Male Organ Sheath Problems - Is Surgical Removal Really Necessary?

							       Male Organ Sheath Problems - Is
      Surgical Removal Really Necessary?
Recent scientific studies have made it clear that removing the sheath of the male organ in male
infants provides little in the way of health benefits. However, many parents in Western countries
continue to make this choice for their sons and cutting is performed as almost by rote when a
male child is born. Although religious traditions are often behind this choice there is also the
false belief that an intact sheath can lead to poor hygiene, infections, and other male organ
problems. Because of this perception, sheath issues are often dealt with by surgical removal,
even in adults.

However, as Dr. Peter Ball of NORM-UK notes, an estimated 90% of these procedures are
medically unnecessary. With the right knowledge, proper male organ care and treatment with
male organ vitamins and minerals, men with an intact sheath may be able to reduce the risk of
problems, avoid male organ surgery and enjoy the natural advantages of an uncut sheath.

The anatomy of the sheath

In male infants, the sheath and head of the male organ develop as a single structure, which
separates naturally during childhood. It may take up to 17 years for the sheath to fully retract,
and pulling it back forcefully may cause injury. Once the sheath retracts completely, it is
generally connected to the underside of the head by a thin band of skin known as the frenulum
(similar to the connective tissue on the underside of the tongue).

Common sheath issues

A number of male organ problems are associated with an intact sheath. In most cases, these can
be dealt with through non-invasive treatments.

• Balanatis - This condition, which may also affect cut men but is more common in those with
an intact sheath, is often the result of lack of adequate hygiene. It presents as itching, rash,
inflammation, and/or redness, as well as burning during urination.

• Phimosis - This condition is diagnosed when the sheath of a fully grown male cannot be
retracted over the head, or when it is painful to do so. When this occurs, surgical ablation of the
sheath is often recommended by doctors who are not aware of the alternative treatments.
• Paraphimosis - Similar to phimosis, paraphimosis is the result of a tight sheath. In this case,
the sheath has been retracted over the head, but cannot be returned to its original position.
Because paraphimosis may restrict circulation to the head of the male organ, this is usually
treated as a medical emergency.

Alternatives to surgical removal of the sheath

In many cases, surgical ablation can be avoided in men who are experiencing sheath problems.
The first step to a healthy sheath is proper hygiene. By gently retracting the sheath and washing
with water and a mild cleanser (soaps should be avoided, as they tend to dry the skin) on a
regular basis, problems such as male organ infections can be prevented.

For a tight sheath that does not retract easily, gentle manual stretching is recommended. This is
best done when the member is distended. To begin with, pull the sheath outward as much as
possible, away from the body, and then return it to its original position. After practicing this
enough so that the head becomes visible, the sheath can be rolled back and forth over the head
with the thumb and forefinger. Eventually, the skin should become pliable enough to pull it back
over the head. At first, the head may be highly sensitive; normal sensitivity can be developed by
gently handling the head under water until it is accustomed to manual stimulation.

Throughout this process, moisturizing the head and sheath is important - a specialized male
organ health formula (most health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help to
keep the male organ skin well hydrated and nourished with essential male organ vitamins and
minerals to support the skin’s natural elasticity and tone.