Patient education: Circumcision in adults (The Basics)

What is circumcision? — 

This is a surgery to remove the skin that covers the tip of the penis. This skin is called the "foreskin."

When a person is circumcised, it is usually done soon after birth or in early childhood. But sometimes, it is done in adults. It can be done to treat certain problems that affect the penis. Some people choose to be circumcised for personal reasons.

How do I prepare for circumcision? — 

The doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to do anything special to prepare. Before your procedure, your doctor will do an exam. They will also ask you about your "health history." This involves asking you questions about any health problems you have or had in the past, past surgeries, and any medicines you take. Tell them about:

●Any medicines you are taking – This includes any prescription or "over-the-counter" medicines you use, plus any herbal supplements you take. It helps to write down and bring a list of any medicines you take, or bring a bag with all of your medicines with you.

●Any allergies you have

●Any bleeding problems you have – Certain medicines, including some herbs and supplements, can increase the risk of bleeding. Some health conditions also increase this risk.

Ask the doctor or nurse if you have questions or if there is anything you do not understand.

What happens during circumcision? — 

When it is time for the procedure:

●You will get anesthesia medicines. This is to make sure that you do not feel pain during the procedure. Most of the time, circumcision is done with "local anesthesia." The doctor will often use cream to numb the skin, then give a shot of anesthesia medicine into the base of your penis.

●The doctor will clean your penis and foreskin.

●They will use special tools to cut off your foreskin.

●They will close the cut (incision). Then, they might put antibiotic ointment on the tip of your penis and cover it with a dressing.

●The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens after circumcision? — 

It is important to take care of your penis as it heals. Increase your activity slowly. Start with short walks around your home, and walk a little more each day. After 2 to 3 days, you can return to your usual activities.

You can take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). These can be used instead of opioids.

Keep the bandage on for 2 to 3 days, or until it falls off on its own. While the bandage is on:

●You can shower with it on.

●Wear supportive underwear for a few days to keep it in place.

After the bandage comes off, your incision will continue to heal. Until it is completely healed:

●Apply antibiotic ointment to your incision several times a day.

●Gently wash your penis every day, then pat it dry.

●Do not put your penis underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.

●Always wash your hands before and after you touch the area.

The stitches will absorb on their own in 3 to 4 weeks. Avoid all sexual activity until the stitches are completely absorbed.

What are the risks of circumcision? — 

Your doctor will talk to you about all of the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Bleeding

●Infection

●Swelling or redness around your penis

●Your penis feeling very sensitive to touch

●Removing too little or too much skin

●Trouble urinating

●Feeling unhappy with how your penis looks

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.

●Your penis is swollen or bleeding.

●Your penis changes color, becomes redder, or looks darker in color.

●You have trouble urinating.

●Your incision opens up.

●The skin on your penis feels tight.

●The base of your penis looks like it is buried in your belly.