For guys who have foreskin it’s important to make sure you can gently retract (or pull back) your foreskin to be able to expose the glans of your penis completely. If you can’t pull back your foreskin past the glans of your penis, this is called phimosis. Some of the most common causes of phimosis in young men are infection, inflammation, and scarring. If not treated, phimosis can cause problems including penile pain, problems urinating (or peeing), problems ejaculating, and in extreme cases blocking off blood flow to parts of the penis. The good news is that it can be treated. Usually a health care provider will recommend a specific cream to use on the area. If that doesn’t work sometimes a circumcision is required.

Penises come in different shapes and sizes. While there is a range of normal, whenever you notice a bend it’s a good idea to check with a health care provider to make sure it’s normal. Consider reaching out to your health care provider to schedule an appointment. They can do a physical exam and recommend treatment, if needed.

Here’s a tip on how to bring it up to your health care provider: “I’ve noticed my foreskin doesn’t go back and my penis is bent. Can I get checked out?”