NOCIRC receives frequent questions
from parents about the care of the intact penis. Normal anatomical and physiological
characteristics of the male foreskin have been misinterpreted as being
abnormal. The most common misconception
is that the foreskin is completely retractable early in life and that complete
retraction is necessary to keep the penis clean and prevent infection.
A
non-retractable foreskin is normal in childhood and will become retractable at
its own individual pace.
The American
Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American Academy of Family
Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
all clearly state that no attempt should be made to forcibly retract the
foreskin, especially on an infant. No
manipulation or special care of the foreskin is required. There is no need for special cleansing with
Q-tips, irrigation, or antiseptics; soap and water externally will
suffice. This is common practice in
non-circumcising countries.
Clean the infant penis like a finger.
Premature
(forced) retraction of the foreskin causes iatrogenic problems that can include
infection, adhesions, and acquired phimosis (non-retractibility). It causes pain and trauma to a child .
Please read
our pamphlets:
- #4 Answers To Your Questions
About Your Young Son's Intact Penis PDF
- #6 Answers To Your Questions
About Premature (Forcible) Retraction of Your Young Son's Foreskin PDF