Circumcision: How It's Done, Recovery & Risks

Circumcision is a surgical procedure performed to remove the foreskin, which is the skin covering the head of the penis. This procedure is commonly recommended to treat conditions like phimosis or to lower the risk of recurrent urinary tract and penile infections.

In many cases involving childhood phimosis, doctors typically suggest waiting until after age 3 to see if the foreskin can be retracted naturally. If medical ointments fail to resolve the issue by this age, or if problems arise in adulthood, surgery may be the next step.

To determine if this procedure is necessary, it is best to consult with a urologist or a pediatric specialist. These healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance regarding the specific risks and health benefits associated with the surgery.

What it is for

Circumcision is typically performed for the following reasons:

• Correcting phimosis, especially when the condition persists beyond age 3.

• Reducing the risk of penile infections, such as chronic or recurrent balanoposthitis.

• Treating paraphimosis, particularly in urgent or severe clinical situations.

• Preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in patients with a high frequency of illness.

While circumcision is often performed during infancy for religious or cultural reasons, such as within the Jewish faith, it can be done at any stage of life if there is a clear medical need.

In adult patients, the procedure is frequently used to resolve phimosis that interferes with urination or causes discomfort during sexual activity. Furthermore, healthcare providers in sarome regions may recommend it as a measure to help reduce the transmission of certain sexually transmitted infections.

How to prepare

Before scheduling the surgery, you must disclose your full medical history to your doctor, including any known allergies. It is especially important to mention all current medications, particularly those that might interfere with blood clotting.

Your physician will likely order standard preoperative blood work, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and tests for platelet levels, urea, or creatinine. On the day of the procedure, follow all specific instructions regarding local hygiene and the required fasting period.

How the surgery is performed

Circumcision is generally an outpatient hospital procedure performed by a urologist or a pediatric surgeon. It is typically conducted under local anesthesia combined with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used depending on the patient’s needs.

The surgeon uses a scalpel to carefully remove the excess foreskin from the penis. The procedure is relatively quick, often lasting between 15 to 30 minutes depending on the patient’s anatomy and the surgical technique used.

While stitches are usually necessary for older children and adults to ensure proper healing, they are often not required for newborns.

Recovery process

Even though the surgery itself is brief, full recovery can take up to 10 days. Patients may experience discomfort or sensitivity during this time, and parents may notice that infants are more irritable than usual.

It is normal for the penis to appear slightly swollen or bruised in the days immediately following the surgery. This appearance will gradually improve as the area heals.

Proper hygiene is essential to prevent infection; the area should be washed at least once a day with warm water and mild soap. For babies in diapers, using a clean dressing can help protect the surgical site from contact with waste.

Adult patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 2 to 4 weeks. Additionally, it is recommended to refrain from sexual contact for at least 6 weeks to allow the tissue to heal completely.

What is female circumcision

Female circumcision, more accurately termed female genital mutilation (FGM), refers to any procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. This practice is rooted in specific cultural traditions and is not performed for any valid medical reason.

FGM offers no health benefits and can lead to severe, life-long complications, including:

• Dangerous hemorrhaging.

• Chronic and intense pain.

• Persistent urinary tract issues.

• Increased risk of vaginal infections.

• Pain during sexual intercourse.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and international medical communities advocate for the total abolition of this practice due to the profound physical and psychological trauma it causes.

Possible risks of circumcision

As with any surgical intervention, circumcision carries certain risks, which include:

• Excessive bleeding.

• Infection at the incision site.

• Post-operative pain and discomfort.

• Delayed wound healing.

Some men may notice a temporary change in penile sensitivity, which usually returns to normal within a few weeks. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, or extreme swelling.

• Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin and is primarily used to treat phimosis or reduce the risk of recurring infections.

• Most patients recover within about 10 days, though adults should avoid strenuous activity and sexual contact for several weeks to ensure proper healing.

• Consult a urologist or pediatric specialist to discuss the specific medical benefits and potential risks before deciding on the procedure.