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Circumcision for Adults: What to Expect Before, During, and After
Circumcision is a procedure that involves removing the foreskin from the penis. It is very common in the United States, with more than 70% of males having undergone it.
Most males are circumcised shortly after birth, but the infant circumcision rate has declined over the years. Instead, adult circumcision is on the rise. This may be for several reasons. Many people believe circumcised penises look better and are easier to clean. Some men also develop infections or phimosis, which is the inability to retract the foreskin.
There are many benefits to circumcision later in life. Here’s a look at the process in more detail.
Before Circumcision
The process starts with a consultation with the urologist or general surgeon. They will assess your health, and discuss risks, benefits, and reasons for circumcision. Optimal planning is of utmost importance, as each penis is different. There is also preoperative preparation to go through, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and possibly an ultrasound might be required. You may need to stop certain medications like blood thinners. If general anesthesia is used, you may need to fast. You may be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
During Circumcision
Local or general anesthesia will be used to prevent pain. During the procedure, the foreskin is removed. To prepare for this, the foreskin is carefully measured and marked before removal. The surgeon makes an incision around the foreskin and removes it. The remaining skin is stitched or glued. The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes. A sterile dressing is then applied to the wound.
After Circumcision
You can leave the clinic after a short observation period if you have local anesthesia. If general anesthesia was used, you might need to rest for a few hours until the effects wear off. Pain relief medication may be given afterward.
Recovery may take a month or longer. Here’s a look at the recovery timeline in more detail:
- First 24 to 48 hours: Swelling, redness, and mild discomfort are expected. Try to keep the penis elevated with snug-fitting underwear.
- First week: Bruising and minor bleeding may occur; avoid tight clothing and excessive movement.
- Weeks 2 to 4: The wound starts healing significantly. If stitches were used, they would dissolve by this time.
- Weeks 4 to 6: Most men can resume normal activities at this time. They can engage in exercise and sexual activity.
Complications are rare but can occur. These may include:
- Excessive bleeding (bleeding around the incision days after the procedure)
- Infection (bacteria can grow in a circumcision wound, so be sure to follow your doctor’s care instructions)
- Long-lasting pain (lasting weeks)
It’s important to let your doctor know if you experience any of these issues.
Contact Us Today
Circumcision can be done at any age, but it gets more complicated for men as they get older.
Interested in circumcision? Discuss the procedure with Dr. Jon Lazare from Lazare Urology and see how we can boost your self-confidence. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (718) 369-3300. We serve the Brooklyn area.