The head of the penis is covered by a retractable fold of skin called foreskin. Surgical removal of the foreskin is called circumcision. It is a common religious practice in many communities.
Circumcision is generally done in new born boys by the age of 10 days. For the procedure your baby will be placed on the surgery table and his limbs will be restrained. An anaesthetic is injected at the base of the penis of applied in the form of cream. A ring is also placed at the base of the penis. The foreskin is then cut off with the help of a sterile surgical blade. The penis will then be covered in ointment and gauze.
For adults the procedure can be performed under local, general or spinal anaesthesia.
Circumcision is a matter of family tradition, preventive healthcare and personal hygiene. There are some health benefits of circumcision, they are:
Circumcision is indicated for medical purposes like:
Circumcision is a relatively safe procedure with low rates of complications. The complications seen are:
Recovery from the surgery may require about 10 days. The tip of the penis may be sore and appear bruised for a few days. During the healing time, you may wash the penis gently. Apply Vaseline at the tip to prevent sticking to clothes or diaper. For adults undergoing circumcision, it is advisable to abstain from intercourse for four weeks after the procedure.
Contact your doctor immediately if :