Table of Contents
1. What Is Circumcision?
2. Why Is Circumcision
Performed?
3. How Common Is
Circumcision?
4. Circumcision Procedure:
What to Expect
5. Who Performs a
Circumcision?
6. What Happens During a
Circumcision?
7. Different Circumcision
Techniques
8. What Happens After a
Circumcision?
9. Benefits of
Circumcision
10. Risks and Side Effects
of Circumcision
11. Circumcision in Adults
vs. Infants: Key Differences
12. Aftercare and Recovery
Tips
13. Alternatives and
Ethical Considerations
14. Conclusion
15. FAQs
🩺 What Is Circumcision?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin—the
fold of retractable skin covering the tip (glans) of the penis.
It is most often performed on newborn
boys, typically within the first 10 days of life. However, the
procedure can also be carried out in older
children, adolescents, and adults.
While circumcision is not considered medically
essential for every male, many parents or individuals
choose it due to religious,
cultural, hygiene, or health-related reasons.
🙏 Why Is Circumcision Performed?
There are multiple motivations for circumcision:
·
Religious Traditions: ✡️ In Judaism and ☪️ Islam, circumcision is
an important ritual carried out soon after birth.
·
Cultural Norms: In some
countries, circumcision is considered the social
standard.
·
Family Tradition: Parents may
choose circumcision to continue family practices.
·
Hygiene: Removing the
foreskin can make it easier to clean the
penis, potentially lowering infection risk.
·
Health Benefits: Research shows
circumcision may reduce the chances of urinary
tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), penile cancer,
and foreskin complications.
⚖️ Ultimately, the
decision is personal and
should be made after consulting with a qualified doctor.
🌍 How Common Is Circumcision?
Globally, about 38.7% of males are
circumcised. However, prevalence varies:
·
Very common: Muslim-majority
nations, Israel, parts of Africa, and the United States.
·
Less common: Europe, South
America, and parts of Asia, where cultural practices differ.
🛠️ Circumcision Procedure: What to Expect
If you or your child undergo circumcision, here’s what generally
happens:
·
Anaesthesia: Newborns usually
receive local anaesthesia, while older children and adults may require general
anaesthesia.
·
Foreskin separation
& removal: The foreskin is gently separated from the glans and cut
using clamps or surgical tools.
·
Closure: Dissolvable
sutures are applied.
·
Duration: Takes about 10
minutes in newborns and 30–60
minutes in adults.
·
Recovery: Infants heal in
about a
week, while adults may take several weeks.
👨⚕️ Who Performs a Circumcision?
·
Doctors: Pediatricians,
urologists, general surgeons, or obstetricians.
·
Religious
practitioners: In cultural or religious contexts, but it is safest
in a sterile medical setting with trained professionals.
🩻 What Happens During
a Circumcision?
The steps are usually:
1.
Preparation: Penis cleaned
with antiseptic.
2.
Anaesthesia: Numbing agent
applied or general anaesthesia given.
3.
Foreskin separation: Surgeon separates
foreskin from glans.
4.
Clamping: A device or clamp
is applied to guide removal.
5.
Removal: The foreskin is
carefully cut.
6.
Bleeding control: Pressure or
stitches used.
7.
Dressing: Petroleum jelly
and gauze applied.
Total time: 10–20 minutes for infants, 30–45
minutes for adults.
🔧 Different Circumcision Techniques
Several methods exist:
·
Gomco Clamp: Metal bell
protects the glans while foreskin is cut. Common for newborns.
·
Plastibell Device: A plastic ring
tied with a string, causing foreskin to fall off naturally in 5–7 days.
·
Mogen Clamp: Metal shield
protects glans; foreskin pulled forward and cut.
·
Dorsal Slit: Foreskin slit
lengthwise, then removed. Often for adults.
🩹 What Happens After a Circumcision?
Post-surgery expectations:
·
Swelling, redness, and mild bleeding are normal.
·
Newborns: Change diapers frequently,
apply ointment.
·
Adults: Wear loose clothing,
avoid heavy activity.
·
Pain: Managed with medications.
·
Watch for infection signs:
fever, pus, severe swelling.
✅ Benefits of Circumcision
Research highlights the following:
·
Lower UTI risk in infants.
·
Reduced STI risks including HIV and
HPV.
·
Decreased risk of
penile cancer (rare).
·
No foreskin issues like phimosis or
balanitis.
·
Simpler hygiene without foreskin.
⚠️ Risks and Side Effects of Circumcision
Like any surgery, there are risks:
·
Pain & discomfort (more in adults).
·
Bleeding (minor, sometimes
rare complications).
·
Infection at incision site.
·
Scarring (varies by
healing).
·
Rare injury to penis.
💡 Always discuss risks
with your doctor before deciding.
👶 vs 👨
Circumcision in Adults vs Infants: Key Differences
|
Aspect |
Infant Circumcision |
Adult Circumcision |
|
Anaesthesia |
Local only |
General/Spinal |
|
Procedure
time |
10–20
minutes |
30–60
minutes |
|
Pain
management |
Easier |
More
complex |
|
Recovery |
~1 week |
Several
weeks |
🏥 Aftercare and Recovery Tips
For smooth healing:
·
Clean gently with warm water.
·
Apply petroleum jelly
or ointment.
·
Change diapers frequently (for
babies).
·
Wear loose clothes (for adults).
·
Avoid sexual activity until fully
healed (usually 4–6 weeks in adults).
·
Follow up with your
doctor if complications arise.
⚖️ Alternatives and Ethical Considerations
·
Good hygiene (regular cleaning
and foreskin retraction) can prevent many issues without circumcision.
·
Ethical debate:
·
Critics argue infants cannot consent, making circumcision a
violation of bodily autonomy.
·
Supporters highlight cultural/religious rights and potential
health benefits.
Ultimately, it’s a personal choice guided
by medical
advice, family beliefs, and cultural context.
📝 Conclusion
Circumcision is a common yet personal procedure
with religious,
cultural, hygienic, and health motivations.
While it offers preventive health benefits,
it also carries surgical
risks. Parents and adults should weigh
pros and cons carefully, consult medical experts, and make
decisions aligned with their values.
❓ FAQs
1. Is it healthier to circumcise or not?
Both options can be healthy. Hygiene and safe practices matter most.
2. At what age is circumcision done?
Usually in newborns, but possible at any age.
3. How long does circumcision take?
Newborns: 10–20 mins. Adults: 30–60 mins.
4. Is circumcision painful?
With anaesthesia, pain is minimal during surgery. Some discomfort occurs
afterward.
5. Does circumcision affect sensitivity or fertility?
Studies show no
significant impact on fertility or sexual satisfaction.
6. When can adults have sex after circumcision?
Usually 4–6
weeks post-surgery.
📚 Sources
·
World
Health Organization – Male Circumcision
·
American Academy of Pediatrics – Circumcision Policy
