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About Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Expertise
Any problems or questions related to the field of urology; ie urinary stone disease, urinary cancers (kidney, bladder, prostate, testis, etc.), urinary infections, impotency, etc.
Experience
I am retired from the active practice of urology. My 34 years was totally in the clinical field and involved the entire gamut of genitourinary problems, with special interest in male impotence and endourology.
Organizations
American Medical Association, American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Urology > Urology > penus retraction
Expert: Arthur Goldstein, M.D.
Date: 9/7/2008
Subject: penus retraction
Question
QUESTION: dr.Goldstein,
I have a puzzling problem and it is driving me nuts.
For the last 3 or 4 years my penus, when in a flacid state will shrink right up...
The head will draw inwards into the outer skin (sheath?)at many times through the day and this causes me discomfort.
In order to relieve the discomfort, I must reach into my pants and pull the skin back to re-expose the head.(pop it back out so to speak).
As you may imagine, I am not very happy about this because it is discomforting to say the least, never mind the action of having to physically rectify things.
FYI: am 55 years old and am medicated for high blood pressure last 7 years...and I am circumcised since birth.
Yes, I am quite able to maintain an erection when required although my libido is dropping off likely due to age.
I don't know if you have ever come across this type of situation before, I don't know how unique it is?
But my general M>D> has no clue and the condition is driving me nuts.
Could you possibly shed a little light on this?
I will be happy to answer any questions you may have in any attempt to diagnose.
Thank you very much.
ANSWER: Ian, retraction of the penis is a common phenomenon. It has more to do with body build than any disorder of the penis. It usually occurs in males who are overweight and have a large abdomen and thickened area of fat in the prepuberal area (lower abdomen). It is most obvious in the sitting position. It has nothing to do with the size or function of the penis. Getting in shape and proper dieting usually results in lessening of the abdominal fat and the situation corrects itself. In the meantime, it is very important when showering to expose the entire penis and wash it well before allowing it to retract again. To alleviate some of the irritation in the meantime, you can apply a soothing skin cream such a Eucerin as needed. You might want to consider consultation with a urologist to discuss the your situation further but weight reduction usually solves the problem. Good luck.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt reply Doctor,
What you have disclosed makes sense to me however in my own case, I really think the cause might be something else.
I am not particularly overweight and not in the prepuberal region at all...actually I am quite solid built and in pretty good shape.
The retraction is not constant and can occur many times in a day or on other days may not occur at all...and it usually occurs when I am in a standing position or walking as opposed to sitting...
The condition comes and goes at random...that is what I find so puzzling? It is random.
Can this have anything with my inguinal hernia that needs a re-repair?
Can anything related to lifestyle, nutrition Or mental depression factor in and cause this?
It simply began on its own couple years ago and is still occurring..
Please feel free to add to your reply if anything else comes to mind. For me, being fat is not a factor.
I will ask my MD to send me to a specialist nonetheless, although it may be a lengthy wait to get in.
Thanks....Ian
Answer
Ian, although you do not have a large preputial fat pad, with standing (as opposed to sitting) your hernia is indeed more likely to protrude. This could have the same effect as excessive fat in the area (although temporary) because as the inguinal tissues protrude, I can conceive that the penis could be relatively retracted. Your life style, depression & diet would not be related to such a condition. I would suggest that you seek consultation with your surgeon or a urologist for a proper evaluation. Perhaps they could even order a "truss" for you to try and keep the hernia from protruding. If the truss works and the retraction no longer occurs, you have the answer! If successful, you could continue to wear the truss or get the hernia fixed again with some reassurance that you retraction problem will be corrected by the surgery. Good luck.
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