Further fate of the foreskin incidence of preputial adhesions, phimosis, and smegma among danish schoolboys

Abstract

From 9545 observations of the state of the prepuce in 1968 schoolboys aged 6-17 years, examined annually for up to eight years, the following was concluded. Physiological phimosis is a rare condition in schoolboys, and it has a tendency to regress spontaneously; operation is rarely indicated. Clumsy attempts at retraction probably cause secondary phimosis, which then requires operation. Preputial non-separation ('adhesion') occurs frequently, but separation of the epithelium takes place gradually and spontaneously as a normal biological process in the course of school life and is concluded about the age of 17. Production of smegma increases from the age of about 12-13 years. Neither this nor the hygiene of the prepuce present any problems if the boys are regularly instructed.