Adhesions.... - Men's Health Message Board

KryptonSurvivor · 10-21-2003, 01:19 PM

I am curious as to how many other men have this problem (if, indeed, it is a problem). I often feel that I was circumcised incompletely or incorrectly, in that I have skin bridges/adhesions which connect part of my glans to the shaft. Hygiene is not an issue, but esthetics is. My girlfriend (who was a virgin and has probably never seen another guy) has no problem with it, but I sometimes feel as if I am deformed (to me, it is ugly as sin). I also often wonder if these adhesions prevent me from being fully erect. Please comment.

Beaudelaire · 10-23-2003, 01:29 PM

Were you circumiced as an adult (or non-infant)? If so, there may have been some pre-existing infection or ailment which led to cirumcision, and the adhesions may have been present prior to the surgery. My story is similar.. circumised as a teenager, as a 'cure' for non-retractable foreskin. But there were problems beneath and surgery left large adhesion and some small skin bridges. very ugly when flaccid, though passably fine when erect. I have often wondered whether surgery can correct large adhesions. Fusion between remaining foreskin and glans seems absolute. Anyone any experience with this?

KryptonSurvivor · 10-23-2003, 08:41 PM

...I was circumcised as an infant by the doctor who delivered me (my mom's ob/gyn). Maybe it seemed like a good idea at the time to my parents, but I am not so sure. According to my mom, my dad was very much concerned about the condition of my penis and expressed this to my pediatrician. My pediatrician, a strict Catholic, said, "Oh, it doesn't matter, the only one who is going to see [it] will be his wife." (To put this remark in context, I was born in 1961. It was a very different world back then.)
I have made an appointment for an evaluation by a urologist next week. He is a clinical professor of urology at a major university medical center, so I am in good hands (no pun intended). As far as I know, the condition can be treated with conventional surgery (sutures, the idea of which gives me pains in my b*lls), or with electrocautery, which even though it is bloodless, nontheless intimidates me.
My skin bridge extends about a third of the way around the glans, which, to me is a considerable distance. I feel that the size and position of the skin bridge adversely affects the size of my erection, as the glans get pulled in the wrong direction when I am erect.
I have been doing some internet research, specifically, looking for other mens' experiences with this. One guy wrote that, despite the pain (he had sutures), it was worth it, from a cosmetic standpoint and because his penis could now assume its natural erect length.
I don't know what the urologist is going to say but I will share any feedback I get with this board.

Kal-El

Beaudelaire · 10-24-2003, 09:26 AM

So it sounds like you just had a badly executed circumcision. I would be very interested to hear how you progress with this. My adhesion also covers about 1/3 of glans, on underside. I spoke to a urologist in the UK who agreed it was "not pretty". He did consult with a plastic surgeon, but decided there was no real reason to change it, as there was no apparent health risk. Perhaps a surgeon in the US would be more sympathetic. Though I am very lucky to have a happy sex life (with my wife of 10 years) I have always felt inhibited by the appearance of my glans and wish to do something about it. So do please keep me posted on your progress!

KryptonSurvivor · 10-31-2003, 09:20 AM

...saw the urologist yesterday and he said that, in essence, if I choose to proceed with this, I would have to effectively be recircumcised. It would not be a simple matter of cutting away extra tissue connecting the glans to the shaft...he feels that a little extra plastic surgery would be called for, too.
I asked *********plications and he said, "Well, no sex for at least a month, possibly two." I can live with that, but the surgery (which would have to be done in the hospital on an outpatient basis) is a little more involved that I envisioned.
My girlfriend would prefer that I not do this, not because of the post-operative enforced celibacy, but because of the potential for complications. I agree with her. I have lived 42 years like this...the doctor thought it was a little odd that I would want to have this done "at [my] age."
I am not sorry that I went to see him, because I had a PSA test and a digital exam (my dad died of prostate cancer in his 70s). It was an hour out of my day and a $10 copayment out of my wallet.

Kal-El