Brief on Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical procedure of the removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. It is one of the most widely performed surgeries on newborn boys and is prevalent in many parts of the world. Opting for circumcision after the newborn period can be done but becomes a delicate task.
Circumcision is a religious ritual for some families, as it can be a matter of family tradition, or personal hygiene. Some also undertake this procedure as an option for preventive health care. However, circumcision seems unnecessary or disfiguring, if not vital.
Why do people opt for Circumcision Surgery?
Circumcision is practiced as a religious or cultural ritual for Jewish and Muslim families across the globe. Certain aboriginal tribes in Africa and Australia also perform this procedure on their newborns. However, circumcision can also be performed in case of a medical need such as when the foreskin is too tight to be retracted over the penis head. In parts of Africa, circumcision is recommended for older boys or men. They opt for the procedure to reduce the risk of STIs, or Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Benefits of Opting for Circumcision Surgery
Being circumcised can be helpful in various matters, such as the following:
Better Genital Hygiene
A circumcised penis is easier to wash. Boys with uncircumcised penises must wash their penis regularly beneath the foreskin.
Lesser Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
Although the risk of UTIs, i.e., Urinary Tract Infections in males is low, such infections are more seen in uncircumcised males, which can lead to kidney problems.
Lesser Risk of STIs
Most circumcised men have a lower risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), such as HIV. So, you can opt for circumcision surgery to observe safe sexual practices.
Prevention of Penile Ailments
Sometimes, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult to retract. Such a condition is termed phimosis, which can lead to foreskin or penis head (glans) inflammation.
Lesser Risk of Penile Cancer
Penile Cancer is less common in circumcised men, although it is an altogether rarity. Also, females are at a lesser risk of cervical cancer if their sexual partners are circumcised men.
Doubts regarding Circumcision Surgery?
We usually are not hell-bent on circumcision surgery, but in certain cases, it becomes inevitable. Complications otherwise are a rarity, but you can avoid them with proper care of the penis. We do not recommend circumcision surgery for patients with certain blood-clotting disorders. Circumcision is also not appropriate for premature babies requiring medical care in the nursery or babies born with penile abnormalities. There is a myth that needs to be busted, that circumcision affects fertility, which is not the case. Circumcision does not enhance or detract sexual pleasure for men.
Are there any risks with Circumcision Surgery?
In a nutshell, yes but only a few. The most common complication of circumcision surgery is post-operational bleeding and infection. You can also develop side effects related to anesthesia applications. Also, circumcision does not result in any foreskin problems. Some issues arising from Circumcision surgery can be:
- Foreskin might be cut too short or too long
- Foreskin might not heal properly
- The lagging foreskin might reattach to the penis’s end
- Post-operation surgical repair
FAQ
What is circumcision surgery?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis. There are several benefits of circumcision surgery, such as urinary tract infections. Men can also get circumcised at any age, which can usually heal in a week.
Why is circumcision performed?
Circumcision is a very common procedure with various benefits such as the ease of keeping the penis clean. It can also prevent diseases like Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), but it comes with its risks.
Is circumcision surgery safe?
Yes, circumcision is a safe and simple procedure. We remove the foreskin just behind the glan using a scalpel or surgical scissors. You can stop the bleeding using cauterization. Thereafter, the remaining edges of the skin will be stitched using dissolvable stitches.
At what age is circumcision typically performed?
Circumcisions are only done during the first 10 days or the first 48 hours of a baby’s life in the hospital by the pediatrician, or obstetrician. People also opt for religious ritual circumcisions at home.
How is circumcision surgery performed?
In the circumcision procedure, the foreskin is removed behind the head of the penis using surgical scissors. The bleeding is kept at bay using cauterization and the remaining skin edges are stitched together using dissolvable stitches.
Is circumcision surgery painful?
Yes. You will experience mild to moderate pain after circumcision under general anesthesia using an intraoperative penile block. Although severe pain is rare, relating to complications, younger patients majorly experience more discomfort.
What are the potential complications of circumcision surgery?
The following can be major and minor complications of the circumcision procedure:
- Bleeding
- Glans injury
- Infection
- Adhesion
- Excessive foreskin removal
- Meatal Stenosis
- Phimosis
- False Micropenis
Can adult males undergo circumcision surgery?
People get circumcised for religious, medical, and cultural reasons. Adults can get circumcised as well but the process is more common in young infants.
What is the recovery process like after circumcision surgery?
After discharge from the hospital, you’ll recover at home. You can drive, return to work and have sex, but it usually takes at least 10 days for the penis to heal after circumcision.
Are there any specific care instructions after circumcision surgery?
Yes. You must wash the surgery area daily with warm water and pat it dry. We recommend you not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on it. You can also cover the area with a layer of petroleum jelly if it weeps or rubs against clothing. Please change the bandage every day.
Are there any cultural or religious considerations for circumcision surgery?
In Judaism, male circumcision is a means to moderate the sexual pleasure of men. Similar views, to do with reducing sexual pleasure, circumcision is promoted in Islam.
Can circumcision surgery be reversed?
No, you cannot get your old foreskin back. All you can do is stretch the penile skin over time to create a new foreskin. You can also opt for surgically attaching skin from another area of your body to the penis.