How is Circumcision for Boys and Men? Does Circumcision Affect Your Sexual Life?
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Circumcision of the foreskin is a religious imperative for some, and a method of treatment for others. There are also those who would do it for practical reasons. What is circumcision, and what is circumcision anyway? What are the methods of circumcision and where is it performed? What are the pros and cons of circumcision?

Circumcision for religious reasons is most often performed by Jews on the eighth day of a boy’s life, and Muslims in teenagers. Until recently, in the USA, it was a routine hygiene procedure performed on all male newborns.

Moreover, in some parts of the world in the late XNUMXs, especially in English-speaking countries, circumcision became very popular for moral and quasi-medical reasons.

Worth knowing

It is estimated that around 20-30% of men are circumcised in the world. The possible medical harm or benefit of circumcision has not been clearly investigated, and views are therefore divided.

Circumcision is a procedure that is also less commonly known as circulation. This procedure involves surgical excision of the skin of the foreskin. The foreskin is a fold of skin that covers the glans penis. If circumcision is performed on an adult male, it is necessary to sew the wound surgically, as well as convalescence for several weeks.

The World Health Organization points out that circumcision is one of the most frequently performed procedures, because it is chosen by as much as 30% of the male population of the world. Circumcision is performed for medical reasons, among other reasons, but religious reasons still dominate.

Circumcision for medical reasons simply means the amputation of a large part of the foreskin, and often the removal of the frenulum of the foreskin. Interestingly, there are organizations active in the world whose members oppose the practice of circumcision, because they treat it as contrary to human rights.

On the other hand, circumcision for religious reasons concerns mainly the followers of Judaism and Islam. The sources also mention circumcision, which is part of the rituals of sexual or maturation initiation.

If you want to know more about the foreskin, read on: A small skin fold or foreskin

Circumcision, which is not a ritual, but a medical procedure, is based on the resection of part or all of the foreskin. The wound that remains after cutting the foreskin is sutured with dissolving sutures, so there is no need to perform another removal procedure. Circumcision as a medical procedure is a safe form of foreskin removal. The procedure itself takes place as part of a one-day procedure, after which the patient recovers at home.

It is worth mentioning that circumcision performed in appropriate surgical conditions is very rarely associated with the risk of complications. However, patients are always cautioned against the occurrence of hematomas, minor bleeding or wound infection.

What is worth knowing about phimosis? Check: Phimosis – what is it? Treatment for children and adults

Circumcision does not always mean the same procedure. The methods that stand out in this procedure are divided according to the location of the cut of the penile skin and the amount of the foreskin removed.

Due to where the skin of the penis is cut, circumcision can be divided into:

  1. high – the incision is made in the proximal part, at a great distance from the glans;
  2. low – the incision is made at a short distance from the glans.

Due to the amount of foreskin removed, circumcision can be divided into:

  1. loose – this is a so-called short-segment resection in which part of the foreskin is removed so that it covers the glans after the procedure when it is at rest;
  2. tight – this is the so-called extensive resection, in which a very large part of the skin is removed so that the glans remains completely or largely exposed after the procedure.

Based on the above division, it stands out four methods of circumcision:

  1. high and loose – after the procedure performed with this method, the glans is partially covered with skin. On the other hand, when erect, the skin may shift and expose the glans completely. The scar after the procedure is located some distance from the glans;
  2. high and tight – after the procedure performed with this method, the glans is practically completely exposed, while the scar is located at a great distance from the penile crown;
  3. low and loose – in this procedure, a small amount of the foreskin is removed, which is why the glans is largely covered with the skin during rest. The postoperative scar is located on the inner part of the foreskin;
  4. low and tight – a significant amount of the foreskin is removed during the procedure, therefore the glans remains constantly exposed. The scar after the procedure is located near the gastric groove.

The above-mentioned methods of circumcision are the basic techniques used in the procedure of removing the foreskin. It is worth noting, however, that in the case of urological diseases, circumcision can be performed using the dorsal slit and shield and clamp methods.

The dorsal slit method consists of a dorsal incision of the foreskin. In the case of the shield and clamp technique, specialized tools are used during the procedure. Some specialists offer patients to perform circumcision with a laser, standard scalpel or electrocoagulation.

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The circumcision method largely depends on the part of the world in which the procedure is performed. In the United States, high and tight circumcision is primarily performed, while in Europe, low and loose is the dominant technique.

Circumcision as a medical procedure is based on a surgical procedure in which part or all of the foreskin is removed. Important information for the patient is that the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, but in some cases it is decided to undergo general anesthesia.

The most common choice for circumcision surgery is light penile conduction anesthesia. In the case of this anesthesia, appropriate agents are applied to the base of the penis. Complete penile anesthesia occurs several minutes after administration of anesthetics. During the procedure, the patient is conscious but does not feel the pain associated with the operation. The anesthesiologist does not have to assist with the procedure.

During the procedure, depending on the chosen method, the incision is made at a short or greater distance from the glans. After removing the foreskin, the skin is sutured with dissolving sutures, and the dressing is applied only a few days after the procedure. The wound after the surgery is usually healed within two weeks.

