quick question about retraction

[channelofpeace]

So my two year old discovered today that he retracts. (He seemly fairly amused by this, actually) When he was finished exploring, he pulled the foreskin back over the glans, but it looks different. Not as much overhang, perhaps? I didn't know if i should be concerned, as i know the foreskin is supposed to be replaced after retraction and it does seem to be, it just looks shorter. Sorry if this is a silly question, he is the first one with a foreskin.

[BamaDude]

I think you've just seen your first example of how variable a foreskin is in appearance, depending on a variety of factors including temperature, mood, state of arousal, and the position of the planets in the sky (just kidding on that last one...maybe).

As long as it does go back in place and doesn't hang up, your little one is fine.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

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[amanda w]

Maybe he had an erection, that would make it look different when it was pulled foreward; I am always in awe of Jacob and how the look of his penis changes with weather conditions, or playing with it. That seems to be his favourite toy,

[channelofpeace]

Yeah, it seems to be back to normal now. I am just not used to this business, having neither a foreskin nor a penis Silly overreacting mama.

[Arduinna]

position of the planets in the sky

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[4chunut1]

Originally Posted by milkydoula

So my two year old discovered today that he retracts. (He seemly fairly amused by this, actually) When he was finished exploring, he pulled the foreskin back over the glans, but it looks different. Not as much overhang, perhaps? I didn't know if i should be concerned, as i know the foreskin is supposed to be replaced after retraction and it does seem to be, it just looks shorter. Sorry if this is a silly question, he is the first one with a foreskin.

Your son will have a fine time discovering the "mechanics" of his foreskin! When he retracts it, the sphincter muscle at the tip of the foreskin relaxes. If he leaves it retracted for more than a few seconds, the glans will enlarge, as blood flows into it, absent the constricting effects of the dartos muscles in the foreskin. Then, when he pulls the foreskin up, it is covering a larger glans (temporarily), and will not "go up" as far as before. But then the dartos muscles go to work and gradually squeeze the extra blood out of the glans, and the sphincter tightens somewhat, and everything looks normal again.

The more he retracts, the sphincter gradually becomes stretched, and the foreskin will lose the appearance it had before he became retractible. This is actually good, as it reduces the chances for paraphimosis (foreskin becoming trapped or stuck behind the glans). But the engorgement of the glans when retracted will continue throughout adulthood. Hope this is not TMI..!

[Lula's Mom]

That was actually really interesting, thanks.

[4chunut1]

Originally Posted by Lula's Mom

That was actually really interesting, thanks.

Glad you found it informative, LM... That was a good question by milkydoula. I noticed on the poll that most of you ladies have circed pardners, and they would not know about how a foreskin works (unless they had been circumcised after babyhood), and you mamas obviously wouldn't know (unless you had intact partners previously).

[channelofpeace]

Yes, thank you. That explains it perfectly

[PuppyFluffer]

Originally Posted by 4chunut1

Your son will have a fine time discovering the "mechanics" of his foreskin! When he retracts it, the sphincter muscle at the tip of the foreskin relaxes. If he leaves it retracted for more than a few seconds, the glans will enlarge, as blood flows into it, absent the constricting effects of the dartos muscles in the foreskin. Then, when he pulls the foreskin up, it is covering a larger glans (temporarily), and will not "go up" as far as before. But then the dartos muscles go to work and gradually squeeze the extra blood out of the glans, and the sphincter tightens somewhat, and everything looks normal again.

The more he retracts, the sphincter gradually becomes stretched, and the foreskin will lose the appearance it had before he became retractible. This is actually good, as it reduces the chances for paraphimosis (foreskin becoming trapped or stuck behind the glans). But the engorgement of the glans when retracted will continue throughout adulthood. Hope this is not TMI..!

Your post is definately not too much information! Postings of anatomical information are completely appropriate here. Postings of a sexual nature that do not contribute to the learning of anatomy and function are not appropriate.