Why Adults Seek Circumcision
Adults choose circumcision for various reasons, including medical conditions, personal preferences, and cultural affiliations. Medical issues affecting the foreskin are a common motivation. Conditions like phimosis, where the foreskin is too tight to retract, can cause discomfort, pain during intercourse, and hygiene difficulties. Paraphimosis, where the retracted foreskin cannot be returned, is a medical emergency requiring circumcision.
Recurrent infections, including balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) and posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin), are frequent medical reasons. These chronic infections often lead individuals to seek a permanent solution. Beyond medical necessity, some adults choose circumcision for personal hygiene, believing it simplifies cleaning and reduces smegma accumulation.
Religious or cultural practices also play a role in adult circumcision decisions. While often performed in infancy within certain faiths, some individuals choose to undergo the procedure as adults, perhaps due to conversion or a desire to align more closely with their heritage. Aesthetic considerations can also influence this decision, as some individuals prefer the appearance of a circumcised penis.
What the Procedure Involves
Adult circumcision begins with a consultation with a urologist or surgeon. The professional discusses the patient’s reasons, reviews medical history, and conducts a physical examination to determine suitability. This consultation also allows the patient to ask questions and understand potential risks and benefits.
Adult circumcisions are commonly performed under local anesthesia, numbing the area while the patient remains awake. For patients with anxiety, a sedative may be given, or general anesthesia might be used, which induces a temporary state of unconsciousness. The choice of anesthesia depends on the procedure’s complexity and the patient’s preference.
The surgical technique involves precise foreskin removal, exposing the glans penis. The goal is a clean, aesthetically pleasing result with minimal complications. The procedure is straightforward, usually completed within 30 to 60 minutes. Most adult circumcisions are outpatient procedures, allowing the patient to return home the same day.
What to Expect During Recovery
After adult circumcision, recovery involves managing discomfort and ensuring wound healing. Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild pain in the days following the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are usually sufficient, though a doctor might prescribe stronger medication if needed.
Wound care is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. Patients receive specific instructions on cleaning the surgical site, changing dressings, and maintaining hygiene. It is recommended to keep the area dry and clean, avoiding harsh soaps or vigorous scrubbing. Initial healing, where the wound closes, often takes about 7 to 10 days, though the timeline varies.
During recovery, certain activities should be restricted to prevent complications and allow proper wound healing. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity are typically advised against for several weeks, often four to six weeks, until the surgical site fully recovers. Patients should monitor for complications like excessive bleeding, increasing pain, fever, or pus discharge, and contact their doctor if these symptoms occur.