Exploring the genitals and learning to pleasure themselves by manipulation of the foreskin is common among youth. Most boys with an uncircumcised penis are able to move the foreskin back and forth with ease by the time they reach the age of 13 to 17. However, some are taught that caressing their penis is wrong and are afraid to touch it for the fear of damaging it. In such cases, these boys, as they grow up are unable to move their foreskin with ease and need to find ways of loosening foreskin.

How to Loosen Foreskin

The term used medically when you are unable to move your foreskin is "phimosis". There are a few steps that can be taken to overcome this problem such as:

1. Pull Back Stretch

When you are unable to insert 2 fingers inside the foreskin, this method is the most appropriate way to move ahead.

Move the foreskin back as much as possible without leading to pain. Some discomfort is to be expected. Maintain this position for 30-40 seconds, and then bring the foreskin to the front again and relax. Repeat the same procedure 10 times in the bath as the heat can loosen the foreskin a bit.

After a few weeks of this exercise, you will be able to move the foreskin to the rim of the glans when the penis is erect. Seek medical help in case the foreskin gets trapped behind the penis glans.

2. Ridged Band Stretch

Once you are able to insert 2 fingers inside the foreskin, start practicing this method to solve the question of how to loosen foreskin. In this method, first find the phimotic ring in your foreskin with two fingers, the part which is difficult to move over the glans, and pull in opposite direction and hold for 30 seconds without causing pain. Some discomfort is to be expected.

Repeat this process 10 times a day for few weeks in the bath and spray the exposed head of penis with tap water or take a shower to reduce the sensitivity. Do not give up too early if you want to see the results.

3. Frenulum Stretch

In this method, the first task is to get hold of the foreskin which connects the frenulum and the phimotic ring with the help of your forefinger and the thumb. Next drag the part held by your fingers away from the head of penis and hold at least for 30 seconds.

This might be uncomfortable but should not be painful. Repeat this procedure in bath for ease of action for a few weeks. Let the frenulum heal before performing this procedure in case it is injured or torn. Getting hold of the frenulum might be difficult as it is slippery but don't give up.

4. Preputioplasty

For those who wonder how to loosen foreskin, preputioplasty is one option. This procedure involves a minor plastic surgery and is performed to widen the foreskin or prepuce of the penis which is difficult to retract or move on the glans of penis when erect. During the surgery, a surgeon will make 2 tiny incisions on the phimotic rig and then stitch it back so that the phimotic rig is bigger than before. The surgery is usually performed with the help of a local anesthetic and requires about 4 weeks to recover.

5. Frenuloplasty

Frenuloplasty is a minor surgery which is performed on a short frenulum or frenulum breve. This procedure is identical to preputioplasty surgery. One or two incisions are made on the frenulum breve and then stitched back so that it is marginally longer. Frenuloplasty and preputioplasty can be performed together, but if you are opting only for frenuloplasty and also have phimosis, then inform the surgeon so that they will not leave the foreskin behind the head of penis after the operation. This surgery is also performed with the help of a local anesthetic and requires about 4 weeks to recover.

6. Circumcision

This is a 10 minute surgical procedure which involves the removal of foreskin covering the head of penis. Circumcision can be performed on new born babies, older boys and even adults.

In case of new born babies, the circumcision is generally done between 1 to 10 days from birth. The baby lies on its back and his legs and arms will be restrained. The penis and the area surrounding it are cleaned and a local anesthetic or a topical anesthetic is used. The foreskin is removed after attaching a plastic ring or an appropriate clamp to the penis and is then wrapped in gauze loosely.

The procedure is identical for adults and older boys, but usually performed under general anesthetic followed by further precautions like suturing in order to avoid excessive bleeding.

Tips When Loosening Your Foreskin with Exercises

Certain exercises can be the answer to the question "How to loosen foreskin?" The points mentioned below should be kept in mind while trying these exercises.

• Apply baby oil or prescription ointments which contain clobetasole or betamethasone to increase the flexibility of the foreskin.
• To reduce the sensitivity of penis during exercises, the foreskin must be retracted and the head of the penis should be exposed for some time. This leads to cornification which makes the head of penis to be less sensitive.
• Tannic acid can be used to accelerate the process of cornification which is present in tea and can be applied to the foreskin and the glans. Apply with cotton and let to dry.
• If the sensitivity of the head of penis prevails even if the foreskin is retracted fully, then it is advised to use a lubricant like baby oil and masturbate.
• It is always better to see a doctor before starting these exercises because doctors can give you a proper diagnosis and find the best treatment options for you.