Is circumcision medically necessary?

Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis and may be carried out for different reasons, such as a medical problem, religious and cultural motives, or for HIV prevention.
 

What is the purpose of circumcision?

A circumcision operation may be performed for the following medical reasons:
 

• Tight foreskin (phimosis) – can cause pain when the penis is erect as the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis.
• Balantis – the foreskin and head of the penis are inflamed.
• Paraphimosis – the foreskin cannot be returned to its original position after being pulled back. The head of the penis becomes swollen and immediate treatment is needed.
• HIV prevention – evidence suggests that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV, and it is encouraged as part of HIV prevention programmes in some African countries with high rates of the disease.
• Penile cancer – this rare form of cancer occurs when a red patch or wart-like growth appears on the end of the penis or under the foreskin.

Other reasons for circumcision include religious and cultural beliefs, particularly in the Jewish, Islamic and some African communities. Traditionally the circumcision is typically carried out on a newborn.

How is circumcision performed?

The circumcision operation is a fairly simple procedure. The foreskin is removed from behind the head of the penis using a scalpel or scissors so that excess foreskin is clipped off. The remaining edges of skin will be stitched together with dissolvable stitches. Either the Dorsal slit or Sleeve method can be used for adult circumcision, whilst a doctor will use the Plastibell method or the Gomco clamp for baby boys. 

What are the benefits of circumcision?

• Decreases the risk of urinary tract infections
• Lowers the risk of penile cancer
• Prevents balantitis, phimosis and paraphimosis
• Genital hygiene

What are the risks of a circumcision operation?

As with any surgical procedure there is a risk, although with circumcision the risk is low. Problems that can occur include: pain, risk of bleeding, irritation, increased risk of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the penis) and risk of injury to the penis.

Recovery after the circumcision procedure

The procedure only takes 15-20 minutes. In general, a patient should return to work and resume daily activities when they feel comfortable, which is normally around 2-3 days after circumcision. The penis may swell in the first two days and is generally not very painful. The pain is relieved with pain relievers. Typically a patient is to avoid sexual activity for six weeks following the circumcision operation.
 

If you are considering circumcision, be sure to book an appointment with an expert urologist.