Circumcision: A Complete Guide
Circumcision is a surgery to remove the skin that covers the tip of the penis, also called the foreskin. The procedure is fairly common for newborn boys in parts of the world, including the United States. Circumcision later in life can be done, but it has more risks and recovery may take longer.
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What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin, the retractable fold of skin covering the head of the penis. It is performed for medical, religious, or cultural reasons. In some cases, circumcision is recommended to treat certain medical conditions such as phimosis, balanitis, and recurrent infections.
Types of Circumcision
1
Traditional Surgical Circumcision
A conventional method where the foreskin is surgically removed using a scalpel and stitched with dissolvable sutures.
2
Laser Circumcision
A modern, minimally invasive technique where a laser is used to remove the foreskin, reducing bleeding, pain, and healing time.
3
Stapler Circumcision
A technique that uses a stapler device to remove and seal the foreskin simultaneously, ensuring faster recovery and minimal complications.
4
Plastibell Method
Commonly used in infants, where a plastic ring is placed around the foreskin and naturally falls off after a few days.
Causes Leading to the Need for Circumcision
- Phimosis: Tight foreskin leading to pain and infection
- Balanitis: Recurrent inflammation of the foreskin
- Paraphimosis: A trapped foreskin causing swelling and discomfort
- Hygiene Issues: Difficulty in maintaining cleanliness under the foreskin
- Medical Recommendation: Prevention of UTIs, STDs, or penile cancer in some cases
How to Recover After Circumcision
Proper post-operative care ensures smooth healing. Follow these recovery tips:
✔ Keep the area clean and dry
✔ Wear loose, comfortable underwear
✔ Apply prescribed antibiotic ointments
✔ Avoid strenuous activities for a few days
✔ Take pain-relieving medications if needed
✔ Follow up with your doctor if any unusual symptoms appear
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Circumcision
- Pain or discomfort while retracting the foreskin
- Infections such as balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin)
- Phimosis (tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back)
- Paraphimosis (trapped foreskin causing swelling and pain)
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Diagnosis of Conditions Requiring Circumcision
A doctor will conduct a physical examination and review the patient’s symptoms before recommending circumcision. In some cases, additional tests such as urine analysis or swabs may be conducted to rule out infections.
Risks of Delaying Circumcision Treatment
Delaying circumcision when medically necessary can lead to:
- Recurrent infections and inflammation
- Increased pain and discomfort
- Risk of urinary retention and kidney issues
- Higher chances of penile cancer in rare cases
Benefits of Laser Circumcision
Laser circumcision is a modern approach offering several advantages:
✅ Minimally Invasive: Reduced bleeding and no stitches required
✅ Faster Healing: Recovery within a few days compared to traditional methods
✅ Less Pain & Discomfort: Laser precision reduces tissue damage
✅ Lower Risk of Infection: Quick healing reduces the risk of post-surgical infections
✅ Outpatient Procedure: Performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime
Risks and Complications of Circumcision
While circumcision is generally safe, some risks include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Swelling and discomfort
- Sensitivity in the penile area
- Rare cases of improper healing requiring correction
Signs of a Healing Circumcision
Normal healing signs include:
- Mild redness and swelling in the first few days
- Formation of a scab that gradually disappears
- Decreased pain and sensitivity over time
- No unusual discharge or foul smell
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Circumcision treatment is mainly covered under your health insurance. Most of the time, your insurer will cover a particular amount for Circumcision and related diseases. However, the amount of coverage you will have depends on the type of policy.
It is important to know that medical treatment for Circumcision will not be covered under your insurance policy, it will only cover the cost or expenses of the surgical treatment, but to claim this, you will have to be hospitalized for 24 hours.
Know more about Circumcision
Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin, the fold of skin covering the head of the penis, is removed. It is one of the most common and oldest surgical practices, with a history spanning thousands of years. The procedure is performed for various reasons, including religious, cultural, medical, and personal preferences.
Religious and Cultural Significance:
Circumcision holds deep significance in many cultures and religions. It is a key ritual in Judaism, where it is traditionally performed on the eighth day of a male infant’s life. In Islam, it is also a common practice, although the timing and method can vary. Several African and Indigenous cultures also practice circumcision as part of rites of passage.
Health Benefits:
Circumcision has some potential health benefits, although opinions on its necessity can vary. Medical studies suggest that circumcised men may have a lower risk of certain infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV. It can also reduce the risk of penile cancer and prevent conditions like phimosis, where the foreskin cannot be retracted.
Procedure and Recovery:
Circumcision is typically done under local anesthesia in infants, children, or adults, with the procedure lasting around 15-30 minutes. After the surgery, patients may experience discomfort, swelling, or mild pain, but recovery is generally quick, with most individuals returning to normal activities within a few weeks.
Controversy and Considerations:
The practice remains controversial, especially when performed on infants who cannot consent. Opponents argue that it should be a personal choice made when the individual is older, while proponents highlight its medical benefits and cultural importance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is circumcision surgery painful?
Conclusions: Pain is mild to moderate after circumcision in adults under general anesthesia with an intraoperative penile block. Severe pain is rare and mostly related to complications. Younger patients generally have more discomfort.
What happens if a man is circumcised?
Circumcised males do not develop phimosis or para-phimosis, and they are at lower risk for balanitis, human papilloma virus infection [16], and penile cancer [17–19]. In addition, female sexual partners of circumcised men have been shown to have reduced risk of cervical cancer [13] and chlamydial infection [20].
What is the purpose of circumcision?
Evidence suggests that circumcision has health benefits, including: Less risk of urinary tract infections. A lower risk of some sexually transmitted diseases. Protection against cancer of the penis and a lower risk of cervical cancer in sex partners.
What are the side effects of circumcision?
Apart from the initial swelling, bleeding and infection are the 2 most common problems associated with circumcision. Other possible complications of circumcision can include: permanent reduction in sensation in the head of the penis, particularly during sex. tenderness around the scar.
Why do Muslims do circumcision?
For Muslims, male circumcision is performed for religious reasons, mainly to follow the sunnah (practice) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Moreover, there are attempts to label it as a contributor to cleanliness / personal hygiene. These are done largely to grant the practice scientific legitimacy and a moral foundation.
What age is best for circumcision?
These findings suggest that it is better to perform circumcision when boys are < 1 year old, when the anesthesia complications are also at a minimum. A longer hospitalization is associated with an increased risk of infection as well as increased costs (24).
How long is circumcision surgery?
- Circumcision is a surgery that removes the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is a piece of skin that protects the end of the penis. The surgery takes about 15 minutes. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that circumcision is not medically needed for a baby boy to be healthy or clean.
Can I walk after circumcision?
After three days, you may resume your daily routine but should continue to avoid high-impact activities such as running, skiing, or boating as well as activities that put direct pressure on the scrotum such as riding a motorcycle, ATV, or snow machine for a total of 6 weeks after surgery.