Circumcision

Circumcision is a surgical procedure usually performed on an outpatient basis, to remove your foreskin (prepuce).

Although the popularity of the surgery has decreased significantly in the UK with only 8.5% of men undergoing this procedure, there are many reasons why people still consider circumcision as a dependable route for them, both for medical and non-medical purposes.

Circumcision reduces the risk of UTI’s (urinary tract infections), cancer of the penis and some STI’s (sexually transmitted infections). Your doctor may recommend circumcision if you are experiencing:

• Phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) 
• Balanitis (swelling of the foreskin)
• Balanoposthitis (inflammation of the tip and foreskin of the penis)
• Paraphimosis (inability to return a retracted foreskin to its original position)
• Pain during sex
• Recurring infections

If your doctor suspects you have any of the top 4 conditions listed above, a surgical circumcision is the recommended treatment option. For other conditions, your doctor may recommend a dorsal slit operation or Preputioplasty instead of circumcision.

Circumcision is a low risk surgical procedure with evidence to prove that following the surgery, you will enjoy a host of health benefits.
As with any surgery, there are pros and cons to think about when considering circumcision.

Pros

• Decreased risk of urinary tract infections
• Reduced risk of penile cancer
• Decreased risk of some sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV)
• Prevents Balanitis, Balanoposthitis, Paraphimosis and Phimosis
• May lower the risk of cervical cancer in sexual partners
• Easier to maintain hygiene

Cons

• There is a higher complication rate in adults than in children
• May cause rare complications (bleeding or infection, poor healing, or cutting the foreskin too long or short)
• Pain (medication can be given to reduce pain)
• Increased risk of Meatitis (inflammation to the opening of the penis)
• Rare problems with sexual function
• Less sensitivity (may experience less pleasure during intercourse)

Talk to your doctor about the risks and the benefits of this surgical procedure; make sure you feel comfortable that you are making the decision that is right for you.

Treatment

The circumcision procedure is a surgical operation that takes roughly 30 minutes, generally carried out on a day-case basis and usually performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will remove your prepuce, seal off the small blood vessels that sit at its base, and stitch the remaining 2 edges of skin together.

Your penis will be swollen and bruised as a result of the procedure and may continue to feel sore for roughly a week.

Recovery

Following circumcision surgery, aftercare is simple but important. You will be advised to take at least 1 week off work to help with the recovery process. Your doctor will also recommend that you wear light, loose fitting clothes and underwear for 2-3 days. You will be required to abstain from sexual activity (intercourse or masturbation) for at least 3 weeks after your operation.

Regular exercise is recommended for the quickest recovery. Before beginning a course of exercise though, consult with your doctor for advice. All stitches should dissolve within 2-3 weeks. If you are experiencing any discomfort, over-the-counter painkillers should help.

Following surgery, your penis will feel a little less sensitive than before the operation; you may experience some tightness around the scar tissue for the first few months when getting an erection but this will eventually regain its normal elasticity.

Complications

Complications from circumcision are uncommon but when problems are experienced, they are often minor and easy to treat. Minor bleeding may occur, but rarely requires further medical attention.

Although rare, the penis might become infected. Signs of infection include a fever and redness or swelling that do not pass after the usual recovery period. Contact your doctor should you notice any signs of infection as these problems are always easier to treat the sooner they are caught.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Urology surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.  Circumcision procedures are available at the One Ashford Hospital in Kent and the One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Circumcision treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• 0% and low finance options**
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

**Terms and conditions apply

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.