Male circumcision is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures worldwide. It is performed for medical, religious, or cultural reasons, and raises many questions and concerns.
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What is male circumcision?
Male circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin, the fold of skin that covers the glans (the head of the penis). As a result, the glans is permanently exposed. It is an ancient practice whose prevalence varies greatly depending on geographic region, religious beliefs, and cultural norms.
You might be interested in our guide: types of penis.
Why is it done?
Medical reasons
In these cases, circumcision is performed to treat or prevent specific health conditions, such as phimosis or the inability to fully retract the foreskin over the glans.
It is used to correct the paraphimosis, a serious urological complication in which the retracted foreskin cannot return to its original position, strangling the glans, and which requires immediate medical attention and often circumcision.
It is also used to treat recurrent balanoposthitis, which is a recurring inflammation or infection of the glans and foreskin, and to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as well as urinary tract infections in infants.
Cultural and religious reasons
For many communities, circumcision is a rite of passage or a sacred mandate.
In Judaism (Brit Milah), the circumcision is performed on the eighth day of a child's life as a covenant with God. In Islam, it is a Sunnah (prophetic tradition) practice and is usually performed in childhood or before puberty.
And in African and other cultures, it is a ritual that symbolizes the passage from childhood to adulthood.
Circumcision by personal choice
Some men or fathers decide on circumcision for hygiene reasons, as it facilitates hygiene, or for aesthetic and social preferences, especially in countries where it is a common practice.
Benefits of your practice
Improved hygiene
It facilitates cleaning the glans, preventing the accumulation of smegma (a whitish substance), which can cause bad odor and infections.
Lower risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Circumcision reduces the risk of acquiring HIV, HPV (human papillomavirus) and genital herpes.
Prevention of urological problems
It reduces the incidence of phimosis, paraphimosis and balanitis throughout life.
It reduces the risk of penile cancer.
Although it is a rare cancer, its incidence is lower in circumcised men. It also reduces the risk of cervical cancer in female partners by decreasing HPV transmission.
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Difference between circumcision in children, adolescents, and adults
Babies and children
It is usually done under general anesthesia, lasts 10 to 15 minutes, heals in about 7 to 10 days, and is decided by the parents for medical, religious or cultural reasons.
Teens
Local or general anesthesia is used, and the procedure lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Recovery is quick but requires more care. It is performed for medical reasons or due to social or aesthetic pressure. At this age, it can cause preoperative anxiety, and one should wait 4 to 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity.
Adults
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes 30 to 60 minutes. Recovery is slower, taking 2 to 4 weeks, and is almost always performed for personal medical or cosmetic reasons. It often causes significant anxiety in the patient, and sexual activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
How to do it: Step-by-step procedure
The procedure may vary.
First, the pubic hair is shaved and the area is disinfected. Local anesthesia (in the penis) or general anesthesia (especially in infants and young children) is administered, and marking and measurement are taken. The foreskin is gently retracted to expose the glans, and any adhesions are released.
The foreskin is excised. There are several techniques. In the clamp technique, a special clamp is placed over the foreskin to protect the glans and then the excess skin is cut off. In the Plastibell ring technique, very common in babies, a plastic ring is placed between the glans and the foreskin, a thread is tied to cut off the blood flow, and the excess foreskin falls off along with the ring in about 5 to 10 days.
If necessary, a small cut is made in the frenulum (the fold of skin at the bottom of the glans) to prevent tightness.
The blood vessels are then cauterized and the skin is sutured with absorbable stitches, and a bandage with petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment is applied to protect the wound.
Post-operative care and recovery after circumcision
Pain and swelling control
It's normal to feel pain and see swelling for the first few days. Pain relievers are prescribed, and applying ice (wrapped in a cloth) can help.
Wound healing
The area should be kept clean and dry, the bandage changed as directed by the doctor, and the prescribed antibiotic ointment applied.
Bath and hygiene
Showers are allowed, but baths in tubs or swimming pools should be avoided until the wound is completely healed.
Physical activity
Strenuous activities, sports, and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 2 to 4 weeks.
Nocturnal erections
They are unavoidable and can be painful. Sleeping on your side and urinating before bed can help reduce their frequency and intensity.
Appearance of the scar
At first, the scar will be red and raised, but over time it will flatten and lighten.
What happens when a man gets circumcised?
After circumcision, a man experiences permanent physical changes, such as the permanent exposure of the glans, keratinization of the glans, as over time the skin of the glans becomes slightly thicker and less sensitive as an adaptation mechanism to the continuous friction with underwear.
Additionally, there may be a change in sensitivity. While sensitivity may decrease slightly over the long term due to keratinization, this does not imply a loss of the ability to experience pleasure. Many men do not report significant changes in their sexual satisfaction.
How do you know if you need one?
The decision should be made in consultation with a urologist. Some signs that warrant considering this option include:
- Inability to retract the foreskin (phimosis) that causes pain.
- Pain or inflammation on the glans or the foreskin.
- Recurrent infections (balanoposthritis).
- Bleeding or tears on the foreskin during sexual intercourse or erections.
- Paraphimosiswhich is a medical emergency.
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Circumcision and sex life: Can it affect it?
Scientific evidence suggests that circumcision does not affect the ability to achieve or maintain an erection, or to have an orgasm.
Yes, there may be a slight decrease in sensitivity in the long term, which for some men may prolong intercourse.
However, studies indicate that the sexual partners of circumcised men report greater comfort and satisfaction, possibly due to better hygiene and the reduction in HPV transmission.
Risks and possible complications
The risks associated with circumcision are rare and include:
- Bleeding and wound infection.
- Pain or irritation in the glans.
- Insufficient or excessive healing.
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic appearance.
- Complications with anesthesia.
- Injury to the glans or urethra (very rare).
Myths and realities about circumcision
- Myth: "Circumcision completely eliminates sexual pleasure."
- Reality: False. The nerves responsible for pleasure are located primarily in the glans, which remains intact.
- Myth: "Uncircumcised men have poor hygiene."
- Reality: False. An uncircumcised man with proper hygiene (retracting the foreskin and cleaning daily) can remain adequately clean.
- Myth: "Circumcision is extremely painful and traumatic for babies."
- Reality: Effective local anesthesia is used. The baby may cry, but the pain is controlled and long-term trauma has not been demonstrated.
- Myth: "It's an obsolete procedure with no benefits."
- Reality: Yes, it has clear and proven medical benefits in the prevention of certain conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When you get circumcised, do they cut your frenulum?
Not always. This is only done if there is a short frenulum or to achieve a better aesthetic result.
How long does it take to recover from circumcision?
Initial healing takes 7 to 10 days in children and 2 to 3 weeks in adults. However, the scar may take several months to fully mature and flatten.
How soon after a circumcision can you have sex?
It is recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks to allow for complete healing and to avoid pain, bleeding, or the wound reopening.
Is it more difficult to achieve an erection when you are circumcised?
No. Circumcision does not affect the nerve or vascular mechanisms that produce an erection. They may be uncomfortable or painful during recovery, but this does not continue once healed.
Is circumcision painful?
No, not during the procedure, due to the anesthesia. There is postoperative pain, but it is manageable with analgesics.
What does a man look like after circumcision?
The glans of the penis remains permanently exposed. The scar is usually a circular line around the penis, just behind the glans. Over time, it looks natural.
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Conclusion
Male circumcision is a procedure with a long history, indicated for medical, religious, and cultural reasons. It offers proven benefits in hygiene and disease prevention, but it is a personal decision. It is always essential to consult with a urologist before opting for this procedure.
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