Circumcision

Circumcision is a procedure to remove the skin covering the end of the penis. Circumcision has a number of medical benefits. Parents may also want to circumcise their sons for religious, social, or cultural reasons.

At birth, the male child has skin covering the end of the penis, called the foreskin. Circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin, exposing the tip of the penis. A doctor usually performs circumcision in the first few days of life. An infant must be healthy and stable to be safely circumcised.

Circumcision is not an option for some people with

  • Active heart or lung function problems or a bleeding disorder.
  • A penis that urinates through an underside opening rather than the tip(hypospadias).
  • Foreskin or glans that is actively infected.
  • Birth defects of the penis.
  • A penis that is not visible or is concealed inside the skin (buried penis; foreskin may be needed for a reconstructive procedure).


Procedure

Before the Procedure

  • In the case of a baby, place the baby on his back and gently restrain the baby’s arms and legs so his limbs don’t flail during the procedure. Clean his penis.
  • In the case of adults, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and any allergies you may have. A cream will be applied to the skin of the penis 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure.
  • As there will be swelling and soreness after the procedure, arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home.

During the Procedure

The procedure is as follows:

  • The surgeon will give your baby a local anesthetic.
  • The surgeon then cleans the penis with an antiseptic.
  • The surgeon will gently loosen the foreskin from around the head of the penis, creating a small slit in the foreskin.
  • The surgeon may remove the foreskin using one of the standard methods. These procedures use devices that protect the penis while removing the foreskin.
  • The surgeon may place a clamp or plastic ring over the head of the penis. This makes it easier to remove the foreskin.
  • The surgeon may use surgical tools to remove the foreskin. This exposes the end of the penis.
  • The surgeon may apply petroleum jelly or ointment to the penis head and cover it with a loose gauze dressing. The procedure usually takes around ten minutes.
  • Circumcision is the same for older boys and adults. However, if done later in life, the procedure may require general anesthesia, recovery may take longer, and the risk of complications may increase.

After the Procedure

  • The tip of the penis may appear raw after the circumcision. For several weeks, it will be discolored and swollen. A yellowish mucus or crust frequently covers the head of the penis. This will pass. It is a normal part of the healing process and should not be washed or scraped away.
  • If your newborn becomes fussy as the anesthetic wears off, gently hold him and avoid putting pressure on the penis.
  • Change the bandage along with each diaper change for newborns, and apply a dab of petroleum jelly on the tip of the penis to keep it from sticking to the diaper.
  • Some swelling on the penis is normal. A minor amount of bleeding is not uncommon. However, if you notice a blood stain on your baby's diaper that is larger than a quarter, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If the penis continues to bleed, apply firm pressure for several minutes with a washcloth. After that, check to see if the bleeding has stopped.
  • If a plastic ring was used in the procedure, it should fall off within 10 to 12 days. If this does not occur, notify your surgeon.
  • A baby's penis usually heals completely after circumcision in 7 to 10 days.
  • Males circumcised as adults or older boys should take things slowly for 2-3 days. They should rest, do no heavy lifting and take pain medications and antibiotics as prescribed.

Benefits

The majority of people circumcise their baby boys for cultural or religious reasons. Others believe that removing the foreskin of the penis has health benefits, such as

  • Prevention of urinary tract infections in infants
  • Prevention of foreskin infections.
  • Prevention of penile cancer in adult men.
  • Reduced risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Female sexual partners have a lower risk of developing cervical cancer.
  • Reduced risk of penis infection and swelling.
  • Prevention of a condition called phimosis, in which the foreskin is not retractable in uncircumcised males.
  • Easier genital hygiene.

Risks

Circumcision has some risks as any other procedure.

  • Bleeding and infection are the most common risks.
  • The skin of the penis is also extremely sensitive after circumcision. Contact with the baby's diaper or the ammonia in urine can irritate the skin. This can be treated by applying petroleum jelly to the penis for a few days.
  • Higher chance of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the penis).
  • Risk of injury to the penis.

Care at Medicover

Medicover Hospital has the best team of urologists,obstetricians, and pediatric surgeons who perform circumcision procedures with precision, safety and expertise. The experienced team of doctors collaborate to ensure you receive a state of the art treatment plan that’s personalized to your condition. We provide a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures using the most advanced technologies and world-class equipment, bringing out the best possible outcomes.


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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical procedure to remove the foreskin, which is the fold of skin that covers the head of the penis.

2. Why is circumcision performed?

Circumcision is performed for various reasons, including cultural or religious beliefs, personal preferences, medical conditions such as phimosis (a condition where the foreskin is too tight and cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis), recurrent infections, or as a preventive measure against certain sexually transmitted infections(STIs).

3. Is circumcision painful?

Yes, circumcision can cause discomfort or pain, especially during and after the procedure. However, local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area and minimize pain during the procedure. Pain medications may also be prescribed for post-operative pain management.

4. What are the risks and complications of circumcision?

Like any surgical procedure, circumcision carries some risks and potential complications, although they are generally rare. These can include bleeding, infection, excessive scarring, incomplete removal of the foreskin, and complications related to anesthesia.

5. Is circumcision permanent?

Yes, circumcision is a permanent surgical procedure that removes the foreskin and cannot be reversed.

6. Are there any benefits to circumcision?

There are some potential benefits to circumcision, although they can vary depending on individual circumstances. Some studies suggest that circumcision may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections (such as HIV, herpes, and syphilis), and penile cancer.

7. Is circumcision recommended for all males?

Circumcision is not universally recommended for all males. The decision to undergo circumcision is generally a personal choice, and it is important to consider cultural, religious, and individual factors when making this decision. It's recommended to discuss the pros and cons of circumcision with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

8. What is the recovery process after circumcision?

The recovery process after circumcision typically involves keeping the area clean and avoiding activities that may cause friction or trauma to the healing penis. It's important to follow any specific care instructions provided by the healthcare provider and to report any signs of infection or complications.

9. Can circumcision affect sexual function?

Circumcision does not significantly impact sexual function or pleasure in most men. However, some men may experience changes in sensation, although these changes are usually minimal.

10. Can circumcision be performed on infants?

Yes, circumcision can be performed on infants, usually within the first few days to weeks of life. However, the decision to circumcise an infant is often a personal, cultural, or religious choice made by the parents or guardians.

Citations

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=circumcision-90-P03080
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/circumcision
https://patients.uroweb.org/treatments/circumcision/