Circumcision: What You Need to Know About This Procedure

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision, also known as foreskin removal, is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin from the penis. Practiced for over 5,000 years, it's now common, with about 30% of men worldwide having undergone it, primarily for religious reasons. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, nearly 68% of circumcised men are Muslim.

 

It's arguably one of the world's oldest surgical procedures and is probably the most common. Generally, when neither the foreskin nor the penis is otherwise affected, this procedure is performed for family, religious, and cultural reasons.

 

In Islam and Judaism, circumcision is a common practice performed on all male newborns. However, in other cultures, circumcision only occurs when deemed necessary. In such cases, indications may be mandatory or optional. This is often the case when the foreskin completely covers the glans, forming a fibrous ring at its end, making retraction and exposure of the skin difficult (phimosis). Phimosis requires correction through circumcision.

 

Why have a circumcision?

Religious reasons

Circumcision is performed for various reasons, both medical and non-medical. In many African, Jewish, and Islamic communities, this practice is common and generally performed on children.

 

Hygienic and cultural reasons

Male circumcision may be indicated for hygienic reasons, beyond cultural and religious considerations. It is indicated in:

  • HIV prevention: WHO data indicates circumcision significantly reduces, up to 60%, the risk of HIV transmission during vaginal sex.
  • Penile cancer: While rare, studies suggest a correlation between circumcision and a reduced risk of penile cancer.

Medical reasons

Adult circumcision surgery may be considered as a treatment option in the following cases:

  • Phimosis: when the foreskin is too tight to retract over the glans penis. This can cause pain and trauma during erection and, rarely, urinary retention.
  • Repeated balanoposthitis: repeated inflammation and infection of the foreskin and glans. This can be due to STIs, thrush, skin irritation, or other skin conditions. It's uncommon in circumcised men.
  • Paraphimosis: when the foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans, restricting blood flow. This requires emergency intervention to prevent penile necrosis.

How is circumcision performed?

Procedure

Circumcision is usually performed under local anesthesia, with sedation if necessary (e.g., for children or anxious patients), and should be performed by a urologist.

 

Foreskin removal is relatively quick, taking 15 to 30 minutes depending on the penis and the doctor's experience.

 

How long for complete healing?

Recovery is generally quick.

 

Adult circumcision healing time: Circumcision healing: Generally takes about 7 days.

 

Patients usually resume normal activities within 10 to 15 days.

 

Optimal recovery time varies, but is generally 10 to 15 days. It's advisable to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before resuming sexual activity, including masturbation, considering the type of surgery and scar healing.

 

Post-operation, clean and disinfect the area (soap and water, possibly Betadine initially). Monitor for inflammation and apply ointment for pain relief.

 

Adult male circumcision: For adolescents or adults, medication to reduce nocturnal erections may be recommended to prevent complications like suture rupture or bleeding.

There are no dietary restrictions.

 

Is circumcision reimbursed?

Adult circumcision price Circumcision price: varies depending on several factors. Generally, it's not expensive compared to other surgical procedures.

Following a consultation, only a urologist can determine the exact cost.

Reimbursement is possible, especially for medically necessary procedures.

 

Risks of circumcision

While circumcision is very safe, risks exist. Complications, though rare, can occur during or after the procedure.

 

Post-operative problems include urethral injury, bleeding, and infection. Rarely, poor blood circulation in the glans may occur, often associated with deep dissection and local anesthesia. With care and monitoring, this usually resolves without significant sequelae.

 

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Impact on sexuality

Few men have compared their sex lives before and after circumcision, so conclusive studies are lacking.

 

As the penis adapts, increased glans sensitivity may occur initially. Later, the glans skin, previously protected by the lubricated foreskin, dries and hardens, altering sensitivity.

The foreskin is a nerve-rich area; its removal results in nerve loss.

 

Some seek circumcision for aesthetic reasons, believing it improves appearance. However, it doesn't increase penis size, length, or sexual function. Ejaculation remains unchanged.

 

Health professionals recommend abstaining from sexual activity for four to five weeks post-surgery to minimize pain and complications.

 

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