Circumcision, or male circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis. Most often, circumcision is done on newborn babies, but it can also be performed on adolescents or adults later in life. For most, circumcision is a religious or cultural practice, but it can also be done for personal hygiene or medical treatment.
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, the skin that covers the glans of the penis, also known as the head of the penis. In some religions such as Islam and Judaism, circumcision is done as a religious practice. But it can also be done for other purposes such as medical intervention, hygiene purposes or, less commonly, for sexual pleasure [1].
Circumcision can be done for many purposes, the most common purpose for circumcision is religious practice. However, circumcision can also have other purposes.
For some, removing the foreskin makes cleaning the penis easier. In some cases, urine may be retained in the excessive foreskin, which can increase the risk of infections [2].
Some anatomical issues of the penis can be resolved or reduced by undergoing a circumcision.
Circumcision can reduce the risks of UTIs, especially in boys and men with urological abnormalities [2].
Circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of STIs in men and their sexual partners. Studies have shown that circumcision in men can reduce risks of HIV and HPV infections in both men and women [1].
Circumcision can reduce the risks of cancers of the penis by reducing risks of inflammation due to phimosis or infections from HPV [2].
In some cultural or religious practices, circumcision is considered common practice.
Regardless of the purpose, circumcision is not a replacement for penile hygiene and medical treatment in cases of penile diseases. The risks of infections or inflammation can also be prevented in uncircumcised individuals with proper care and safe sex practices.
Many still debate on the risks and benefits of circumcision, various studies have reported that the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks associated with the procedure. However, it is not explicitly recommended, hence a circumcision should be done based on patients’ or parents’ decision.
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Early complications:
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Risks associated with circumcision can be significantly reduced if the procedure is performed by an experienced and trained medical professional.
Doctors today have a variety of methods to undergo a circumcision, the most common methods include [4]:
There are a variety of treatment modalities available, and there is no “right” option, but rather one that would be more beneficial for your age, lifestyle, medical condition and other individual factors. When making a decision, consider factors such as:
Before undergoing a circumcision, patients and parents need to be aware of the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as proper care of the penis after the procedure. Typically, a circumcision procedure is as follows:
A consultation session with your doctor is important before undergoing the procedure. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of a circumcision with you and give you care instructions. If you are planning a circumcision for your baby while you are pregnant, you can talk to your doctor to make arrangements to perform the procedure in the hospital nursery several days after delivery.
Before performing the procedure, the doctor will apply anaesthesia to the penis, sometimes in the form of an injection or a cream. Adolescent or adult patients may require general anaesthesia for the procedure. After anaesthetics are applied, the doctor will cleanse the area to prepare for the procedure.
The doctor will perform the circumcision as planned. Topical antibiotics or petroleum jelly is applied to the penis, followed by wrapping it with gauze. The procedure may take anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes.
For babies, it takes between 7 to 10 days for the penis to heal. For adults, it may take 2 to 3 weeks, and sometimes up to 6 weeks, for the penis to fully heal. Mild swelling and bruising is normal, a little bit of yellow discharge at the tip is also common. To care for the wound, wash the penis with warm water and mild soap and pat it gently to dry. Your doctor will give you a skin ointment to help with recovery.
Proper postoperative care is essential in ensuring proper healing of the penis and prevents infections that can lead to other complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following:
Unless medically necessary, a circumcision is the patients’ or parents’ choice. Hence, understanding the procedural risks and benefits is an essential part of informed consent. Reach out to us now if you have any questions regarding circumcision for you or your baby.
The procedure can be painful, hence anaesthesia is used both in babies and adults. The procedure is more complicated in adults, so general anaesthesia is usually given to adults undergoing circumcision.
Studies have found no significant relationship between circumcision and sexual satisfaction. Some men reported feeling less satisfied, while others reported feeling more satisfied.
Circumcision does not affect sexual function and fertility.
Avoid sexual activities before your penis recovers fully. Having sex while the incision wound is not fully healed increases the risks of infection.
Although studies have shown that the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks, it is not really a necessity to circumcise. Good penile hygiene and practicing safe sex can also lower risks of UTIs and STis in uncircumcised men.
