Adult Circumcision
Waterfront Hospital Edinburgh, Scotland
Adult circumcision, also known as post-neonatal circumcision, involves the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis. This procedure is often performed for medical reasons, such as phimosis and recurrent infections, as well as for cultural, religious, or personal reasons. While circumcision is not as common in the UK as in some other countries, it is a well-established procedure that offers significant health benefits.
Overview
Adult Circumcision
- TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
Local or General - LENGTH OF PROCEDURE
30-60 mins - HOSPITAL STAY
Day surgery - RECOVERY
Few days to 1 week
What the procedure invlolves
The circumcision procedure at Waterfront Private Hospital starts with a comprehensive consultation to understand the patient’s medical history and goals. On the day of surgery, the patient will receive local or general anaesthesia to ensure comfort. The process includes:
- Preparation: The genital area is thoroughly cleaned and sterilised.
- Surgical Removal: Using advanced surgical techniques, the foreskin is carefully removed. Tools such as electrocautery are used to minimise bleeding.
- Closure: The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches to ensure minimal scarring and promote a smooth recovery.
The procedure generally takes about an hour, and patients are typically able to return home the same day.
Benefits and expected outcomes
Medical Benefits:
- Reduced Risk of UTIs: Circumcision lowers the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Lowered Risk of STIs: It reduces the likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
- Prevention of Medical Conditions: Conditions such as phimosis, balanitis, and penile cancer are less likely to occur.
Aesthetic and Personal Benefits:
- Improved Hygiene: Easier to keep the genital area clean.
- Enhanced Sexual Pleasure: Some men report increased sexual satisfaction.
- Cultural and Personal Fulfillment: Satisfies personal and cultural preferences.
Patients can expect a significant improvement in genital health and appearance post-procedure. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks, with results becoming evident within a couple of months.
Ideal candidates
Ideal candidates for adult circumcision include:
- Men with Medical Conditions:
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans penis, causing discomfort and potential infections.
- Paraphimosis: Where the retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its normal position, leading to painful swelling and restricted blood flow.
- Recurrent Infections: Individuals who suffer from frequent urinary tract infections or balanitis (inflammation of the glans) can benefit from circumcision.
- Men Seeking Cultural or Religious Fulfillment:
- Circumcision is a common practice in many religious and cultural communities, including Jewish and Muslim traditions. Men who have not been circumcised as infants may choose to undergo the procedure as adults to align with their cultural or religious practices.
- Men with Personal Preferences:
- Some men opt for circumcision for personal reasons, including perceived hygiene benefits and aesthetic preferences.
- Men in Good Overall Health:
- Candidates should be healthy to minimise surgical risks and ensure proper healing. Pre-existing conditions that might complicate surgery, such as uncontrolled diabetes or bleeding disorders, should be managed before considering circumcision.
- Men Experiencing Discomfort During Sexual Activity:
- Men who experience pain or discomfort during sexual activity due to tight foreskin or other foreskin-related issues may find relief through circumcision
Risks and considerations
As with any surgical procedure, adult circumcision carries potential risks, including:
- Infection: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding: Possible bleeding or adverse reactions to anaesthesia.
- Temporary Discomfort: Swelling and pain during the healing process.
Waterfront Private Hospital utilises the latest surgical techniques and strict sterilization protocols to minimize these risks. Our experienced surgeons ensure the highest standard of care and safety for our patients.
Aftercare and recovery
Proper post-procedure care is crucial for a smooth recovery. Patients will receive detailed aftercare instructions, such as:
- Keeping the area clean and dry.
- Avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for a few weeks.
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
Our medical team provides continuous support during the recovery period to ensure the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions about Adult Circumcision
What is adult circumcision?
Adult circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis. It is performed for medical, cultural, religious, or personal reasons. While less common in the UK, it is still a well-established procedure offering various health benefits.
Why do men choose to get circumcised as adults?
Men may choose circumcision for medical reasons, such as phimosis and recurrent infections, or cultural, religious, and personal preferences. It can also improve hygiene and align with partner preferences.
How common is adult circumcision in the UK?
Adult circumcision is relatively uncommon in the UK compared to countries like the United States. Approximately 10% of men in the UK are circumcised, with procedures typically performed for medical reasons or among specific religious communities.
What does the circumcision procedure involve?
The procedure includes a consultation to discuss medical history and goals, followed by the surgery under local or general anaesthesia. The foreskin is removed using advanced techniques, and the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches. The entire process usually takes about an hour, with most patients able to return home the same day.
What are the benefits of adult circumcision?
Medical benefits include a reduced risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and conditions like phimosis, balanitis, and penile cancer. Personal benefits include improved hygiene, potential enhancement of sexual pleasure, and cultural or religious satisfaction.
What are the risks associated with adult circumcision?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, temporary discomfort, swelling, and pain during recovery. However, these risks are minimized with advanced surgical techniques and strict sterilization protocols.
How long does it take to recover from adult circumcision?
Recovery involves keeping the area clean and dry and avoiding strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for a few weeks. Full recovery typically takes a few weeks, with final results visible within a few months.
Who is an ideal candidate for adult circumcision?
Ideal candidates are men with medical conditions like phimosis or recurrent infections, those with cultural or religious motivations, and those with personal preferences for hygiene or aesthetics. Candidates should be in good overall health with no contraindications for minor surgery.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so patients should not feel pain during surgery. Medication can manage postoperative pain, and discomfort generally subsides within a few days to weeks.
Will circumcision affect sexual pleasure?
There is no conclusive evidence that circumcision reduces sexual pleasure. Some men report increased sensitivity and satisfaction, while others notice no significant change.
How do I care for myself after the procedure?
Post-procedure care involves keeping the area clean and dry, following specific aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon, and attending follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
Can circumcision be reversed?
Circumcision is a permanent procedure. There is no way to restore the foreskin once it has been removed naturally. Some men explore foreskin restoration techniques, but these are not medically endorsed and involve stretching the remaining skin over time.
Excellent care
Everyone I met at Waterfront Private Hospital was friendly, helpful and thorough, and went the extra mile, including the whole medical and admin teams which were fantastic.
Mr Will Anderson carried out my surgery with great care and professionalism and listened carefully to, and addressed, all of my concerns. Thank you!
I’ve also had excellent communication with Debbie and Janey in emails and phone calls, sometimes over weekends/on days off.
The standard of care has been superb and I would return without hesitation.
My thanks to the whole team.
Mary
Dec 2023
