I'd like to start by saying thanks for all the advice available on this forum. With the instructions posted here, I have managed to retract my foreskin back when flaccid (its still too tight when erect and will take some more time). The only other time where my glans has been exposed was during my first blowjob with my first girlfriend over 5 years ago (a very painful experience, as you can imagine, lol). I never actively tried to fix this problem as it did never really bother me much (I'd just explain to girls that it hurts when the skin is pushed back). It also made unprotected sex impossible without pain, which is a good thing, as I've been tempted with various partners to skip the use of a condom throughout the years and this prevented me from doing so.

Since the glans was never exposed in my 20 years of life, it is extremely sensitive to any touch. Even slight contact with hair is unsettling; I wouldn't describe it as painful, but its strong and definitely not pleasurable. What can I do to fix this? I've begun lightly tapping the head in hopes that prolonged touch will eventually desensitize it. Its impossible for me to leave the foreskin retracted and go about my day as any light touch with my boxers are uncomfortable (I've seen this suggested on another website). Is there a creme, etc that can speed up the process?

thanks for all the help and your time

There is no quick fix. Since most guys are able to retract by 13, seven years later, it generally is not a problem. You're just seven years late. Now, it shouldn't take seven years to sort out, but it will take time.

I suggest that you develop the habit of retracting before peeing. Also, when showering, retract to allow water to flow over the glans. As you do this, the nerves in the glans will condition. Consider the time it takes to condition to putting in contact lenses. The eye is similarly sensitive to touch, but eventually inserting the contacts is painless. This will happen with your glans too if you retract often.

Shower with it retracted. I walked around for a day with my glans exposed to my undergarments.

You refer to having sex - with a condom which is as it certainly should be in your situation - and a "blow-job".

What is missing - is what you do to pleasure your girlfriend? Or do you think they enjoy simply being penetrated?

I suspect - I certainly hope - you know about the clitoris. If you do, you should realise the "rules" about using it, and particularly the one that states that it is very sensitive, and must be touched only using lubrication.

And that quite simply, is the secret about your glans - it is - as it is supposed to be - sensitive to the extent that it is suited only to touch when lubricated.

Personally, I advise avoiding websites which advise imitation if circumcision, such as wandering around with your foreskin retracted. Just why you would want to emulate a circumcised man, I cannot fathom but perhaps it is the "mystery of the unknown".

Presumably the first girlfriend had certain pre-conceived (sic.) notions about male penes being naturally "tougher" and relatively insensitive compared to her own clitoris. From where? Experience with circumcised men? "Education" from porn?

This is an all-too-common question, I am forever answering it anew. Read some of the previous posts: {1}, {2}, {3}, and the discussion behind that, {4}, {5}, {6} or simply go through the search!