The following information should give some guidance as to methods of alleviating some of the more common issues that can occur for circumcised men.
Guidance For Circumcised Men.
If you have a medical issue regarding being or getting circumcised that you are concerned about then we can refer you to a qualified doctor who can offer you advice confidentially.
To do so feel free to get in touch with us using our contact form.
Due to the nature of the removed foreskin, there are very different issues that can affect men who have been circumcised. Please reach out to us if you have any specific questions that are not covered on this page or just need to talk about how circumcision has impacted you.
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Circumcision cuts the foreskin and without it, the glans can receive excessive rubbing causing discomfort or pain.
Over time this friction can also cause keratinization of the penis shaft and glans, this means the skin can become thicker and less sensitive during sex.
One of the biggest issues for men who have been harmed by circumcision is the lack of professional support and awareness.
Many therapists and counsellors are largely unaware of the difficulties specific to circumcised men and the tendency is to assume there is some “deeper issue”, as they can be uninformed regarding the common and sometimes severe problems associated with circumcision.
Tight circumcisions can often leave very little skin to stretch out.
As a consequence, when the penis develops during the growth phase of puberty, there can be a lack of skin to accommodate the growth of the penis.
The tightness can be alleviated by using light stretching or restoration techniques.
These are often benign but require extra attention during bathing or showering to ensure they are clean and have nothing trapped between the folds of skin.
Unfortunately, these are reasonably common and can require some form of surgical correction if causing a significant issue.
Techniques and equipment exist to help stretch the penile shaft skin in order to allow it to fold over the glans recreating the protective function of the foreskin.
There are a number of different methods and tools that can be used for restoration.
Circumcised men & Sensitivity
The foreskin protects the glans (head of the penis) from unwanted friction against undergarments and fabrics.
Circumcision cuts the foreskin and without it, the glans can receive excessive rubbing causing discomfort or pain. To read about the full loss from a circumcision Click here.
Over time this friction can also cause keratinization of the penis shaft and glans, this means the skin can become thicker and less sensitive during sex. There are several methods that can be used to prevent this.
- Wearing close fitting underwear made from soft fabrics – such as as silk.
The tighter the underwear the less back and forth friction will be caused. Soft fabrics such as silk can prevent this sensation too or limit it so as to restore the sensitivity of the penis during sex and prevent the keratinization and uncomfortable rubbing. - Alternative protection garments – also exist that follow the same principle as above.
These garments include the Manhood silken protective garment which can be worn discreetly beneath underwear to protect just the penis and glans, these garments can also help with keeping foreskin restoration devices in place for better comfort. - Restoration – If the foreskin is restored, the skin will then cover the glans protecting it from abrasion. See the full section on restoration further down, or consider becoming a member to acess member-only content on foreskin restoration
Psychological Effects for Circumcised Men
The psychological effects of circumcision have been expressed by men for many years. Recent contributions to literature have indicated that the psychological impact of circumcision has been under-researched, though other academics and authors have identified themes associated with psychological damage for many years. A sample of these can be found within our research & publications and psychological issues sections. Anecdotally, we have had thousands of correspondents who have been in touch with 15 square over the years – some of whom have given their permission to share their experiences. You can read some of these in our anonymous archive. You can also find other stories shared on the circumcision grief forum, MenDoComplain, and we have two volumes of our 15 Square: Share Your Story Campaign.
There are many men who wish their parents/guardians had never had them circumcised as an infant, or the effect being circumcised has had on their life. Others feel that they were not given all options before being prescribed a medical circumcision that they would have preferred to have avoided.
One of the biggest issues for men who have been harmed by circumcision is the lack of professional support. Many therapists and counsellors are largely unaware of the difficulties specific to circumcised men. The tendency is to assume there is some “deeper issue”, as they can be uninformed regarding the common and sometimes severe problems associated with circumcision.
Despite this, acknowledgement and sympathetic support is not available.
We encourage awareness from counsellors and therapists to be aware of the association between circumcision and psychological trauma. Furthermore, damage can be made worse when mental health professionals dismiss the concerns and complaints of men who are seeking their help.
To bridge this gap, we host events and support meetings with presentations to assist networking with others who feel affected by this subject. The events include discussions on a wide variety of topics. These include information on the physical and psychological issues surrounding circumcision as well as the changing attitudes towards it, legally, medically and in the public eye.
Tightness & Tearing
Tight circumcisions can often leave very little skin to stretch out. As a consequence, when the penis develops during the growth phase of puberty, there can be a lack of skin to accommodate the growth of the penis.
This causes painful stretching and tears, which when healed can cause skin bridges as the skin of the shaft adheres to the head of the penis. Additionally the tightness can make the scrotal tissue drag forward creating a scrotal web. This also causes pubic hair follicles to be pulled up onto the shaft also.
The tightness can be alleviated by using light stretching or restoration techniques. See the relevant section further on.
Skin Bridges/Tunnels
“A skin bridge is a penile skin adhesion. It most commonly occurs as a consequence of an improperly healed circumcision, being formed when the inner lining of the remaining foreskin attaches to another part of the penis (normally the glans) as the cut heals.” – Wikipedia
These are often benign but require extra attention during bathing or showering to ensure they are clean and have nothing trapped between the folds of skin. On occasion they can be the cause significant problems such as pain, redness, and discomfort when maintaining erections or during sex. Unfortunately, these are reasonably common and can require some form of surgical correction if causing a significant issue.
It can be helpful to get assistance from a GP, however, if you would like a second opinion or are in need of any further advice then please contact us. Stitch tunnels are similar to skin bridges however they are caused by stitches used during a circumcision procedure. These tunnel partway into the skin.
Foreskin Restoration for Circumcised Men
Techniques and equipment exist to help stretch the penile shaft skin in order to allow it to fold over the glans recreating the protective function of the foreskin.
Whilst this does not restore the sensitive nerve endings, the ridged band, or the sensitive region of the frenulum it does still grant enough skin to protect the glans from fabric friction and can provide enough skin to allow the back and forth motion of the skin over the glans during sexual activity.
There are a number of different methods and tools that can be used for restoration. We have an informative video available for people who would like to learn more about foreskin restoration. This video was produced to outline some of the methods that can be used at home to begin the restoration and links to some of the more modern devices that have become more popular.
To access the video, please consider becoming a member.
Once you are logged in as a member, you should find access to the “Restoration in Focus” DVD under the members’ section. If you have any further questions please contact us.