Was it forced retraction????

[CryssLanae]

Just got home from my intact son's 2 month well check during which the NP pulled his foreskin back (which I have never done). He didn't cry or even react,  and I'm wondering whether this was indeed forced retraction or if the newborn foreskin can retract a little normally. I'm incredibly upset and terrified that she just forcibly retracted him... would he have cried if that's what it was? If it WAS forced retraction, will it heal and reattach itself??

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

What she did was retraction since any movement back toward the body is retracting. Now as to whether she did damage or not only time will tell. All you can do is watch for redness or irritation.

If she did do damage it isnt the end of the world little ones heal fast and only a one time thing isnt going to cause him life long issues. Be sure from here on out to either tell the Dr. not to do that or just dont even let them touch his penis. Since there is no reason to do it and it can cause problems it isnt worth the risk.

Did you say anything to her about it? Did it go back far enough to see the glans?

[PeterJ]

The same thing happened to my son at his 4 month checkup, he's 9 months now.  The ped's reasonsing was that they pull back the foreskin when doing a circ, so what's the difference?  Astounding ignorance.  Anyway, for probably a few days afterward the foreskin was irritated, with very small red lines on the end.  After these went away, he hasn't had any further issues - except that the foreskin tightened up again, and I was concerned about adhesions.  About six weeks ago, I noticed when bathing him that his foreskin appeared much looser and when he played with it (something he just naturally seems to love doing!), he was at least partially retractable, possibly as a result of him stretching it himself, or natural separation, or both. 

I was very upset and concerned after the retraction, and just like you, I was looking for answers about what might happen in the future.  I've done a great deal of reading here from people who have been through the same issue, and the consistent message seems to be: a one time retraction is very unlikely to lead to problems in the future.  It's forced retraction happening over and over again that can possibly lead to problems.

If you can, do let us know how your son is doing.

Best wishes,

Peter

[CryssLanae]

Peter, I actually found your thread in my reading... and I was greatly relieved to find as you said, it seemed like a one time thing wouldn't hurt him. Fortunately he seems to have had no side effects. It was never even red, so that's good. Now I just know that next checkup, that diaper stays ON!

Unbelievable the ignorance in the medical community... I even had a nurse in the hospital, when she found out we wouldn't be circumcising, say to us "Now I hope your pediatrician has told you to really start retracting that!". Seriously! Crazy Americans acting like the foreskin is some foreign body part (and yes, I am an American ;) ).

I hope things go well for your little guy too :).