Procedure | Surgical
Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. The procedure is fairly common for newborn boys in certain parts of the world. For some families, circumcision is a religious ritual. The procedure can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. Circumcision is usually performed on the first or second day after birth. The procedure becomes more complicated and riskier in older babies, children, and men.
It is also said that circumcision might have various health benefits, including:
Easier hygiene.
Prevention of penile problems.
Decreased risk of penile cancer.
Decreased risk of urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.
There are several techniques however, the choice of technique is dependent on your doctor.
The procedure begins with a thorough cleansing and then numbing of the penis. Having a clamp or ring on the penis, the doctor will remove the foreskin. Once completed, a topical antibiotic or petroleum jelly will then be put on the area before wrapping with gauze.
For older boys and men, medication may be given to sleep during the procedure.
A newborn procedure takes up to 10 minutes while for adults, may take up to an hour.
Expect some soreness, pain or smarting sensation when passing urine. Oral painkillers may be prescribed. An anaesthetic gel may also be given to help reduce pain.
The expected recovery period may take up to 10 days.
You will be given detail post-operative care instructions and do follow them closely to ensure proper healing.
Try to wear loose clothing.
Gentle wash is usually safe following the surgery.
For newborns, change the bandage with each diaper change and dapping petroleum jelly can help keep the penis from sticking to the diaper.
Once healed, it is safe to wash with soap and water during normal showers.
Complications following circumcision are rare, but can include:
• Pain
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Cutting the foreskin too short or too long
• Irritation to the head of the penis.
• Narrowing of the meatus (the tube that allows urine to exit from the body)
• Reduced sensitivity, which may cause a decrease in sexual pleasure later in life or painful intercourse for the man’s sexual partner.
