The circumcision surgery is a medical procedure that involves the removal of the excess foreskin that covers the head of the penis. The foreskin is the excess skin fold that covers the glans or the tip of the penis. For centuries, various cultures and religious backgrounds practice it, but historically, social and religious reasons are the top ones. However, the adult circumcision remains a controversial topic, one that’s more like a taboo to discuss openly.

So many people recommend and argue that circumcision in men is a good practice because it brings about better hygiene and also displays a lower risk of cancer development in the penis, and reduces the chances of urinary tract infections.

At other times, it could also decrease the risk of the foreskin developing problems, especially some like phimosis, which is the foreskin’s inability to retract, or paraphimosis, where the foreskin that retracts doesn’t return to its position. The people that oppose the procedure argue that just a few of the medical benefits are actually true, they say circumcised men will end up experiencing decreased sexual sensitivity since the procedure includes the removal of the foreskin, which is sensitive. Such people also say that it exposes infant males to the possible complications and risks of the surgical procedure, and children have the right to have control over their own body.

The debate is a never-ending one, but if you look at this from a health or medical perspective, then opting for circumcision is actually a good thing because it brings several benefits and ensures overall wellbeing.

Is There a Right Age for Adult Circumcision?

Usually, the circumcision procedure is one that surgeons also perform for non-medical reasons, thus it all depends on personal preference. The common practice is for newborn boys, especially in the Jewish practice, where baby boys go through the cut within eight days of their birth. Sometimes, at puberty, an African culture practice to indicate readiness and adulthood for the sexual activity.

Adult circumcision is for those men who did not go through the procedure when they were infants, and later decide it’s time for the cut. This could be for personal or religious reasons because some partners prefer a cut appearance. However, in adulthood, the main reason why men choose circumcision is for medical reasons, which may be having an effect on their sexual life, the procedure then takes place in adulthood.

The Circumcision in Men Surgical Procedure

Informed Consent

Before the surgery, a Circumcision Center surgeon will ask the patient for any signs that indicate they need the circumcision surgery. In addition, they would have to sign up or fill up a form to accept that they are considering the adult circumcision procedure on their own.

Before patients sign the consent form, the doctor will first inform the patient about all the relevant information they need to know about the surgery, including the health benefits that tag along with it. Men should know that the healing of the wound or the incisions following the adult circumcision takes about six weeks as well as complete abstinence from various forms of factors that are important to boost the healing. During the healing phase, the process could be painful and interfere with the process of healing.

The Anesthesia and Genital Preparation

Before the surgery commences, the surgeon will clean the genital area to prepare it. They will drape sterile clothes over the body to expose the penis. The doctor will then examine the penis to examine how they plan to proceed with the surgery. Adult circumcision takes place under the effects of anesthesia, either general for the whole body, or local just for the region that will go through the surgery.

The Surgery

A common procedure that most surgeons prefer to use is the sleeve resection method. When they proceed with this technique, they make incisions with a scalpel in the mucosal and the outer surfaces of the foreskin of the penis. This frees the foreskin, and they take it off as a ring tissue.

Bleeding is common after any invasive surgery, and electrocautery helps to stop the bleeding. With suture closure, they complete the surgery and use absorbable sutures. To secure the incisions further, they wrap the wound with a bandage, which should help to reduce the suture tension and ensure proper healing.

Post Surgery Care

After the surgery, you need to take care and ensure the area remains dry. Remove the bandage when the surgeon advice, and let the sutures heal the incisions. After a bath, pat the area dry with a clean cloth. Apply some Vaseline and bandage (if the doctor advised to do so). You should avoid driving to work for a few days, stay away from heavy exercises, lifting heavy objects, and let it heal for at least four weeks.

Follow up care post adult circumcision is important, so you should not take this lightly. No matter what questions or concerns you have in mind regarding the procedure, consult experienced doctors in your area.