Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the retractable fold of skin that covers the end of the penis.
What Conditions Might Require A Circumcision?
In men and boys, circumcision is most commonly carried out for conditions such as a tight foreskin that won't pull back (retract), a condition known as phimosis.
Phimosis can sometimes cause pain when the penis is erect and, in rare cases, passing urine may be difficult.
Circumcision is also carried out for balanitis which is a recurrent infection of the foreskin and head of the penis.
What Happens During Circumcision?
Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. The patient will be admitted to hospital on the same day of surgery and won't have to stay overnight.
Circumcision is a relatively simple procedure. The foreskin is removed just behind the head of the penis using a scalpel or surgical scissors.
Any bleeding is stopped by cauterisation, and the remaining edges of skin will be stitched together using dissolvable stitches.
Surgery will be carried out under either a general anaesthetic, meaning the patient will be unconscious throughout the procedure, or a local anaesthetic injection, which will numb the penis and the surrounding area.
If you're having a general anaesthetic, you will need to refrain from eating and drinking for 6 hours before surgery.
After being admitted to hospital, the patient will be seen by the members of the medical team carrying out the procedure, including the surgeon and anaesthetist.
This is a good opportunity to discuss any concerns and ask questions about anything about the procedure.
How Long Does It Take To Recover?
Following the operation, a dressing will be placed over the penis to protect the wound. It may be removed before discharge from the hospital, or it may be left and should fall off itself within 24 hours.
The patient will be allowed home after passing urine, which may be uncomfortable at first.
The penis will be sore and inflamed for a few days after the operation. Ointment may be prescribed to use for a few days to help the area heal.
It usually takes at least 10 days for the penis to heal after circumcision. It is advisable to take at least 1 week off work to recover.
It's likely some discomfort will be experienced together with swelling around the head of the penis for a few days after the operation. Painkilling medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, will help to alleviate any discomfort.
Sex should be avoided for at least 4 weeks after the circumcision operation.
Risks & Complications Of Circumcision
Complications after circumcisions are rare and apart from the initial swelling most men don't experience any significant problems. Bleeding and infection are the two most common problems associated with circumcision, with between a 1 in 10 and a 1 in 50 chance that you will experience this.
*Prices accurate as of Feb 2025 and may be subject to change.
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