Q: My son is 9 months old. He strains while passing urine. The prepuce over his penis has swollen up. He has this problem since he was 5 months old. We sometimes put oil, is it right or should we go in for surgery?

A:A lot of babies do cry or become uncomfortable just before passing urine. This is normal and settles down by about 1 year of age. Also, the foreskin is usually not retractable at this age. You should NOT forcibly try to open it. Give it time, it will open up.