Circumcision: Everything You Need to Know About the Procedure and Its Health Effects

What is Circumcision?

Known as posthectomy, circumcision is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin, the retractable skin covering the glans penis (also called the "head"). This practice is recommended due to its proven benefits for urological health. It facilitates hygiene of the male genitalia, thereby reducing the risk of contracting various pathologies.

 

Circumcision, an ancient practice that has spread throughout the world, is currently performed on over 80% of men in North America.

While numerous studies have highlighted the advantages of circumcision, there are also dissenting opinions that deem it unnecessary, particularly when routinely performed on all boys.

 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the benefits of circumcision in newborns have been shown to outweigh the risks. However, the AAP also states that these benefits are not significant enough to recommend it for everyone.

 

What Medical Reasons Might Warrant a Posthectomy?

In addition to preventative uses, circumcision may be offered as therapy for certain diseases affecting the male reproductive organ. It can be prescribed in cases of phimosis, a painful condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted, leading to difficulty urinating. It may also be recommended in cases of balanitis, a recurrent inflammatory infection of the foreskin and glans, or chronic urinary tract infections. Furthermore, circumcision can provide benefits for men suffering from premature ejaculation and may even play a role in preventing penile cancer, a rare form of cancer affecting the glans or inner part of the foreskin.

 

What Does the Procedure Entail?

For optimal care, circumcision surgery should be performed by specialists such as urologists or plastic surgeons. This procedure is outpatient and can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia, the latter being most commonly used in adults. The foreskin is removed via an incision below the glans, and the area is then sutured to allow for partial or total exposure of the penis.

 

Circumcision Healing: How Long Does It Take to Heal After Circumcision? Recovery time is relatively quick (Adult Circumcision Healing Time: A ten-day healing schedule for the penis is recommended to ensure effective healing and prevent complications related to circumcision. While these complications are uncommon, they are generally resolvable. Neonatal circumcision is the simplest and safest method, with an adverse event rate of only 0.2 to 0.4%. However, it's important to note that circumcision in adolescents and adults can lead to issues such as bleeding, hematoma formation, or infections. That being said, if the operation is performed by experienced professionals in a suitable medical setting. However, if inexperienced individuals use inadequate equipment or fail to provide proper post-operative care, circumcision can have serious consequences. Therefore, attentiveness and caution are paramount during its performance.

 

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What Are the Possible Consequences of Circumcision?

Circumcision offers numerous benefits, such as a reduction in urinary tract infections and a decreased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. But that's not all, this procedure also helps reduce the risks of penile cancer and cervical cancer in the partner, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

 

There are also advantages such as the prevention of inflammation of the glans and foreskin (called balanitis and balanoposthitis). Furthermore, this procedure is a remedy for paraphimosis, a disorder where the skin cannot return to its normal position.

 

However, it is important to note that these points do not justify the idea that there are no other options for protecting against penile diseases and infections for uncircumcised men. It's crucial to remember that positive health standards can be achieved through proper hygiene and the use of condoms.

 

It is important to note that circumcision does carry some potential risks, ranging from pain to the possibility of bleeding and infection in the surgical area. Furthermore, complications such as irritation of the glans and inflammation of the opening leading to the urethra may also occur. However, when performed in a reputable clinic by qualified professionals and in an appropriate environment, the risk of complications is minimal. It is therefore essential to choose carefully where and by whom to be circumcised to minimize these risks.

Male Circumcision: Adult Male Circumcision

The fact is that whether or not to undergo circumcision is a decision that rests with the parents in the case of infants, and with the man himself when he is a young adult or an adult. Specific information related to each case is more firmly established when obtained from the respective pediatrician or urologist. After all, specialized guidance is the best way to determine when a circumcision or any other intervention is necessary!

 

Is Circumcision a Risky Operation?

Like any surgical procedure, circumcision may also present possible complications, including:

  • Infection and surgical wound dehiscence;
  • Bleeding at the suture site;
  • Glans hematoma;
  • Edema and alteration of the normal circumcision healing process;
  • Post-operative pain (generally well-tolerated);
  • Pain from tissue pulling during erection, even months after surgery;

It is important to note that circumcision can cause medium and long-term side effects, in addition to post-operative complications. These adverse effects may include:

  • Glans hypersensitivity;
  • Frenulum ulcers;
  • Infections;
  • Adhesions;
  • Meatal stenosis;

It is important to note that complications may be closely linked to the success of the operation and the surgeon's skill in performing it. A skillfully performed circumcision will undoubtedly have a lower probability of causing adverse events.

 

There is no evidence to suggest significant differences in elements of sexual function (sensation, feeling, and sexual pleasure) between circumcised and uncircumcised men.

 

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