Male circumcision is the permanent removal of the foreskin, a retractable fold of skin that covers and protects the tip of the penis. Being circumcised or uncircumcised may be a religious or custom choice. It is also performed for medical reasons when less invasive treatments haven’t worked.
Common medical reasons for circumcision include:
• Phimosis – the foreskin is too tight to pull over the penis head and can cause pain when the penis is erect or passing urine.
• Paraphimosis – the foreskin won’t return to its original position after being pulled back and can cause the penis to be painful and swollen.
• Recurrent balanitis – skin irritation of penis head.
• Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) – skin disease affecting the penis may cause phimosis, inflammation and scarring of the penis head.
• Penile cancer – rare type of cancer.
Here at Ramsay Health Care, our skilled and experienced surgeons regularly perform male circumcisions.
Getting circumcised is normally a day case procedure performed under general or local anaesthetic and takes around half an hour.
A special sterile clamp or plastic ring is placed over the penis head. The most common types are: the Plastibell device, the Gomco clamp and, the Mogen clamp. Most surgeons use the one they are most comfortable with. They will discuss these different options with you.
The foreskin will then be removed just behind the head of your penis using a scalpel or surgical scissors and, any small blood vessels sealed. Your surgeon will remove the foreskin and seal off any small blood vessels. The two edges are then either stitched, using dissolvable stitches, or glued together.
There are benefits and risks of being circumcised and uncircumcised.
Benefits of being circumcised include: decreased risk of HIV, urinary tract infections and penile cancer, prevention of penile problems and, easier hygiene.
Complications of a circumcision are rare. Bleeding and infection are the most common complications associated with circumcision.
Other possible complications of circumcision can include: scar tenderness, sensation reduction in the penis head, or another minor operation required to remove some more skin from around the penis head.
If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.
A circumcision surgery may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.
Typically, patients go home the same day as their circumcision surgery.
The penis will probably be swollen for three to four days post-operation.
It takes at least ten days for the penis to heal after circumcision surgery.
Patients should follow their surgeon’s advice on driving, time off work and should avoid having sex for at least four weeks after a circumcision operation.
Mr Mohammed El Saghir
Mr Mohammed El Saghir is a Consultant Urologist in Salisbury, Wiltshire
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