What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of some or the entire foreskin covering the head or glans (rounded tip) of the penis. The procedure is performed for cultural or religious reasons, or for health reasons. It is a safe surgical procedure if performed by a trained, experienced practitioner, using a strict aseptic (sterile) technique.
Procedure of Circumcision
The procedure can be performed in the operating room with sedation or in the office under only local anesthesia. Most men prefer the first approach. After the genitals are cleaned with an antibacterial solution, two incisions are made in the foreskin. These incisions are then connected, removing a ring of foreskin. The area is cleaned and closed with a series of dissolving sutures. A dressing is wrapped around the penis that does not cover the end, allowing normal urination. This procedure usually takes 30 minutes.
Post Operative Care for Circumcision
After a circumcision the skin takes 4-6 weeks to fully heal. The dressing placed in the operating room can be removed 48 hours after the surgery if it has not already fallen off. After the dressing is removed it is advisable to put bacitracin ointment over the sutures twice per day. This help to reduce inflammation and to soften the sutures, improving the appearance and comfort.
You can bathe normally starting 48 hours after the procedure. It is not recommended to use your penis for anything other than urination for 4 weeks afterwards, although for some patients a longer wait is advised.
Pain after a circumcision is usually minimal and managed with oral, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Infection is extremely rare.
Will a Circumcision Increase or Decrease My Sexual Pleasure?
Sexual function and pleasure after circumcision has been studied extensively and there is no evidence that circumcisions alter sexual function in a significant way. Every patient is different, but you should not expect any long term change in how your penis feels.