Need advice from you wise mamas: Almost 5yo DS's F.skin will not retract, Normal?

[AarenLisbeth]

Okay- I'm confused and worried. I've never retracted DS's skin- ever- Nor has anyone else. I had always thought that little boys natural fiddleing was all that was needed to keep things right. DS is not in pain or bothered in any way but I totally am lately.
I had understood that around 3-4yrs. is when one might educate their DS about cleaning and pulling back the skin some to do it. I handed this task over to DH ( who was is not intact ). Well come to find out that DS's forskin will not retract at all. I really don't want to force it, but did try with a soft effort the other day when I noticed he had a liitle cirulation going thinking that would help. Nothing- and it seemed to, of course, bother him.

Should it retract at his age? Is something wrong, or is there a better way to look at this situation? I am nervous and distrust hospitals etc? Any advice would be soo apprieciated. Thanks and Be Well-

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Nothing at all is wrong your ds is 100% normal. The avg age for retraction is around 10.5yo actually but it can be well into the teen years before it happens. So dont stress mama there is nothing at all you need to worry about.

Trying to get it to retract when it is not ready like your ds's will cause pain, tearing and major trauma and it can actually cause the foreskin to get stuck behind the glans causing paraphimosis a emergency situation so just let it be.

Even if he was retractable at this age he still wouldnt need to retract it to clean unless he just wanted to and it is a good habit to start but wont hurt a thing if they dont.

[AarenLisbeth]

Originally Posted by MCatLvrMom2A&X

Nothing at all is wrong your ds is 100% normal. The avg age for retraction is around 10.5yo actually but it can be well into the teen years before it happens. So dont stress mama there is nothing at all you need to worry about.

Trying to get it to retract when it is not ready like your ds's will cause pain, tearing and major trauma and it can actually cause the foreskin to get stuck behind the glans causing paraphimosis a emergency situation so just let it be.

Even if he was retractable at this age he still wouldnt need to retract it to clean unless he just wanted to and it is a good habit to start but wont hurt a thing if they dont.

Oh, thank the Buddha!! You have no idea the deep breath I am now taking
There really is so much mis-information out there. That is why I LOVE this resource!!! I: MotheringDotCommune!

[Fyrestorm]

ITA!! Perfectly normal...don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise. He will retract in his own time.

[A&A]

Yep. Normal. Leave him be.

[njeb]

Your ds is perfectly normal. Many boys do not retract until their teens.

[AllieFaye]

Retraction is part of the sexual function of the penis. A five year old does not require sexual function, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. While it can retract beforehand (and you're right, that's from all the fiddling,) it's normal for that to be a part of the other changes with puberty.

[veganf]

My 5.5yo does not retract AT ALL. But his younger brother does. There is a wide range of normal. Just leave it alone. Certainly you can tell him about what will happen with his foreskin someday, and that he can then rinse it in the bath/shower. But otherwise, do nothing.

[perspective]

Dont worry at all. I knew two guys who where 17 and had not retracted yet. By then most guys have retracted, but there is nothing wrong or unhealthy with having a foreskin that does not retract. He can still have a perfectly functioning penis. You should not worry about this at all.

[LavenderMae]

Your ds is just fine. My almost 7 yr. old ds doesn't retract either. There is a wide range of normal when it come to retraction.

[AarenLisbeth]

Thanks everyone for your replies!!

[l_olive]

Just in case you'd feel better reading the American Academy of Pediatrics statement, it's at:

http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_d...TODD&sub_cat=0

Most boys will be able to retract their foreskins by the time they are 5 years old, yet others will not be able to until the teenage years. As a boy becomes more aware of his body, he will most likely discover how to retract his own foreskin. But foreskin retraction should never be forced. Until separation occurs, do not try to pull the foreskin back — especially an infant's. Forcing the foreskin to retract before it is ready may severely harm the penis and cause pain, bleeding and tears in the skin.