What is circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin, (the skin covering the head of the penis). It is typically performed for medical reasons, such as reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and penile cancer. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and can be done on infants, children, or adults. While circumcision is not considered medically necessary in all cases, it can have potential health benefits and may be recommended by healthcare providers.

What to expect during circumcision ?

During a circumcision procedure, the foreskin is removed from the penis. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

Preparation: Before the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. The anesthetic may be in the form of a cream, injection, or spray.
Sterilization: Once the area is numbed, the surgeon will sterilize the area around the penis to reduce the risk of infection.
Removal of foreskin: The surgeon will use a scalpel or other cutting instrument to make a small incision in the foreskin. The foreskin will then be gently pulled back and removed. The surgeon will carefully remove any remaining tissue and stop any bleeding before closing the incision.
Dressing the wound: After the procedure is complete, the surgeon will dress the wound with gauze and apply an antibiotic ointment. A protective dressing may also be placed over the area.
Recovery: After the procedure, you will need to rest for several hours. You may experience some pain or discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the wound and what activities to avoid during the healing process.

Various approaches that can be employed

Conventional Circumcision: This is the most common type of circumcision, in which the foreskin is removed using a scalpel or scissors. The remaining skin is then stitched or cauterized to stop bleeding.
Plastibell Circumcision: This type of circumcision involves using a device called a Plastibell, which is a plastic ring that fits over the head of the penis. The foreskin is pulled over the ring and then cut, leaving the ring in place to compress the remaining foreskin. The ring will eventually fall off, and the remaining skin will heal.
Gomco Circumcision: This type of circumcision involves using a device called a Gomco clamp, which applies pressure to the foreskin and removes it using a scalpel. The clamp remains in place for several minutes to prevent bleeding.
ShangRing Circumcision: This type of circumcision involves using a device called a ShangRing, which is a plastic ring that fits over the head of the penis. The foreskin is pulled over the ring and then cut, leaving the ring in place to compress the remaining foreskin. The ring is then removed after a few minutes, and the remaining skin will heal.
Laser Circumcision: This type of circumcision uses a laser to remove the foreskin. This method is less common than other types of circumcision and is typically only used in cases where other methods are not feasible.

Benefits of Circumcision

Reduced risk of STIs: Studies have shown that men who are circumcised are at a lower risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, herpes, and HPV.
Reduced risk of UTIs: Circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in infants and young boys.
Improved hygiene: Circumcision can make it easier to keep the penis clean, which can reduce the risk of infections and other complications.
Reduced risk of penile cancer: Although rare, penile cancer is more common in uncircumcised men than in those who have been circumcised.
Lower risk of prostate cancer: Some studies have suggested that circumcised men may have a lower risk of prostate cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this.
Reduced risk of phimosis and paraphimosis: Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis, while paraphimosis is a condition in which the foreskin becomes trapped behind the head of the penis. Circumcision can reduce the risk of both of these conditions.

Risks and complications

It’s important to note that these risks are generally considered to be low, and most men who undergo circumcision do not experience any significant complications. It’s also worth noting that the risks and benefits of circumcision can vary depending on factors such as age, health, and personal preference. If you are considering circumcision, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider in order to make an informed decision.

Bleeding: Bleeding is a common complication of circumcision. In most cases, the bleeding is mild and can be controlled with pressure or a topical agent. However, in rare cases, bleeding may be more severe and require medical intervention.
Infection: Infection is another potential complication of circumcision. Infection can occur at the site of the incision or in the urinary tract. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, and fever.
Pain: Pain and discomfort are common after circumcision. Pain can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, but in some cases, stronger medication may be needed.
Scarring: Scarring is a potential complication of circumcision. In some cases, the scar may be more visible or thicker than desired.
Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome: In some cases, the cosmetic outcome of the circumcision may be unsatisfactory, which may cause emotional distress.
Reduced sensitivity: Circumcision may result in reduced sensitivity of the penis, although this is a controversial topic and the evidence is mixed.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

The pre-procedure preparation for circumcision can vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure being performed. However, here are some general guidelines that may apply:

Consultation: The first step in preparing for circumcision is usually a consultation with a healthcare provider. During this consultation, the provider will discuss the risks and benefits of circumcision and answer any questions the patient may have. The provider may also ask about the patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam to determine whether circumcision is appropriate.
Fasting: In some cases, patients may be asked to fast for a certain amount of time before the procedure. This is to prevent nausea and vomiting during or after the procedure.
Medications: Depending on the patient’s medical history and the procedure being performed, the healthcare provider may recommend certain medications before or after the procedure. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.
Hygiene: It’s important to maintain good hygiene in the days leading up to the procedure. Patients should be sure to wash the penis thoroughly with soap and water each day, and avoid sexual activity and other activities that may irritate the area.
Clothing: Patients should wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of the procedure to allow for comfortable movement and reduce irritation to the penis.
Transportation: Patients should arrange for transportation to and from the procedure, as they may not be able to drive themselves home.
Mental preparation: Lastly, it’s important to mentally prepare for the procedure. Patients should discuss any concerns or fears they may have with their healthcare provider and take steps to reduce anxiety, such as practicing relaxation techniques or listening to calming music.

Post-Procedure Care:

After the circumcision procedure, it’s important to take care of the penis to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some general guidelines for post-procedure care:

Manage pain: Pain and discomfort are common after circumcision. Patients may be prescribed pain medication to manage these symptoms. It’s important to take the medication as directed and not exceed the recommended dosage. Applying a cold compress or taking a warm bath may also help to reduce pain and swelling.
Keep the area clean: It’s important to keep the area around the circumcision site clean and dry to prevent infection. Patients should wash the penis gently with soap and warm water every day, and then pat the area dry with a clean towel. Avoid using harsh soaps, lotions, or other products that may irritate the skin.
Prevent infection: Infection is a potential complication of circumcision, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it. Patients should avoid sexual activity, swimming, and strenuous exercise for at least a week after the procedure. They should also avoid tight clothing and underwear that may rub or irritate the penis. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Protect the penis: Patients should avoid touching or pulling on the penis, as this can cause pain and delay healing. They should also avoid any activities that may put pressure on the area, such as riding a bike or sitting for long periods of time.
Follow-up appointments: Patients should attend any follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and monitor for any complications. If any signs of infection or other complications develop, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately.