'An insight into circumcised men seeking foreskin reconstruction: a prospective cohort study'

M Özer1,2,3, Floyd W Timmermans4,5,6

  • 1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.ozer@amsterdamumc.nl.

Insights

Men seeking foreskin reconstruction often feel mutilated and lack medical support, relying on the internet for information and using non-surgical methods like penile tissue stretching.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Andrology
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Foreskin reconstruction is a rarely discussed topic.
  • Adult circumcision for medical reasons can lead to a desire for reconstruction.
  • Patient experiences and motivations are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a cohort of men seeking foreskin reconstruction.
  • To understand patient motivations and treatment experiences.
  • To broaden the general understanding of this specific request.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection from January 2015 to May 2019.
  • Inclusion of all men seeking foreskin reconstruction assistance.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, motivations, treatment trajectory, and experiences.

Main Results:

  • Eleven men (aged 20-62) were included, most circumcised in adulthood for medical reasons.
  • Motivations included body integrity, mutilation feelings, glans sensitivity, and cultural/religious identity issues.
  • Patients reported limited healthcare support, used the internet for information, and practiced penile tissue stretching with unregistered devices.

Conclusions:

  • Foreskin reconstruction is sought for diverse reasons, often without healthcare professional involvement.
  • Patients experience significant distress and pursue reconstruction extensively.
  • Non-surgical methods show promise but rely on online, lay-sourced information.