.wikihow.com/Pull-Your-Foreskin-Back-Without-Pain#Managing-a-Tight-Foreskin
 +
|title=Managing a Tight Foreskin
 +
|last=Tobis, MD
 +
|first=Scott
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=
 +
|publisher=WikiHow
 +
|date=2025-07-26
 +
|accessdate=2025-11-14
 +
}}
 
{{REF}}
 
{{REF}}
  
 
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]]
 
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]]
 +
[[Category:Genital]]
 +
[[Category:Penile function]]
 +
[[Category:Physiology]]
 +
[[Category:Teen]]
 +
 +
[[de:Dehnen]]

Latest revision as of 14:52, 14 November 2025

Stretching of the tight foreskin is a well-known and the recommended treatment of phimosis and paraphimosis. Dunn (1989) reported successful treating of phimosis by manual stretching.[1] Zampieri et al. (2005) reported success with stretching with betamethosone topical cream in boys.[2]

Foreskin stretchers should take care to avoid paraphimosis.

The foreskin may also be stretched longitudinally to permanently lengthen it.

A word to intact teens

Boys are born with a foreskin that is non-retractable for reasons of protection. The inner surface is fused with the glans penis by a synechia (similar to a fingernail that is glued to the nail bed of the finger). Also the tip of the foreskin is too narrow to retract. As a boy gets older, the synechia disintegrates and releases the foreskin and the foreskin gets wider, so the foreskin gradually becomes retractable. A survey carried out in Denmark found that the mean age of first foreskin retraction is 10.4 years.[3] This means that 1/2 of boys become retractable earlier and 1/2 of boys become retractable later. a few intact boys go through puberty but find that their foreskin is still too narrow to permit retraction.

Beaugé (1997) reported that boys, who masturbate by pulling their foreskin away from the body, will not stretch the tight part of the foreskin so non-retractile foreskin will persist. He advised changing the method of masturbation to the more conventional method of pulling the foreskin toward the body so that the narrow orifice gets stretched.[4]

The traditional way of addressing this issue was to consult a urologist and get a circumcision, however we now understand that in the vast majority of cases, manual stretching over a few months will widen the narrow foreskin by tissue expansion, make the foreskin retractable and eliminate the need for a destructive and harmful circumcision.

One should continue to stretch until one gets satisfactory gliding action.[5]

Retracting one's foreskin

The foreskin is a double layer of skin. It is lubricated by body fluid called lymph between the two layers. The outer layer is designed to glide smoothly back over the inner layer. One should be able to retract it without pain.[6] Sometimes, especially when one is young, the tip may be too tight to retract over the head of the penis.

Contents

Methods

Human skin can be stretched and normally returns to its normal size and position. But when stretching is done over a longer period of time, chances are that this stretching causes new skin cells to grow (mitosis) and tissue expansion to occur. We all know this from the skin which covers e.g. the human stomach or the breast area.

Topical steroid cream for stretching

Basically, all curative or constructive stretching of human skin should be accompanied by applying a steroid cream to the skin. The steroid thins the skin and makes stretching easier. Topical steroid treatment is also useful to hasten foreskin retraction in boys with nonretractile foreskins. A number of steroid preparations have been used, including Betamethasone Valerate 0.05% to 0.1%, triamcinolone 0.1% and mometasone furoate 0.1%.[7] It does not work without stretching. Betamethasone valerate[8] is the most commonly recommended active ingredient. A cream with 0.05% betamethasone appears effective in treating phimosis in boys,[9] and often averts the need for circumcision.[10][11][12] It has replaced circumcision as the preferred treatment method for some physicians in the British National Health Service.[13][14]

Other recommended ingredients include Mometasone furoate 0.1%,[15] and Clobetasone 0,05%.[16]

Manual stretching should continue until the foreskin will glide smoothly back and forth while the penis is erect.

Warning: There are reports of physicians who prescribe topical steroid cream to treat a tight or non-retractable foreskin, but fail to advise their patient that manual stretching is required.

Fingers

It is possible to stretch the foreskin by pulling it back tightly against the glans of the erect penis. One should pull the foreskin back until one feels non-painful tension in the tight part of the foreskin and hold that for perhaps five minutes. Do that two or more times a day. Do not force retraction and do not cause yourself pain. One should gradually see the narrow tip widen and become more retractable.

Or the fingers can be inserted into the opening and used to stretch the foreskin. If the foreskin is only slightly tight, a minor case of phimosis, then the stretching can be accomplished using fingers inserted into the opening in the foreskin and applying outward pressure.[17] [18]

Devices

There are various medical devices available on the market which promise to help stretching the tight foreskin.

Video


Tips for a tight foreskin


Essential guide to foreskin stretching

4 common treatments for phimosis

See also

External links

References

  1.   Dunn HP. Non-surgical management of phimosis.. Aust N Z J Surg. December 1989; 59(12): 963. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  2.   Zampieri N, Corroppolo M, Comoglio FS, Giacomello L, Ottolenghi A. Phimosis: Stretching Methods with or without Application of Topical Steroids?. J Pediat. November 2005; 147(5): 705-6. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  3.   Thorvaldsen MA, Meyhoff H. Patologisk eller fysiologisk fimose? [Pathological or physiological phimosis?] (Danish). Ugeskr Læger. 2005; 167(17): 1858-1862. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  4.   Beaugé Michel. The causes of adolescent phimosis. Br J Sex Med. 1997; (September/October): 26. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  5.   Managing a Tight Foreskin, WikiHow. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  6.   How to Pull Your Foreskin Back Without Pain, WikiHow. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  7.   Sorokin ST, Finlay, JC, Jeffries, AL, et al. Newborn male circumcision. Paediatr Child Health. August 2015; 20(6): 311-20. PMID. PMC. DOI. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  8.   Betamethasone, Wikipedia. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  9.   Moreno G, Corbalán J, Peñaloza B, Pantoja T. Topical corticosteroids for treating phimosis in boys. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2 September 2014; 9(9): [CD008973]. PMID.
  10.   Van Howe RS. Cost-effective treatment of phimosis  . Pediatrics. 1998; 102(4): [E43]. PMID. DOI.
  11.   Esposito C, Centonze A, Alicchio F, Savanelli A, Settimi A. Topical steroid application versus circumcision in pediatric patients with phimosis: a prospective randomized placebo controlled clinical trial. World Journal of Urology. April 2008; 26(2): 187–90. PMID. DOI.
  12.   Zampieri N, Corroppolo M, Zuin V, Bianchi S, Camoglio FS. Phimosis and topical steroids: new clinical findings  . Pediatr Surg Int. April 2007; 23(4): 331–5. PMID. DOI.
  13.   Berdeu D, Sauze L, Ha-Vinh P, Blum-Boisgard C. Cost-effectiveness analysis of treatments for phimosis: a comparison of surgical and medicinal approaches and their economic effect. BJU Int. 2001; 87(3): 239–44. PMID. DOI.
  14.   Chu CC, Chen KC, Diau GY. Topical steroid treatment of phimosis in boys. J Urol. 1999; 162(3 Pt 1): 861–3. PMID. DOI.
  15.   Mometasone, Wikipedia. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  16.   Clobetasone, Wikipedia. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  17.   How can I cure phimosis?. Retrieved 21 December 2020.
  18.   (2021). Phimosis Stretching: Helpful illustrated guide (with examples). Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  19.   Foreskin Stretching with Phimosis Rings. Retrieved 21 December 2020.