Is it normal to have too short foreskin?

Foreskin that is too short is not within the normal range and may affect the normal function of the penis. Short foreskin is usually caused by factors such as congenital developmental abnormalities, trauma or surgical complications, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as erection pain and dyspareunia.

Congenital developmental abnormalities are a common cause of short foreskin and may be related to genital development disorders during embryonic period. Such patients often begin to have problems with the foreskin covering the glans since puberty, which may lead to penile curvature in severe cases. Short foreskin caused by trauma is mostly caused by scar contracture after burns and lacerations. Scar tissue can limit the extensibility of the foreskin. Improper surgical procedures such as circumcision may also cause excessive foreskin removal, resulting in iatrogenic foreskin shortness. Some inflammatory diseases such as lichen sclerosus that remain unhealed for a long time can cause fibrosis and shortening of the foreskin.

Patients with premature foreskin should keep their perineum clean and dry on a daily basis and avoid using irritating lotions. Choose loose, breathable cotton underwear to reduce friction from clothing. The water temperature in the bath should not be too high, and you should be gentle when washing. If you have erection pain, try using a water-soluble lubricant, but avoid products containing fragrance or alcohol. If you experience repeated lacerations or difficulty urinating, you should seek immediate medical attention. Your doctor may recommend repair surgery such as circumcision. After surgery, you need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions for wound care, and perform regular reviews to evaluate the recovery.