A mid-school day call from the nurse can be unsettling, especially during a global pandemic. Recently, I received a call that led me down an unexpected path. My seven-year-old son, Jake, was in the nurse’s office, visibly upset and crying. He had gone to the restroom and discovered some bleeding. It was terrifying for both him and me. I hurried to the school, my heart aching as I saw his sad, freckled face looking up at me. “Mom, I’m scared,” he said. That moment truly broke my heart.
We were quickly seen by our pediatrician, who first had us perform a simple urine test. This seemed reasonable; having dealt with UTIs and bladder infections myself, I understood the potential link to blood in his urine. When he urinated, there was a little blood on his underwear, but nothing alarming. However, he winced and mentioned a burning sensation. I was convinced he just needed some antibiotics, and we would be on our way.
After a short wait, the doctor entered the room and informed us that his urine tested clear. I was confused. How could that be? He conducted a brief examination and asked Jake about any pain, injuries, or inappropriate incidents. Jake answered no to all questions. The doctor then calmly stated, “He has a penile adhesion.” As a mother of three sons, this was a term I had never encountered before. It turns out, however, that it’s quite common but can certainly be uncomfortable.
Understanding Penile Adhesions
Penile adhesions come in three varieties and can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised boys. Essentially, when an adhesion is present, the skin on the penis sticks to itself, which can lead to discomfort. According to Verywell Mind, the three types of adhesions are:
- Glandular Adhesion: The skin attached to the head of the penis covers the coronal margin, creating a potential issue.
- Penile Skin Bridge: This thicker adhesion can be permanent and may require surgical intervention.
- Cicatrix: Scar tissue forms when the penis retracts into the pubic fat pad, trapping it and preventing exposure.
Most penile adhesions are visible during diaper changes or baths but are often painless. As children grow, these adhesions may correct themselves naturally. In an uncircumcised boy, the foreskin typically separates from the glans as he matures, and periodic retraction can help prevent adhesions. However, forcing the foreskin back on infants or young children is never recommended.
In circumcised babies, an adhesion can develop if the skin isn’t retracted adequately during care. This can also happen due to increased fat in the pubic area, which may cause irritation and appearance issues. Regular retraction is essential for prevention.
Treatment and Care
Penile adhesions are common during early development, and treatment varies based on the type. For glandular adhesions, keeping the area moisturized with something like petroleum jelly can help soften it, allowing it to heal. While this may produce a substance that resembles pus, it’s actually harmless. However, always consult with a pediatrician if unsure. Spontaneous erections can also assist in naturally resolving adhesions.
Jake had a glandular adhesion, likely present for a while but unnoticed due to a lack of pain. The pediatrician explained that as he grows, the adhesion is starting to tear, resulting in bleeding and discomfort. Because the area is dry and has few oil glands, this tearing is painful. We were advised to apply an antibiotic ointment to moisturize and prevent infection, which worked quickly to alleviate the irritation. Thankfully, surgery was unnecessary, and the adhesion should resolve on its own with time.
In most cases, penile adhesions are a normal part of development and generally aren’t a cause for concern. However, if there’s pain, irritation, or signs of infection, it’s best to consult a pediatrician. After all, it’s better to be safe, particularly in such a sensitive area.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about related topics, check out this post on home insemination, which provides valuable insights. You can also visit Make a Mom for expert information on insemination kits. For further reading, Facts About Fertility is an excellent resource.
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In summary, while my son’s experience with a penile adhesion was alarming, it turned out to be a common issue that many boys face during their development. With proper care and attention, it should resolve without the need for invasive procedures.
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