? about cleaning and......more

[Mommy24]

I know this probably sounds dumb but do I need to ever retract my sons foreskin to clean iit inside? He is 4 and I only have one friend whose son is also uncirc and she told me that once in a while I need to retract the foreskin to clean it inside. My husband says no just leave it alone and it will be fine! I did retract the foreskin one or two times a long time ago (like a year or more) and there was a little red watery stuff in there. Can anyone help me out?

Also, we are expecting our second son in May. I was on a website a few weeks ago looking at their birth plans and one of the statements on the birthplan was : "Do not retract foreskin" This is our first hospital birth in 9 years ( three children all born with midwives, first child at hosp, because I didn't know any better) Question is, Do hospitals regulary retract boys foreskins and do I need to tell them specifically not too? ANy answers appreciated!!!

Thanks
Lesa in Tx

[kxsiven]

You should never forcefully retrack child's foreskin. The owner of the foreskin knows when it is ok and should be the first one to do it.

Here is an excellent short article from Fathering magazine about care of intact penis.

http://www.fathermag.com/health/boy-care/boy-care.shtml

[philomom]

My son's foreskin did not even come close to rolling back until he was six or so. He's nine so I haven't seen him naked in a while, but he assures me he sees soap and water in this area.

Don't mess with it. Just clean the outside.

[Benji'sMom]

You should specifically tell them not to, because some doctors think it needs to be done and they'll do it without asking you first. And it all happens so fast you can't stop them from doing it. So tell them ahead of time in the birth plan not to.

[namith]

They should definitely start cleaning under it by puberty. When they get pubic hairs, the under-cleaning must begin. Before that, I don't really know, probably best to leave it alone.