An adult circumcision is an option for those men who do not go through the procedure as infants, and yes, there are some good medical reasons for this procedure. As a basic, you should know that adult circumcision surgery remains one of the oldest surgical procedures in existence, and there are religious, cultural and sometimes health-related reasons behind why men opt for the surgery. In some cases, this simply reflects personal preference.
As mentioned above, the adult circumcision is not an option for men who did not go through circumcision as infants. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as much as 79% of American men report they that they have not gone through the surgical procedure.
The procedure is the removal of the foreskin (the sheath of tissue that covers the head of the penis). In some cases, parents choose the circumcision surgery for their newborns. In ancient Egypt, and a renowned historical fact, circumcision is an ancient practice that had its beginnings in religious rites. Today, it is a surgery for both religious as well as medical reasons.
When Should You Consider an Adult Circumcision Surgery?
When Should You Consider an Adult Circumcision Surgery?The male circumcision is not a surgical procedure people perform routinely, but when medical reasons come up, that’s when you will need to take action. There are a number of medical conditions that affect the genitals of adult men, for these, circumcision is often the best treatment. When people walk into Circumcision Center, they complain about some common conditions, including:
Phimosis
This is a condition where the foreskin constricts and does not pull back over the head of the penis (or glans). In rare conditions, it is possible to treat this condition with medications, but men who fail to respond to the medications often opt for the circumcision surgery. (Note that during childhood until the about 5 years of age, the foreskin usually does not pull back over the glans. This is because the foreskin and glans do not separate.
Recurrent Balanoposthitis
Another common condition that calls for the need of an adult circumcision surgery is Balanoposthitis, a recurrent infection that also goes by the name balanitis. When this infection afflicts the glans of the penis, it causes inflammation. It often affects about 3-4% of men and around 1% battle with recurring balanoposthitis for which a circumcision surgery is the best treatment.
Penile Cancer
Although this is rare, the occurrence of penile cancer is less common in a circumcised penis.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
An uncircumcised penis also brings along other sexually transmitted diseases such as genital ulcers, human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, and syphilis and type two herpes. The suitable solution is often an adult circumcision surgery in either case.
HIV Transmission
Many international studies also show that an adult circumcision surgery helps to lower the possible risks of HIV disease transmission. The United States for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that men should consider opting for circumcision as an additional measure, along with safe intercourse to prevent the disease.
What to Expect
If you have made up your mind to go through the circumcision surgery, here is what you can expect:
- Your doctor would inject you with general or local anesthesia.
- They will retract the foreskin, make incisions and trim it off.
- Absorbable and small sutures will help to close the incisions.
- On the day of the surgery, you will be able to go home.
- In the first few days after your surgery, your penis would be bruised, painful and swollen, which is normal. However, if it persists, it is advisable that you consult your doctors.
- Usually, surgeons also place a dressing over the circumcised penis, which you can remove at home after soaking in a warm bath.
- After about two weeks after the surgery, your doctors will instruct you to avoid intercourse and abstain from heavy exercises for about six weeks.
Possible (but Rare) Risks of Adult Circumcision
Circumcision is a common and safe procedure. However, just like other surgeries, some risks with the surgery are rare, including:
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Infection as a common side effect due to poor care
- Pain
- Irritation of the glans, around the tip of the penis
- Cutting the foreskin too long or short
- Meatitis, which is the inflammation of the opening of the penis
In rare cases, the foreskin tends to fail in healing properly and the remaining foreskin may attach itself again to the end of the penis, resulting in a second or revision surgery. Note that the adult circumcision does not affect fertility and does not hurt or have an effect on a person’s pleasure.
When Should You Call Your Doctor?
You can call your doctor when there are signs the penis is not healing properly. Some of these include:
- Urination that doesn’t resume within 12 hours
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Foul order or discharge
- Excessive swelling
- Prolonged duration of pain
A circumcision surgery, especially in adult male remains a personal choice. However, if you feel you experience any of the mentioned conditions, it is advisable that you consult a doctor near your area today.