The foreskin is the tissue that covers the head of the penis. Circumcision is the procedure to remove the foreskin. The practice is common among Muslims and Jewish, but many parents now choose to get their male child circumcised at the time of birth. Adults may also need or consider circumcision for various reasons. Before seeing a Circumcision Urologist Brooklyn, here’s what you must know.
The procedure
The first step is to clean the penis, following which a numbing cream is applied. A clamp is placed on the penis, and the doctor removes the foreskin. An antibiotic cream is usually applied to the area, following which the penis is wrapped in gauze. Adults may need medicine to sleep during the procedure. Adult circumcision can take up to an hour, while newborns can be circumcised in 20 minutes. The penis heals within a week. If you are caring for an infant, follow your doctor’s advice for cleaning. Adults may need antibiotics for the recommended time and can take painkillers.
Is circumcision necessary?
No, the need for circumcision for medical needs is hotly debated, although there is a general consensus that the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks. There are many likely benefits of circumcision, including –
- Reduced risk of UTIs
- Reduced risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases
- Lower risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners
- Reduced risk of balanoposthitis and balanitis
Circumcision also makes it easy to clean the penis, which could help prevent common infections.
Are there any risks?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure, which means there are a few inherent risks. Common issues reported with circumcision include bleeding, infection at the treatment site, pain, and risk of penis injury.
Why do some adult males undergo circumcision?
Males not circumcised at birth may get the procedure later for cosmetic or other reasons. While the procedure remains the same, the healing time is considerably longer. Men with conditions like phimosis and paraphimosis may benefit from circumcision, while many also consider the option for a cleaner-looking penis. Talk to your urologist if you want to get circumcised and discuss the risks and benefits in detail. Make an informed decision, and your health history is a critical factor for the final call.
See a urologist
Your urologist may order a few tests to check specific details before they advise on circumcision. The procedure is relatively simple, and you should be able to resume work within a week, depending on your healing.