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Circumcision remains one of the oldest and first surgical procedures in the world. Although it has an old history, the medical benefits and the risks remain a controversial topic among men. Although neonatal circumcision is one that reduces the recurrence and development of the rate or urinary tract infection in children, circumcision is one a doctor recommends in children who have a high risk of UTI. However, in men, an adult circumcision surgery helps to reduce the risks of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases, human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, and type 2 herpes simplex viruses.
Today, the World Health Organization on HIV/AIDS recommends promotion of circumcision, especially in areas with high prevalence of HIV. Since a circumcision surgery helps to prevent STDs, some men tend to worry whether it will have an effect on their personal life. Before opting for the surgical procedure, it is best that patients and parents weigh the benefits as well as the risks that come along with the adult circumcision surgery and make a well-informed decision accordingly.
What Happens In An Adult Circumcision Surgery?
Circumcision surgery is one that involves the surgical removal of the foreskin that covers the head of the penis. The surgery involves a Circumcision Center expert pushing the foreskin from the head of the penis and trimming it off. Usually, for the adult circumcision surgery, doctors use the sleeve resection method, which involves making incisions with a scalpel in the outer and mucosal surface of the foreskin. With the use of electrocautery, the bleeding stops. The procedure completes with absorbable suture closure of the incisions. The needle surgeons utilize for the skin suturing is an atraumatic cosmetic surgery one. To secure the incisions, surgeons apply paper wound closure tapes to reduce the tension on the surface accurately.
Finally, they place a sterile dressing. All these steps help to optimize rapid healing of the tissues and minimize suture tunnels and marks. The dressing often lasts for a few days or until your surgeon advises on when to remove it. Note that the area will bruise and swell for the first two days. In general, this phase is not so painful and the use over-the-counter pain relievers including acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help. Within two to three weeks after the surgery, swelling subsides and you can get back to your normal lifestyle.
How Can Circumcision Surgery Prevent STDs?
The foreskin if uncircumcised has a thick layer of excess skin that becomes difficult to retract over time. For most men, keeping this clean becomes a problem, since retracting it may be painful. Within a few days, due to moisture and poor hygiene, bacteria and yeast buildup occurs. This tends to lead to problems with the penis and hence the risk of transmission during intercourse. A common viral infection that an uncircumcised penis could cause includes HIV, syphilis and some others.
At such times, an adult circumcision surgery can prove to be a worthwhile decision as it helps to keep away diseases. Once the foreskin is out, the head of the penis remains open and free from the chances of bacterial infections. It also becomes easier for men to care for their penis, meaning men can maintain proper hygiene.
Other Reasons to Opt for an Adult Circumcision Surgery
Along with preventing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, an adult circumcision surgery also helps to reduce the chances of men contracting penile cancer. Even though this is a rare condition, penile cancer tends to originate in the foreskin. Through a circumcision surgery, the risks of developing penile cancer reduce to about 3-4 times. This serves as the best preventative measure for men who have an old history of the disease in their family.
Symptoms of Foreskin Problems
- Pain in the penis
- Pain while urinating
- Difficulty when urinating
- Blood in the urine
Sometimes, you may also experience fever and other symptoms. In cases where you experience some irritation or discomfort, it is advisable that you consult a specialist.
Along with reducing the chance of penile cancer, paraphimosis is another condition that affects men. As the blood vessels constrict, this causes the skin around the penis to bruise and swell. When this happens, the foreskin is stuck under the tip of the penis. In some cases, this can lead to penile tissue death. Sometimes, it also causes balanoposthitis, from infections due to bacteria and causes inflammation of the foreskin. When you experience this condition, the symptoms often include pain while urinating and pus. At such times, adult circumcision surgery helps to prevent the occurrence of these problems.
