AboutDaryl Taylor, BSc(Hons) Psychology Expertise As a former youth worker, working in the UK and as a Camp Counsellor in the US, I have volunteered and helped young people from all over the world. I have worked for two or three websites like this in the past since I was about 13/14 and I continue to do so now at the age of 23. I can answer problems on a whole range of issues from friends and family, to drugs, sex, alcohol and relationships etc.
Experience I have worked as a youth worker for local organisations, volunteered on this and other websites giving out information for about 8 years, volunteered at my college and university doing face to face counselling and I have recently worked for an organisation in the UK which specialises in helping young people aged 13-19 to make positive decisions in their lives. I have featured in a UK based magazine called Aim Higher as a case study to show triumpth through adversity and I have recieved an Adult Learner's Award for my pioneering work at college.
Question Hi, i am an uncircumsised 20yr old. I was always told to pull back the skin when i washed my penis. I was wondering how far my forskin should be able to be pulled back, because as of now, i cannot pull it back all the way over the head of the penis. It seems as if the foreskin is still attached at the bottom of the head by a small "string like" piece of flesh, is it normal to still be attached? I read other articles where it says the forskin seperates and can be fully pulled over the head. Just wondering as i want to make sure im cleaning right. thanks
Answer Hey there Mike,
The foreskin of the penis should be able to be comfortable rolled back to sit just below the head or 'glans' of the penis. There may be a small string of skin on the underside which attaches the foreskin to the head of the penis and this is known as the 'bango string' or it's medical term frenulum. This string should still be attached and its purpose is to keep the foreskin attached to the penis, allowing comfortable retraction for cleaning and during sex. Sometimes, during sex where the other person is not well lubricated the frenulum can become snapped or torn and may require a stitch to keep it in tact.
If you are having trouble retracting the foreskin over the penis, try in the bath or in the shower as the skin is soft and loose. If this still does not help the matter, then you may want to contact the doctor for advice and to see whether or not it is a medical condition called Phimosis (tightened foreskin) which is common in some young men.
It is positive that you want to keep yourself clean and hygenic, but it is best to get a medical opinion if this is concerning you, just to put your mind at rest and rule out any possible complications.
