Introduction

Many parents feel concerned if their newborn or young boy’s foreskin can’t be pulled back. They may think his foreskin is too tight and that he might need an operation. But it's a little known fact that the foreskins of nearly all newborn boys are tight or stuck to the head of their penis (glans). This natural “phimosis” protects the sensitive head of the penis from rubbing against things, becoming too dry and coming into contact with germs like viruses or bacteria.
Within the first three or four years of life, the stuck skin (adhesion) usually detaches, and tight foreskin usually gradually loosens, making it increasingly easy to pull back without any pain. Phimosis should only be treated if it doesn't go away on its own.