After the circumcision procedure, the patient may notice a swelling or edema of the penis, but this symptom should disappear completely after several days. Due to the sutured wound, convalescence may be accompanied by pain, which can be easily alleviated with commonly available painkillers such as Nurofen or Ibuprofen.

If you want to know more about pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, read on: Anti-inflammatory drugs – which ones to choose for your ailment?

Circumcision – recommendations before surgery

Circumcision is a one-day procedurehowever, you should prepare for it. At the very beginning, the physician performs a pre-operative evaluation of the patient, which means that he is familiar with the disorders, diseases and medications used that may affect the course and effect of circumcision. In addition, several tests should be performed before the procedure, such as a complete blood count and a coagulation test.

Just before circumcision, alcohol should be avoided as it reduces the effect of the anesthetic and thins the blood, which can result in unmanageable hemorrhage.

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In addition, before the procedure, the patient must not take anticoagulant medications. The standard recommendation before surgery is thorough intimate hygiene of the genitals, as well as removal of pubic hair.

Circumcision – recommendations after surgery

After the circumcision procedure, the patient is fitted with a special elevation and a dressing that reduces the risk of bleeding and lymphoedema. One day after the surgery, the patient should see a doctor so that he can assess whether the wound is healing properly and whether there have been any disturbing changes.

If the doctor does not find any postoperative problems, further recovery takes place at the patient’s home. Importantly, for about 4-6 weeks after the procedure, the patient should refrain from having sex and masturbation, and give up physical activity.

Which operations and surgical procedures should you pay the most for? Check: 10 most expensive medical procedures

Circumcision should always be performed in an environment where sterile, aseptic conditions are guaranteed. In addition, circumcision should be performed by a specialist, i.e. a urologist, surgeon or plastic surgeon.

Circumcision surgery for medical reasons can be performed in a hospital, but the waiting time for surgery can be very long, which is why many patients decide to undergo the procedure in a private clinic.

important

Regardless of the patient’s choice, it must always be remembered that the procedure, which will be performed in non-sterile conditions by unqualified persons, may result in serious complications, as well as the death of the patient.

What should you keep in mind when choosing private healthcare? Check: How not to overpay by private treatment?

Circumcision surgery for medical reasons in Poland is reimbursed, which means that the patient does not have to pay for it. However, as already mentioned, the waiting time for surgery can be very long, which is why patients often prefer to pay for the fastest possible date.

The cost of circumcision in private clinics depends on the anesthesia used, the extent of the procedure or the method used. The average price for circumcision ranges from PLN 1500 to PLN 2800.

How much does treatment in Poland cost? Check: The price of health. How much does treatment in Poland cost?

Complications after circumcision surgery

Circumcision is considered a safe procedure, however, as with any surgical intervention, complications can arise. Following circumcision, natural complications include pain, swelling, redness, and sensitivity in the glans. However, all these symptoms should disappear after a few or several days.

Complications that may occur in patients after circumcision also include inflammation, fusion of the foreskin with the glans, sexual disorders and injuries of organs located in the immediate vicinity of the excised foreskin.

  1. How to treat pimples on the penis?

It should be remembered that undesirable situations or postoperative complications in the case of circumcision occur very rarely and are closely related to the quality of the procedure performed, i.e. the lack of professional medical care or improper sterilization.

What sexual disorders do men struggle with? Check: Male sexual dysfunctions. How to deal with them?

The advantages and disadvantages of circumcision

Circumcision has its supporters and opponents, but the specialists themselves point out the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.

The advantages of circumcision:

  1. in the case of phimosis, a guarantee of 100% effectiveness;
  2. easier maintenance of intimate hygiene, including penile hygiene;
  3. reducing the risk of diseases occurring in a sexual partner, including cervical cancer, HPV or trichomoniasis;
  4. reducing the risk of contracting venereal diseases such as syphilis and HIV;
  5. prophylaxis of inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin;
  6. reducing the risk of penile cancer;
  7. in children, the prevention of urinary tract infections.

Circumcision Disadvantages:

  1. the risk of complications that are associated with the surgical procedure;
  2. complications that require the procedure to be repeated;
  3. postoperative pain;
  4. there is insufficient research on the medical effects of circumcision on Western populations.

What is worth remembering when it comes to intimate hygiene? Check: Intimate hygiene on the top five with a plus

The absence of a foreskin reduces the risk of HIV infection

It is known that the religious order of circumcision among the peoples living in the desert was of great importance in terms of maintaining hygiene in difficult climatic conditions and with itinerant lifestyle. Under the foreskin, exfoliated epidermis, sebum, remains of urine and semen accumulate. Due to the hindered access of oxygen with inadequate hygiene, bacteria and viruses can develop there, causing inflammation and, which has always been important for men, infertility and the lack of a successor in the family.

Some specialists, however, believe that the role of the foreskin is only to protect the penis glans during childbirth. After that, the boy does not really need it anymore. However, researchers noted that circumcision causes marked changes in the bacterial flora of the penis. This, in turn, makes it harder for HIV to invade a man.

