Circumcision in adult men: causes, diagnosis and treatment (2023)

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. The foreskin covers the head of a flaccid penis. When the penis is erect, the foreskin pulls back to expose the penis.

During circumcision, the doctor cuts off part of the foreskin and reattaches the remaining part to create a shorter section of skin.

Infant circumcision is performed for a variety of reasons, including religious, social, medical, and cultural purposes. In the Jewish and Islamic communities, for example, this procedure is common within the framework of religious norms.

Newborn circumcision is more common than adolescent or adult circumcision. In the United States, more than 58% of newborns are circumcised. However, the overall circumcision rate in the United States can be as high as 71%.

Some people with an uncircumcised penis have the procedure later in life. Circumcision in adults is usually a simple procedure, although it is a larger operation than in babies.

People who choose to do so may do so for the same reasons parents choose for their newborns: medical, religious, or social.

Keep in mind that circumcision is a constant source of discussion and debate in many societies. We will present some of the current evidence and research, but many claims are controversial.

In the United States, theAmerican Academy of Pediatricshe currently supports the infant procedure for its health benefits. However, the group emphasizes that the final decision rests with the child's parents and none of the decisions are wrong.

In adults, on the other hand, the benefits of circumcision largely depend on why the procedure was performed in the first place. It's your choice.

When done as an established treatment for a condition, the health benefits are more widely known. Conditions that can be treated with circumcision include:

• Phimosis
• parafimosa
• balanitis

Other purported health benefits should be approached with caution. Commonly cited benefits include the following:

USA The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with penises have a lower risk of contracting HIV through vaginal sex if they are circumcised. The World Health Organization reports that the risk is 60% lower in circumcised people.

According to the CDC, circumcision also reduces a person's risk of contracting herpes and the human papillomavirus (HPV) through vaginal intercourse.

Other research involving heterosexual couples suggests that circumcision may protect people with penises and their sexual partners from syphilis.

However, this remains a hotly debated topic among researchers. Most importantly, you should not assume that circumcision offers protection against HIV or any other sexually transmitted infection.

According to research, people with a circumcised penis may have a lower risk of:HEcompared to people with an intact foreskin.

It's worth noting that this study was done on people who were circumcised as babies.

Phimosis is a condition that develops when the foreskin does not retract over the penis. This can cause uncomfortable tightness, scarring, inflammation, and even infection. Circumcision can prevent this condition.

Also, balanitis occurs when the head of the penis becomes inflamed and swollen. It could be the result of infection or irritation, but circumcision will help prevent a recurrence.

Circumcision is a proven treatment for both conditions.

This is largely a misunderstanding. Both uncircumcised and circumcised penises need proper cleaning.

While some people believe that an uncircumcised penis requires special attention when it comes to hygiene, other steps are necessary.

Oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells can accumulate under the foreskin and become a buildup called smegma. Left untreated, Smeg can cause painful side effects, including infections such as balanitis.

People who are adherents of a particular religion or wish to adhere to cultural traditions may find that completing the procedure has emotional or spiritual benefit.

This is a personal choice and if circumcision is important to your spiritual life, you may find benefits in this area.

Adult circumcision is a relatively simple procedure, but that doesn't mean it's risk-free.

The most common risks associated with adult circumcision include:

• bleeding.There may be bleeding around the incision for a few hours or days after the procedure.
• Infection.Infection of the incision is possible. May prolong recovery.
• reactions to anesthesia.Most people receive some type of anesthesia before the procedure. Reactions to medications are possible. These include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
• foreskin problemsDuring the procedure, it can happen that the skin is cut too much. The coat can also become too long. Both can cause additional problems and complications.
• wound complications.The incision and stitches may not heal properly. This can lead to skin problems or annoying circumcision scars.
• reinsertionThe foreskin may be incorrectly on the penis. This condition can be very uncomfortable and may require additional surgery.

Newborn circumcision is a very short procedure. However, for an adult, the operation is a bit more complicated. It can take between 30 minutes and an hour.

An anesthesiologist will give you medicine to calm you down. Depending on your preferences, you may be given general or more localized anesthesia.

During the procedure, the doctor moves the foreskin away from the glans and then moves it back closer to the shaft. They measure exactly how much skin they need to remove.

The doctor then cuts the skin with a scalpel. (In infant circumcision, the doctor cuts the skin of the penis with scissors or a special device.)

In adults, the skin is cauterized or sutured back to the socket with dissolving sutures. Once the stitches are in place and the penis is wrapped in a protective bandage, you will be taken to a recovery room.

As long as there are no immediate complications, most people can go home the day of surgery.

In the hours and days immediately following surgery, you will likely notice swelling and bruising on and around your penis. This is expected. Put an ice pack on your groin for 10 to 20 minutes every two hours. Be sure to place a thin piece of cloth between the ice and the skin.

During the first days of recovery it is important to keep the bandages around the penis clean to reduce the risk of infection. On the second or third day, your doctor may ask you to return to the office to change the dressing.

Recovery from circumcision in adults usually takes two to three weeks. You may need to request a week's leave from work. Some people will not be able to return to their normal activities.

With your doctor's permission, you may return to normal physical activity, including exercise, four weeks after the procedure. Intercourse and masturbation can take a little longer, up to six weeks.

Your doctor can guide you on an appropriate schedule based on your healing and health.

Circumcision pain in adults is usually mild. Your doctor can prescribe a mild pain reliever, but over-the-counter options may be enough to ease discomfort. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent possible infection.

Wear comfortable but supportive underwear that can hold the glans toward your belly button when lying down. Loose fitting underwear allows a lot of movement. This can increase swelling and pain.

One to two days after surgery, you should try to walk. Keep the movement low-impact and slow at first. Do not engage in normal physical activity without your doctor's permission.

Once the bandage is removed, you can shower. Be careful not to rub the incision with a washcloth or towel, and avoid using scented soaps or gels for several weeks. Fragrances and chemicals can irritate sensitive skin during healing. Blot the area to reduce sensitivity.

The results you experience with adult circumcision largely depend on why the procedure was performed in the first place.

If you have decided to stop or prevent an infection or physical problems such as phimosis, the procedure is often very successful. You may not experience this again in the future.

If your circumcision was for religious reasons, you may feel more personal about your beliefs once the procedure is complete.

The results are different for everyone, and you may be affected in a different way. For most people, surgery has no lasting effects on sexual function, urination, or sensation.

Most people circumcised in the United States undergo the procedure as newborns. Deciding to have him as an adult requires some initiative and planning. It is important that you understand your reasons and the risks involved in the procedure.

Remember, however, that adult circumcision is a simple procedure with few risks or complications.

Talk to your doctor about your expectations for circumcision. Together you can create a plan that is convenient and appropriate for your goals.