Enlarged Foreskin Concerns
At 39 years old and in good health (standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds), I lead a lifestyle that includes no smoking, drug use, or significant drinking, only consuming alcohol on rare occasions. I sporadically take over-the-counter allergy medications, and I regularly use a pre-workout supplement five times a week, which is the only dietary supplement in my routine. About three months ago, I noticed some unusual puffiness in my foreskin when I got up to shower one morning. Throughout that same day, I observed a significant amount of swelling (comparable to a noticeable degree of enlargement). Fortunately, there was no associated pain, sores, or discharge, and the swelling diminished on its own after about five to six days. After the swelling subsided, I consulted a urologist. He speculated that it might have been triggered by a bug bite, as he observed a slight darker area underneath the foreskin. He also suggested that the skin might be slowly growing back, noting that while I am circumcised, I have always had some surplus foreskin without it causing prior issues. I initially accepted the bug bite explanation until a similar swelling episode occurred about two months later. Again, I woke up to find my foreskin swelling, which resolved itself within about five to six days. During these episodes, I might notice slight tenderness in the lymph nodes in my groin area, although it’s not painful. As I’m in a monogamous relationship and have no other sexual partners, I can confidently rule out any sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, there have been no unusual activities in my sexual or masturbation practices leading up to these incidents. I occasionally wear compression shorts for workouts in the morning, and I wonder if they might contribute to any irritation, though I’m not certain about that. I’m reaching out to this community for insights on what might be happening. While I’m open to returning to the urologist for further evaluation, I would appreciate any advice or opinions on the matter.
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 1:40:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing recurring episodes of foreskin swelling, which can be concerning, especially with the tenderness in your lymph nodes. The fact that the swelling has resolved on its own is reassuring, but since it has occurred multiple times, let's gather some insights and next steps.
Main Points:
- The swelling of the foreskin might stem from irritation, allergic reactions, or minor infections.
- Lymph node tenderness can indicate a response to inflammation or infection, but it’s reassuring that it does not cause pain.
- Compression shorts may contribute to irritation, particularly during workouts.
Explanation:
Foreskin swelling can occur for various reasons, including:
- Irritation or Allergic Reaction: This could be due to skin contact with irritating substances or friction from clothing, like compression shorts.
- Infection: While less likely given your monogamous relationship, infections can cause localized swelling.
- Physical Response: The swelling could be related to localized inflammation, possibly due to minor trauma or bug bites as your urologist suggested.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the swelling occurs, any activities or products you use that might precede it, and any changes in your overall health. Note if there's redness, pain, or discharge in future episodes.
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Evaluate Clothing Habits: Consider if wearing compression shorts could be contributing to irritation. You might want to alternate with looser fitting underwear or avoid them for a period to see if symptoms improve.
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Hydration and Skin Care: Ensure you are well-hydrated, as this can support skin health. Using a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer on the area might help if dryness or irritation is a concern.
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Return to Urologist: Since you've experienced this twice, it may be beneficial to revisit your urologist, especially if symptoms recur or worsen. Discuss your observations, and consider asking about further evaluations, such as allergy tests or imaging if necessary.
This approach should help provide clarity on what's happening with your foreskin and how you can manage it going forward. Please keep track of your symptoms and feel free to reach out for further information as needed.
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