The French National Agency for AIDS and Hepatitis Research reports that in circumcised men the spread of HIV is lower by up to 55% and the incidence of HIV is lower by 76%. Research in sub-Saharan Africa found that circumcision reduces a man’s risk of contracting HIV by 40 percent.

If you want to know more about secondary and congenital shortening of the frenulum of the foreskin, check out: Frenulum of the foreskin – shortening, treatment, phimosis

Circumcision and HPV

The absence of a foreskin can also be beneficial for the partner. This is because it reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted diseases. Research conducted for two years in Uganda showed that the incidence of HPV was 28%. lower among women in a relationship with circumcised men. Meanwhile, HPV is responsible for cancer of the cervix, penis, larynx, and anus. Circumcision can therefore protect a man and his partner from cancer.

What should I know about sexually transmitted diseases? Check: Serious sexually transmitted diseases

In the 60s, the number of circumcised babies in the United States reached 80%. Circumcision was considered a normal routine hygiene procedure. Currently, fewer of them are carried out. Today, the percentage of newborns circumcised is below 50%. Opponents of circumcision are pushing for a complete ban on this procedure on newborns. In San Francisco, they collected over 7. signatures on a draft law stipulating that circumcision of boys under the age of 18 will be completely prohibited, regardless of their parents’ religion. People breaking the ban will be fined up to XNUMX dollars or a year in prison.

Opponents of circumcision believe that the procedure violates the bodily integrity of a completely defenseless human being, which is a newborn. Organizations fighting to ban this procedure in newborns claim that it is unethical, unnecessary and harmful, and devoid of medical reasons. They emphasize that the foreskin is something normal and necessary for protection.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that the current state of knowledge is insufficient to recommend or advise against circumcision, and leaves the decision to the parents.

According to the urologist Dr. Jan Wolski, circumcision is – statistically speaking – harmless. In Poland, it is carried out under the general health insurance for medical reasons, most often in the treatment of phimosis.

– If someone wants to circumcise himself or his own child for any other reason, he must do so at his own expense. The price of such a procedure in private clinics is about PLN 1400 – he says.

When asked if he would recommend circumcision for hygiene reasons, he replies that not everyone. – If someone leads a risky sex life, himself or his partner has frequent genital or urinary tract infections, diagnosed HPV infection or problems with the mobility of the foreskin – you should definitely consider the possibility of circumcision with your doctor – says Dr. Wolski.

  1. How to properly measure the penis?

If there are no such indications, the urologist recommends washing the penis every day, also under the foreskin, using intimate hygiene products and observing your own organs. – Every change on the penis must be consulted with a urologist – she warns. She adds that such self-monitoring allows for the early detection of very aggressive penile cancer.

Other indications for circumcision surgery

Professionals most often indicate phimosis as a sufficient reason for circumcision surgery. However, just as often, other conditions are the reason why the patient is referred for circumcision. The indications for circumcision are:

  1. paraphimosis – a medical condition manifested by swelling and ischemia. The parapostrum is the result of the foreskin being trapped in a sluggish groove. The lack of treatment and surgery may lead to necrosis of the glans;
  2. short frenulum – a medical condition in which having sex is associated with significant discomfort and pain. The lack of treatment leads to a change in penile curvature and permanent damage to the frenulum;
  3. inflammation of the foreskin and glans;
  4. lichen sclerosus;
  5. venereal diseases (especially recurrent);
  6. too loose skin that does not come off the glans even during an erection.

Circumcision and sex

Dr. Wolski says men often ask him if he will experience any discomfort due to the lack of a foreskin. The urologist says that you may feel some change initially. However, she asks patients if it makes a difference for them to walk barefoot on the rug and in shoes. They answer that basically no. The foot gets used to the shoes and after a while we do not feel them at all.

  1. Does penis size affect your sex life?

– My patients who have been circumcised say that the procedure certainly does not impair sexual experience. Some, especially those treated for phimosis, are wondering why they waited so long, because after the surgery they got to know what sex really is – says Dr. Wolski.

Do you want to diversify your sex life? At Medonet Market you will find lubricants, gels for moisturizing intimate places and herbal oils that will intensify the sensations during sexual intercourse.

Circumcision and recovery

Circumcision in children is performed under general anesthesia, and in adults – under local anesthesia. – Many of my adult patients are afraid of an anesthetic injection. Then I ask them to pinch their penis lightly and inform them that it will be this kind of pain – says Dr. Wolski. The procedure is performed with a small scalpel or special scissors.

  1. A crooked penis and Peyronie’s disease. Penis self-examination

There are also special devices that facilitate precise cutting. – A device resembling a thimble is placed on the glans and a ring on the foreskin that helps to make a perfect circular incision. Then the rest of the foreskin is sewn onto the glans. The entire procedure takes from half an hour to 45 minutes – says the doctor. The wound takes two to four weeks to heal. After this time, the adult male can resume normal sexual activity.

Read more:

  1. Pearly papules – what they are, methods of removal
  2. Male sexual dysfunctions. How to deal with them?

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