Circumcision proposed by dermatologist

Next friday I underwent my annual dermatological examination. The doctor had a new tool for mapping and photographed all the lesions from head to toe. When she reached the genital area, she noticed a small discoloration on the inner mucosa of the foreskin and therefore performed a more detailed examination with a digital penoscope.

After I got dressed, she told me that there is a suspected early stage of xerotic posthitis, which needs to be monitored frequently because it is spreading to frenulum. This usually then spread to meatus and glans (balanite xerotica) requiring surgery and in some cases even partial removal of the glans. She made me understand that this condition often occurs at this age but only in patients like me who have not been circumcised and suggested that I consider the operation, which she could perform herself and which would completely solve the issue.

I asked for an alternative and in the meantime, she prescribed an ointment to apply two times a day and one before/after masturbation and asked me to come back in a month.

Has anyone else received a similar proposal during a dermatologist examination? How do you managed the proposal of the doctor?

I would have the monthly examinations by her.

Inform her that the instructions to apply twice a day and before and after masturbation has led to an empty supply of the cream and I'll need some more to continue treatment.

Unless the dermatologist is board certified as a general surgeon too I would never allow a dermatologist to do any kind of surgery especially a circumcision.

If you have doubts, cross check the diagnosis with a male urologist.

Perhaps it would be a good thing to schedule an appointment with your GP, or a urologist for a second opinion on the matter?

This week I moved my annual urological exam forward precisely because of this. After the prostate exam, I told her what the dermatologist had told me. This was followed by a very thorough examination of the external genitalia, especially the foreskin, which he also examined by stretching it vigorously. I was embarrassed and extremely worried that he would tell me I needed surgery. Instead, she told me that there are Fordyce spots caused by thinning of the foreskin, and a small band also due to this. In her opinion, it’s normal anatomy for my age exacerbated by mucosal dryness and advised to use an oil ointment during masturbation. No reason to need for surgical abscission in her opinion.

As big of a fan of circumcision I am, I am pleased to hear you sought the opinion of a qualified professional @Obertaller

I’m curious @Obertaller, you said you had an annual dermatology exam followed by an annual urology exam. Is that a common practice where you are in Switzerland and are there other annual exams you attend?

@Dwayne I can also answer for me since I live in Switzerland. I have dermatological and urological exams every year, but that's because of medical conditions (frequent basal cell carcinomas and a prostate adenoma). However, my dermatologist never checks the genitals and lower body, unless I've noticed something suspicious.

A few preventive exams are covered by health insurance, for example, colonoscopies, but no check-ups, unless you have or had problems. I make also a blood analysis every year, followed by a discussion with my GP. He has usually no time for a physical exam (limited to 15 minutes).

@Dwayne I have those two examination yearly, they are included in my health assurance plan for my age and risk profile. The urologic examination includes an ultrasound exam (transrectal).