Overview
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. It is a common procedure that is mostly done during infancy.
Circumcision is usually less common during adulthood. Besides aesthetic reasons, adult males may also go through the procedure due to religious beliefs, hygiene, and health reasons.
Earlier, people were skeptical about undergoing the procedure mostly due to the risks involved in an open circumcision surgery. However, due to medical advancements and laser treatment, healing is much faster. People are now less apprehensive about the procedure and can resume normal life quickly after the surgery.
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin that covers the penis tip (glans). A foreskin is a loose fold of skin that covers the penis head.
The foreskin protects the penis head and aids in sexual sensations.
When a baby is born, the foreskin covers the entire penis. With time, the foreskin can be retracted or pulled back. However, if the foreskin has become stiff, lost its elasticity, or is unable to retract on its own, the condition is called phimosis and may require a medical circumcision.
A request for circumcision is done for non-medical reasons. This is mainly due to parental requests, cosmetic reasons, or religious beliefs.
When to go for a circumcision procedure?
Circumcision is done mainly for medical and non-medical reasons.
Medical reasons that need a circumcision:
Phimosis or tight foreskin
Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is too tight and does not retract over the penis head on its own.
Paraphimosis is a similar condition where the foreskin gets stuck behind the penis head.
This condition can be painful, cause infections, undermine sexual activity, and may require an emergency procedure.
Balanitis
Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans penis or penis head. Typical symptoms are redness and swelling of the penis tip.
Balanitis can occur due to:
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Lack of hygiene
- Allergic reactions
- Scabies
- STIs or sexually transmitted infections
- Injury to the glans or the foreskin
Injury
Accidental injuries or trauma that may have caused foreskin tears may require circumcision.
Penile cancer
Penile cancer is a rare condition. Symptoms of penile cancer include:
- Lumps or growth in the penis
- Foul smell underneath the foreskin
- Bleeding and discharge
- Penis swelling
- Discolouration of the foreskin
- Swelling at the penis end
Urinary tract infections
Medical research has shown that circumcised infants are less likely to develop urinary tract infections or UTIs compared to babies with intact foreskin.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Circumcision reduces the risks of sexually transmitted diseases like HPV (human papillomavirus), herpes, and HIV during intercourse.
Non-medical reasons that need circumcision:
Religious beliefs
Circumcision is a common cultural tradition in the religious communities of Islam and Judaism. Certain cultures perform circumcision when the baby is just a few days old while others do it at a later age.
Hygiene
There is a misconception that circumcision can improve hygiene and reduce the risks of infection. However, the fact is that both circumcised and uncircumcised penis requires proper cleaning.
Males or adolescents who are not circumcised can develop smegma under the foreskin. Smegma is an accumulation of dead skin cells and oil under the foreskin.
Aesthetic benefits
Some men undergo circumcision for aesthetic benefits. They are more comfortable and confident with their appearance after a circumcision.
What is a circumcision procedure?
Circumcision is a safe and brief procedure. It is done in two ways:
- Traditional or open circumcision
- Minimally invasive laser circumcision
Traditional circumcision
An open circumcision (dorsal slit technique) may take 30 minutes to one hour.
You will be sedated during the procedure.
The surgeon will take a measure of how much skin should be removed.
The surgeon uses a scalpel or surgical scissors to cut the upper part of the foreskin to expose the glans without removing the neighbouring tissues.
The skin is cauterized and the remaining edges are stitched with dissolvable stitches.
The penis is covered with a protective dressing.
Laser circumcision
It is a 10 to 15-minute brief procedure.
During this procedure, laser energy is used to remove the foreskin.
There are no big cuts or incisions during this procedure
You will be discharged the same day depending on your health condition.
The procedure is highly precise and recovery time is much shorter compared to open circumcision.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
How long does it take to recover from a circumcision procedure?
Recovery depends on certain factors like your age, overall health, and the type of procedure.
Open circumcision recovery
Recovery in open circumcision is longer and complete recovery may take four to six weeks.
You have to stay in the hospital for a few days.
Conventional procedure is relatively painful, there is post-operative bleeding, and it may take some time to return to normal life.
Laser circumcision
Laser circumcision is a daycare procedure.
Pain is minimal and there are no bleeding complications due to cuts and stitches. Healing may take two to three days and complete recovery is achievable in one or two weeks.
What are the advantages of laser circumcision?
Laser circumcision is considered to be more effective compared to conventional procedures.
Laser circumcision offers the following advantages:
- No scars or bruises
- No or minimal blood loss
- Procedure takes only 10-15 minutes
- Minimally invasive and pain-free
- Shorter recovery time
- Easy and faster healing
- Easy post-operative care
- Cost-effective procedure
- Minimal risks of haemorrhage
- No need for hospital stays
- Minimal lifestyle restrictions
- Zero risks for post-operative complications
Recovery after a circumcision procedure
After you are discharged from hospital, you will be asked to recover at home.
You have to keep your dressings clean to avoid infections.
Your doctor will advise you to take a week off from work.
Wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear to avoid irritation to your penis.
You may experience some discomfort during urination.
Take painkillers regularly as prescribed by the doctor.
Sexual intercourse may be restricted up to 6 weeks.
Once the bandages are removed, you can take a shower.
Avoid scented soaps that can irritate the skin.
The doctor may recommend using petroleum jelly or other ointments to reduce the irritation in the penis tip.
Are there any risks of circumcision?
Circumcision may cause some serious complications:
- Excessive bleeding from the incision site after surgery. The bleeding may last for a few hours or even days
- Bacterial growth or infection on the incision site
- Intense pain
- Persistent irritation on the penis tip
- Redness and inflammation on the opening of the penis (meatitis)
- Stitches are not dissolved
- Permanent lack of sensitivity on the tip of the penis especially during sex
Final words
Circumcision is a common and safe procedure and the risks are minimal. Whether you are having a circumcision or not, it is important to maintain good hygiene and keep your penis and genital area clean.
Circumcision can reduce the risks of developing certain diseases. It is also important to talk to your healthcare provider and learn about the circumcision procedure and post-operative care to avoid risks and complications.
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