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The tip of my foreskin keeps tearing


Just lately, when having sex with my girlfriend, the tip of my foreskin (penis, I am uncut) keeps tearing.

There is no blood but it is a little painful. Small scabs appear and the skin (scar tissue) has got quite tight. I'm not in a lot of pain, but the scabs look a little offputting.

I've tried antiseptic creams, but they were not good; with a hot bath I can gently stretch the skin and it seems ok.

Any clues what the problem might be? My penis hasn't always been like this.

Is this an infection that's transmittable? It is also sometimes painful when I pee.

Any help on this embarrassing situation will be greatly received.


Normally the foreskin separates from the head of the penis (glans) during infancy, although it may take longer in some of us.


As you have found this normally occurs during sexual intercourse. However, if the foreskin is very tight and unable to retract easily, it may cause discomfort during sex and under certain circumstances this can lead to it tearing as you describe.

In the majority of cases, providing the difficulty is not complicated by significant scarring, the foreskin will gradually stretch until it will comfortably retract.

As indicated, gentle retraction of the foreskin regularly, when in a hot bath or shower will encourage the natural process.

If you continue to try this and fail, you may need to seek advice about adult circumcision.

Hopefully over time, if you can avoid reinjuring the foreskin, you will find that the condition will improve, and surgery can be avoided.

As for the question of infection, this is not something I can comment on directly without examining you.

Should you have any ongoing concerns in this direction, I would recommend that you allow your doctor to assess the situation in order to reassure you.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

Last updated 27.06.2014