Circumcision in men involves the cutting off of the foreskin protecting the head (or glans) of the penis.
The foreskin is a piece of skin that covers the round tip of the penis. When a baby is born, the foreskin is completely attached to the penis. Over time, the foreskin separates from the head of the penis and is able to be retracted, or pulled back.
The entire procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Circumcision is the most common surgery among males.
Like any surgery, circumcision can cause some pain. But using pain medications and anesthetics can reduce discomfort. These can help both during the procedure and afterward.
Yes. People who were not circumcised as babies may choose to undergo circumcision as an adult. Generally, the procedure is the same for older boys and adults as it is for babies. The surgery may take slightly longer than it does for infants.
Circumcision is a routine, safe procedure. As with any surgery, there are some risks, though. These include:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Reaction to anesthesia.
- Pain.
- Cutting the foreskin too long or too short.
- Irritation on the tip of the penis.
Circumcision has several benefits. Not only does it help aspects of penis health, but it can improve hygiene. The specific health benefits of circumcision include a lower risk of:
- Certain penis conditions: These penile disorders include balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin), paraphimosis and phimosis, when the foreskin gets stuck out of place.
- Cervical cancer for partners: Female sex partners of circumcised men are less likely to get cervical cancer.
- Penile cancer: Men who had circumcisions are less likely to get cancer of the penis.
- Sexually transmitted infections: Men who had circumcision have a lower risk of certain STIs, including HIV.
- Urinary tract infections: UTIs are more common in uncircumcised males.
Your doctor may recommend delaying circumcision or not doing it at all if your baby:
- Has medical concerns.
- Has physical problems with the penis that may need surgery. (Sometimes, surgeons will need the foreskin to correct the problem.)
Recovery from circumcision takes about eight to 10 days. While the penis heals, it may look swollen and red. You may see a yellow film at the tip.
- Urinary retention: If the child unable to pass urine after 12 hours, this could be due to pain, swelling, or urinary retention. Useful to wash with salty water and give painkillers.
- Bleeding: You may notice spots or few drops of blood on the nappy in the first few days which is usual, however if the blood become heavy or continuous this need immediate attention.
- Ring not detached after 2 weeks: The average time for the ring to fall off is within 10 days, however some children can take longer. If the ring didn’t fall off in the time expected you need to contact the doctor to check for any abnormality occasionally the ring slips backward on the shaft of the penis. Call us if that happen.
- Unwell child: If the child becomes unwell with high temperature and becomes drowsy and very irritable, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- Always wash your hands before and after touching the circumcision area.
- Gently wash your baby’s penis with plain, warm water after each diaper change, and pat it dry.
- Do not use soap.
- Do not try to remove the film that forms on the penis. The film will go away on its own.
Call the doctor if you have any of the following:
- Increased pain
- Trouble urinating
- Bleeding
Circumcision doesn’t affect fertility. Researchers believe it doesn’t hurt or enhance sexual pleasure.
If your child still uses a nappy, then it’s crucial to remember to always keep his nappy clean and dry! You begin by gently washing your child’s penis with plain, warm water and patting it dry each time you change his nappy. Also, loosen his nappy in order to release pressure on the area while it heals.
The tip may look red, swollen or feel sore, you will also notice as the foreskin darken as it naturally falls off during the first 7-14 day period. You may also see a yellow crest start to develop at the tip, this is perfectly normal and should go away within a few days. The ring and black foreskin will start detaching from one side first before eventually loosening and falling off.
Apply the cream to cover the head and around the ring. Ensure you wash your hands and apply the cream after each time you bath your son. If you’d rather not touch the area, you can also apply the cream to the part of the diaper in closest contact to the circumcised area.
Although different children will experience a varying amount of pain, most will require painkillers during the first 24 hours and some may need more painkillers throughout the healing period. It is important for you to gauge how much pain your child’s and to give painkillers when needed.
If your child happens to bleed, please contact the doctors emergency contact number provided immediately, nonetheless, please stay calm! Feel rest assured in knowing our expert doctors and team are available round the clock to help your child recover safely after his procedure with free follow up appointments if required!