Hello all,

First I would like to thank the author for creating this site. Forums like network54 are an example of why it is great we live in the age of the Internet - people around the world have free access to information and others' opinions and feedback that can really have a major impact on their lives, when previously they may have gone their entire lives without solving a problem, or ended up consulting a doctor (only one opinion afterall) and been given the wrong advice. I haven't read through the entire forum, but I assume the author is an MD?

After a fair bit of research, it appears I have partial phimosis. It has been "a problem" for me for a good 9 months or so. I am 23 now, but only became sexually active when I was 22 (i.e. a virgin up till then, with no prior experience of any kind). I had no idea the foreskin was 'supposed' to retract completely during intercourse, and move back and forth freely. My first experience was incredibly painful, as the forskin became fully retracted through friction (with the ridge stuck like a noose around the base of the glans), the frenulum pulled tight and the glans itself hypersensitive and fully exposed for the first time. Fortunately nothing tore or broke! Oral sex was also very painful due to the tightness and sensitivity.

In the following months I figured out ways to have intercourse without as much pain (i.e. lubrication, condom, etc), but the foreskin remained extremly tight around the base of the glans when retracted and required quite a bit of manual pulling to extend again over the glans. Oral sex with foreskin retracted remained too painful due to sensitivity.

I broke up with that girl and have not been intimate or in a relationship for around 6 months. I have been avoiding getting into relationships since (and not following through on many opportunities/offers), because I did not find sex an enjoyable experience last time. Even though I could go for hours and the girl loved it, it was generally painful for me and I soon felt highly self-concious and depressed, knowing that I was not experiencing sexual intimacy as I could have been if everything was working correctly. I am determined to have this problem fixed before I have sex again. I have just recently gotten into a relationship which is in the earliest stages, but at this point I have no interest in initiating sex in my current condition.

Anyway, from the reading I have done, it appears a combination of lengthwise stretching (for the frenulum) and lateral stretching (for the ridge) over a period of weeks / months should resolve the issue, allowing the foreskin to retract without so much tightness / pain, and then return to its original position without major manual intervention. The GFS device looks like a very useful tool for achieving this, and I'm seriously considering it.

That about sums things up, with a bit of psychology thrown in.

Penny for your thoughts, and thanks again for the forum.

You've done your homework, so now's the time to put what you've learned into practice. The GFS looks to me like a good investment. Let us know how it works for you.

Well, it certainly sounds as if you have made due use of this forum and carefully studied the information here. We do believe that a little attention to stretching should sort things out for you.

Relatively speaking, both of us are quite a bit older than yourself, and probably see your situation in quite a different light. We would for example, suggest that relationships - a relationship - should not be built (should not depend) on the sexual aspect; or at least should not succeed or fail on this point. I would like to think that within the relationship proper lay the patience to work through various problems, and this one included. As you should see from my previous answers, I feel that the young lady should be involved in the remedial process, as it were, and that success might then contribute to this relationship.

Regarding the GFS device, I had (some time ago) a good telephone conversation with the company principal, which reassures me that the device is well thought out. Its major apparent benefits are the application of pressure in a very uniform manner (and thus, as comfortable as possible) accommodating a range of calibres of the narrow area, and the ability to be left in place for prolonged periods of time (such as overnight, but needing to be removed to urinate). I do tend to suggest that if you are happy to outlay the money (should be relatively cheap just now; the $AUS is presently somewhat ¨down the gurgler¨ compared to the $US), you probably should obtain and use one. I note one fellow (on the forum) here was not so happy with it however.

And speaking of countries, I (we) always like to know in what country and/ or region you are - it is salutary to know what attitudes prevail in different localities, the amount of ignorance including that among medical staff - as you mention - is quite variable. It is also rather interesting to know from where you learned (or did not, and why) about sexuality and such matters as how a foreskin should work!