A circumcision is a surgical operation to remove all, or part of, your foreskin. The foreskin is the flap of skin that covers the head of your penis. This skin flap is usually loose enough to be pulled back over the top of the penis (the glans). The foreskin protects the head of your penis from damage.
Why should the skin be removed?
The foreskin sometimes has to be removed for medical reasons. For example, the foreskin may be damaged because of an infection. Circumcision can also help to prevent infections, as bacteria can lie between the foreskin and the tip of the penis.
What does a circumcision involve?
The operation takes 30 to 60 minutes and dissolvable stitches are used. It can be quite a painful procedure and the healing process can take up to three weeks.
So it’s best to book at least 10 days off work, and avoid sports and sexual intercourse for one month until you are healed or until your consultant advises.
Why you might need a circumcision.
• Repeated infections may have damaged your foreskin
• You may find sexual intercourse painful because the foreskin is too tight
• Phimosis – a condition where the foreskin is very tight and cannot be pulled back over the head of the penis. Forcing it back may cause damage and form a ring round the penis, cutting off some blood supply
• Balanitis – an infection with swelling and redness of the foreskin
If you have any concerns or questions about circumcision, get in touch. It’s easy to make an appointment, just give us a call on 0845 602 9262.
