Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin on the penis. This is often done for reasons of health and hygiene, as well as for religious or other ritual reasons. If you are interested in circumcision, read on for an explanation of the benefits and risks, as well as recovery efforts.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Understanding Circumcision
Step 1. Understand what circumcision is
If you decide to have a circumcision, your doctor will perform a short and relatively simple procedure to permanently remove part of the foreskin of the penis. After a period of recovery, the penis will heal completely, but minus the foreskin.
- Generally, circumcision is performed on infants or children, but it can also be performed on adults for health, hygiene, religious, or cosmetic reasons.
- Circumcision is also recommended for urinary flow problems such as urinary retention or recurrent yeast infections of the penis as it can help prevent further infection.
- Circumcision does not help prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
- You should seek the help of a licensed doctor or a licensed and experienced circumcision practitioner. You should never try to circumcise yourself for any reason because even a small mistake can be dangerous.
Step 2. Learn the circumcision procedure
If you decide to have a circumcision, you should discuss it with your doctor about the procedure and schedule a consultation. The circumcision procedure basically consists of the following steps:
- Your genitals will be cleaned and prepared for surgery, and you will be sedated using a dorsal nerve blocker.
- The cut will be made on the foreskin at the top of the penis using scissors, while a second surgery will be done on the underside of the penis, cutting the foreskin around the ring of the ridge under the head of the penis.
- The edge of the foreskin will be pulled back and the blood vessels will be tied using stitches or "diathermy", which involves using an electric current to burn the tip of the blood vessel.
- In the final stage, the edges of the foreskin will be sutured and your penis will be tightly bandaged to begin the recovery period.
Step 3. Understand the benefits of circumcision
While there are many unconfirmed health benefits of circumcision, the fact is that most circumcisions are performed for religious or cosmetic reasons. As mentioned, circumcision is beneficial for reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, and penile cancer. A number of adults are circumcised for hygiene reasons and some say that it is difficult to keep an uncircumcised penis clean. Some people also say a penis that is not sexually circumcised is considered less attractive.
- Circumcision can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by up to 90%.
- Circumcision reduces the risk of balanitis, penile cancer and prostate cancer, and reduces the risk of HIV infection by 60%.
- Circumcision reduces the risk of high-risk HPV and cervical cancer in partners.
- Circumcision does not eliminate the possibility of you being infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Make sure you have safe sex and always wear a condom.
- Although rare, circumcision can also be performed to treat phimosis or foreskin that adheres tightly to the penis, acute inflammation of the glans penis due to balanitis or paraphimosis accompanied by the foreskin that blocks circulation in the penis.
Step 4. Understand the risks of circumcision
Basically, circumcision involves the intentional mutilation of the genitals, removing the most sensitive tip of the foreskin of the penis. As with elective surgery, complications can occur. Circumcision is usually performed on infants and in adults it is often accompanied by a significant and uncomfortable recovery period. Some people also claim that circumcision separates the nerve endings in the penis and can permanently affect sexual arousal.
Adult circumcision is a personal and sometimes controversial choice. Many adults celebrate this practice, while some condemn it. Whatever you choose, try to weigh the benefits and risks, before deciding what is best for you
Step 5. Do research at a hospital or clinic in your area
If you prefer a private consultation, seek advice from a local doctor. Call the hospital and ask to speak to a urologist for a second opinion about the benefits and risks, as well as an overview of the procedure and recovery.
- For teens or adults, the circumcision is usually performed under anesthesia and takes about two weeks to recover.
- Some hospitals do not perform adult circumcision unless there is a medical reason. If you commit to circumcision, be prepared to look for a place where the procedure will be performed.
Step 6. Prepare for the circumcision procedure
Make sure you have time for the recovery period, which usually takes up to two weeks. If you are circumcised for religious reasons, use the time leading up to the procedure to complete any associated rituals. Seek advice and guidance from members of your religious community.
Method 2 of 3: Recovering After Circumcision
Step 1. Make sure the wound is always clean and dry
Cover the genital area with a waterproof pad for the first few days, when bathing or bathing, and keep the area very clean when using the toilet. The wound must be kept dry to facilitate rapid healing.
- Your doctor will give you more specific instructions and topical treatments, but in general you need to keep the wound as clean and dry as possible.
- You may have to wear a catheter for a few days after the circumcision procedure to keep the penis area dry. The doctor will remove the catheter once your wound has started to heal.
Step 2. Wear loose cotton underwear
Change underwear throughout the day so that the sore area is always very clean. Wear loose clothing around the affected area to maintain regular air circulation. Avoid tight jeans, and use cotton shorts or other loose clothing.
You can use surgical vaseline to prevent the area from sticking to clothing or gauze
Step 3. Use medication as directed
Your doctor may prescribe an analgesic cream or other topical ointment, then apply regularly as directed. You may also want to add a small amount of tar oil to the affected area to avoid friction during recovery.
Method 3 of 3: Circumcision for Babies
Step 1. Consider the implications of circumcision
Babies being circumcised a few days after birth is a common practice in American hospitals. The procedure is intentionally carried out during the recovery period will be fast and relatively painless. Consider beforehand if you want your child to decide for himself later, or do it in the hospital a few days after birth.
- Often, it is the parent who will make the decision, so that the child will look like the father or sibling, to avoid confusion as the child grows up.
- Consult this with your obstetrician and pediatrician. In general, a baby circumcision procedure is quick and requires only light cleaning during recovery.
Step 2. Keep the affected area clean at all times
Avoid using wipes or other cleaning solutions and bathe your baby in a special baby bath tub with warm, soapy water for the first few days.
Some pediatricians recommend closing the penis area, while others recommend opening it for faster healing. If you want to wrap the area around the penis with a small piece of gauze, apply a small amount of tar oil over it to avoid pain when the gauze is removed
Step 3. To prepare for the Bris (Jewish circumcision) ceremony, seek out Mohel (Jewish circumcisionist)
Bris is usually not held in a hospital, but in a separate location. Consult a rabbi or other religious adviser before designing Bris.
Tips
Alternative circumcision without "bleeding" is also available. An Israeli company called PrePex uses a plastic device placed on the tip of the penis to protect it, as well as another device that compresses the foreskin to cut off the blood supply. The physical trauma caused by this procedure takes about 6 weeks to 2 months to heal
Warning
- Refrain from sexual activity or masturbation for a few weeks after the procedure.
- Your child will probably hate you because of this, so do this if you are ready to lose his trust and love.
- Do not perform circumcision unless necessary.
- Many boys who are circumcised experience complications or show anger to their parents.
- Remember if the penis is not circumcised, do not pull, just clean what is visible. If you decide not to have your child circumcised (the best option), teach him to clean himself around the age of 10.
