What is a Circumcision?
Circumcision is a common surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin (prepuce), the fold of skin covering the head (glans) of the penis.
The procedure can be safely performed at any age and is usually completed as a day procedure under either local or general anaesthetic, depending on the patient’s age, medical history, and individual circumstances.
Why Might a Circumcision Be Recommended?
Your urologist may recommend circumcision for medical, preventative, or personal reasons.
Common medical indications include:
- Phimosis (a foreskin that cannot be fully retracted)
- Recurrent infections of the foreskin or glans (balanitis or balanoposthitis)
- Chronic inflammation or scarring of the foreskin
- Recurrent urinary tract infections, particularly in children
- Paraphimosis (where the retracted foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans)
- Certain pre-cancerous or cancerous conditions affecting the foreskin
Some men also choose circumcision for:
- Personal preference
- Cultural or religious reasons
- To reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, when combined with other preventative measures
Your urologist will discuss whether circumcision is the most appropriate treatment option for your individual circumstances.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Circumcision is typically performed as a day procedure, allowing you to return home the same day.
During the operation:
- The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic.
- The foreskin is carefully removed.
- The remaining skin is reshaped and closed using fine dissolvable stitches.
- A protective dressing may be applied before you leave hospital.
The procedure usually takes less than one hour.
Recovery After Circumcision
Most patients recover quickly and can return to light daily activities within a few days.
During recovery, you can expect:
- Mild swelling and bruising around the penis
- Some tenderness or discomfort for the first few days
- Sensitivity of the glans as it adapts following removal of the foreskin
Pain is usually well controlled with simple oral pain medication.
The dissolvable stitches generally disappear within 2–3 weeks.
Your urologist will provide specific wound care instructions, which may include gentle cleaning and, if required, the use of prescribed topical medication.
Returning to Normal Activities
To allow proper healing, it is generally recommended that you:
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days.
- Refrain from sexual intercourse and masturbation for approximately 6 weeks, or until your urologist confirms that healing is complete.
- Wear supportive underwear to minimise discomfort during recovery.
Possible Risks and Complications
Circumcision is a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, complications can occasionally occur.
Bleeding
A small amount of spotting is normal during the first few days.
Contact your urologist if you experience:
- Persistent bleeding
- Heavy bleeding
- Rapid swelling due to bleeding beneath the skin
Infection
Although uncommon, infection can occur.
Signs of infection include:
- Increasing redness
- Swelling
- Worsening pain
- Pus or unpleasant discharge
- Fever
If these symptoms develop, contact your urologist promptly. Treatment may include antibiotics.
Pain
Mild discomfort is expected during the healing process and usually improves within a few days.
If pain becomes severe or progressively worsens, seek medical advice.
Follow-Up Care
A follow-up appointment may be arranged to ensure that healing is progressing normally.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, including excessive bleeding, signs of infection, or difficulty passing urine, please contact your urologist without delay.
