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A circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is a flap or sleeve of skin which covers and protects the end or tip of the penis called the glans. Usually the foreskin can be pulled back to reveal the glans.
Circumcisions are usually done for medical reasons although sometimes, especially in babies, they are done for cultural or religious reasons.
Medically, the reasons include;
- the foreskin being too tight or thickened and therefore will not pull back to reveal the whole glans, causing pain, especially during sexual intercourse, damage to the foreskin and possible infection of the foreskin or glans. This is a phimosis. It is normal for the foreskin to be attached to the tip of the penis in boys until they are 5 years old. After this age, the foreskin usually separates itself and can be pulled back.
- the foreskin may slide completely back to reveal the glans but because it is too tight, may not slide forwards again, forming a ring around the penis, causing pain and swelling of the glans. This is called a paraphimosis.
-balanitis (infection of the foreskin and balanoposthitis (infection of the glans) can occur in any man but are more likely in diabetics. Recrrent balanitis can cause scarring, leading to phimosis.
-cancer of the penis is rare but can start in the foreskin.
There is no evidence to suggest that circumcisions help to prevent cancer of the penis or sexually transmitted infections (STI's). For this, having good personal hygiene, practicing safe sex and quitting smoking are far more important.
During the procedure, the majority of the foreskin is removed and the reminants stitched to the base of the glans so that no skin then covers the glans.
Babies are usually circumcised using local anaesthetic but older children and adults usual have a general anaesthetic.
The risk of complications following a medical circumcision are low but include bleeding and infections after the operation. Rarely, more problematic complications can occur including,
- a decrease in the feeling or sensation of the penis which is most notable during sex,
- damage to the urethra, causing scarring making it difficult to pass urine,
- severe damage to the penis such as an amputation of the glans. This is extremely rare.
How You Will Feel:
This can be a day case operation or a 1-2 night hospital stay may be required. After the procedure, pain can be controlled using tablets. You can become mobile after a few hours depending on the level of pain and the wound would be expected to be pain free within around 7 days. It is normal to have swelling of the tissues around the wound for a few days and this usually resolves although wearing a dressing for a day or so helps to initially protect the wound.
Sexual activity can start after 2-3 weeks and a light job can be started after 1 week. Heavier or more manual jobs can commence after 2 weeks.
How Long Will you stay in Hospital after your Circumcision?
Single Day In-patient Care
What to do next:
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