This site discusses Phimosis, Frenulum Breve and the Epithelium, and their relationship to Male Initiation and Identity. Much modern medical information on circumcision (from popular literature to reports in medical journals), recommends that the best care for a foreskin is to leave it alone. These reports are all based on Øster's misinterpreted study. Øster made his report following 7 years of education and monitoring. Such care and attention obviously results in less problems.

Chapter 4: S OLUTIONS
| A Modern Initiation - Prevention
2012 : note from author: My previous idea of monitoring boys before puberty is impractical, unnecessary and now only of historical interest. In the immediate future, health care with self-education through internet videos is more practical - please see Postscript. The solution to complex problems is often very simple. Dr. Øster presented the lowest statistics for adolescents with phimosis in recorded medical history. This figure was the result of a seven year long study with annual monitoring and education. However, Øster made the classical mistake of overlooking the effect he had on his own study. Please check these findings yourself on re-Øster. Unfortunately, every subsequent medical study giving statistics since Øster, (ie. since 1968 - (up until 2003),), quotes him directly and uncritically. The real value of his study has not been appreciated in general practice. It is clear, that apart from the logical advantages of checking for problems before they occur, monitoring and educating boys encourages their awareness and stimulates the self manipulation which in some cases is necessary to stretch a stiff foreskin. Therefore our culture`s normal caring medical approach of monitoring and education, is of particular relevance to this subject because monitoring and education directly promote prevention. The first step here is explained by Dr. med Jenny Splieth. "Mothers should check this, they see their childrens erections" and again, "It would be best for parents to check their son's erections during infancy ... this would be simplest to do at bath times." (22) There is another consideration. A child with persisting epithelial adhesions must avoid the pain inherant in his condition and must limit his casual self exploration and self confirmation during all his erections. This cannot be expected to lead to a relaxed sexual psychology, or to encourage the early development of a healthy and supple foreskin. This is discussed in Chapter 2 Adhesions and Early Learning I examine the possibility of greatly reducing or even completely preventing all stiff foreskin problems by gently releasing or dissolving these epithelial adhesions, as early as possible to allow the foreskin to develop in a fully healthy flexible, supple manner. A number of methods and research ideas are collected under "The Search for a Solvent for Adhesions". and: Please see POSTSCRIPT
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