How to Do Phimosis Stretching

Co-authored by Scott Tobis, MD

Last Updated: September 11, 2023 Fact Checked

If your foreskin is too tight and causes you pain, you are not alone. Phimosis is a medical condition when a man has a tight foreskin and cannot retract the foreskin or move it below the head of the penis. This can be painful for you, cause irritation to the penis, and lead to sexual problems. Don't worry if you have this condition. Most cases of phimosis can be treated, and within six months to a year your foreskin can be looser and more comfortable. To help this problem, you should perform phimosis stretches on your foreskin every day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Stretching the Foreskin

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1
Pull extreme closures against the head of the penis. If you have an extreme closure or pinhole phimosis, that means your foreskin ring is extremely tight and small. This is generally the case when you cannot insert fingers inside the foreskin. You will need to stretch the hole wider. Pull your foreskin backwards over the head of the penis as much as possible without any pain. Hold for 30 to 40 seconds, then relax. Repeat around 10 times.^{[1]
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- Avoid pulling the foreskin ring over the head or using extreme force because this could cause injuries. If the ring slides behind the head, it can get stuck.^{[2]
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- Pulling the ring against an erect head may help stretch the foreskin.
- Try doing these stretches in the shower or bathtub for a more comfortable experience. You could also try a water-based personal lubricant. Simply rinse any residue off after doing the stretches.
2
Grasp the edges to stretch. If you have an open ring but the foreskin is still too tight to place your fingers inside, stretch the skin by holding onto the edges. Use your thumb and index finger to grab the edges of your foreskin on both sides. Apply gentle pressure to spread the foreskin. Hold for around 30 to 60 seconds, and then repeat.^{[3]
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- Try this for a few minutes at a time up to 2 times a day.^{[4]
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3
Use two fingers to stretch. Once you can fit your fingers inside the foreskin, you are close to having your foreskin stretched an appropriate amount! To keep stretching the foreskin ring, use two fingers to stretch the foreskin. Using both hands, place your fingers back to back on either side of the inside of your foreskin. Press the backs of your fingers against one another as you gently stretch the skin by pulling in opposite directions. Then relax the foreskin and repeat.^{[5]
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- Make sure your fingers are clean.
- Use your smallest fingers if possible.
4
Perform a frenulum stretch. If the foreskin is not long enough, you may need to stretch the frenulum. Take the foreskin where it connects to the frenulum just under the head of the penis between your index finger and thumb. Pull the skin down away from the head of the penis. Hold for 30 seconds.^{[6]
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- You can stretch this every time you urinate, or you can set aside time during each day.
5
Try stretching in the shower. Sometimes, stretching your foreskin can be painful and difficult. You may find that using warm water can help make your foreskin easier to stretch. Try soaking in warm bath water or taking a steamy, hot shower. Not only will it help relax you, but the warm water and humidity may help loosen the skin and help it stretch.^{[7]
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- Using a little soap to lubricate the skin can prevent abrasions of the fingers against you’re your foreskin. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue when you are finished stretching.
6
Use a flesh tunnel. You may find that you need a little help stretching your foreskin. Flesh tunnels are silicone devices that you can stick into your foreskin and leave. The tunnel helps keep your foreskin stretched for a few hours at a time. Once you can get at least one finger inside your foreskin, you can try a flesh tunnel.
- You can find these devices online.
If your foreskin does not move behind the head, don’t force it back. This can cause the foreskin to get stuck behind the head. If this occurs, you should go to the hospital immediately.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adopting Proper Technique

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1
Use gentle pressure. The foreskin is sensitive, so you should always use care when stretching your delicate skin. If you stretch it too violently or with too much pressure, it can tear and worsen your condition. When you stretch the skin, you should apply a light pressure.^{[9]
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- The stretch should never be painful. You may feel a slight uncomfortable sensation, but never pain.
Instead of stretching the foreskin as far as you can go, stretch it back and forth in a steady rhythm. Tense and relax the foreskin by working it back and forth instead of holding it taut in one position.^{[10]
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3
Perform the stretches regularly. Stretching the foreskin is important, so you should incorporate it into your daily routine. The more often you do the stretches, the more flexible and loose the skin will become. Try doing the stretches once or twice each day.^{[11]
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- You should perform the stretches for a few minutes at a time up to 3 times a day.
Instead of pulling the foreskin ring down, pull it up and open. This helps avoid folding it back or getting it stuck around the glans. Stretching the opening outwards helps the opening loosen up.^{[12]
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Figure out which part of your foreskin is the tightest. You will have to test the foreskin to determine where this is for you. Whatever the tightest and least flexible part is, that is where you want to focus your stretching.^{[13]
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Waiting for your foreskin to loosen can be so frustrating! But remember to be patient. Generally, you will see some changes after around two weeks of stretching every day. Depending on the original state of your foreskin, it may take a month to a year to cure the phimosis.^{[14]
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7
Take a break if the skin is irritated. Sometimes, you may overstretch your foreskin or damage it by stretching too forcefully. If this occurs, leave it alone for a couple of days so it can heal. Then, start again, but making sure to be gentle.^{[15]
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- You may notice puffy or thicker foreskin if you have overstretched.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Seeking Medical Attention

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1
Go to the doctor. Seeing a doctor may be necessary if you have tight foreskin that you cannot loosen even after working through your stretches. Most doctors will refer you to a urologist, who will examine you and suggest a treatment for your specific condition.^{[16]
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- Phimosis can lead to other complications that need medical attention. These complications include irritation, bleeding, difficult or painful urination, ballooning of the foreskin, or urinary tract infections.
2
Use a prescription topical steroid ointment. Your doctor can prescribe a topical corticosteroid ointment. This ointment softens the tissue of the foreskin, which helps the foreskin retract more easily.^{[17]
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- The ointment is used twice each day for around eight weeks, along with manual stretching and retraction.
- The doctor will show you how to properly use the ointment.
Circumcision is when the foreskin is removed medically. This is not a common treatment for phimosis, but in rare cases it may be the proper treatment. This generally is only recommended if the ointment and stretching doesn’t work, if the foreskin is stuck, if there are recurring infections, or if there are other physical problems.^{[19]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Is pulling back foreskin necessary?

Scott Tobis, MD
Board Certified Urologist
Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology.

Scott Tobis, MD

Board Certified Urologist

Expert Answer

Yes, it is necessary for you to clean the area thoroughly. You don't have to pull back your foreskin forcefully, though. This should not be done so hard that the skin tears, which can worsen scar tissue in the area. It should not hurt if this is done gradually over time.

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Tips

Desensitizing the head of the penis can reduce discomfort during exercises. Retract your foreskin and expose the head of the penis for a few minutes at a time, which will decrease sensitivity. This can be done a few times a day.

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