Circumcision in men
Medicalreasons for men to have a circumcision
In men, circumcision is sometimes considered a possible treatment option for the following conditions:
- tight foreskin (phimosis) where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans); this can sometimes cause pain when the penis is erect and, in rare cases, passing urine may be difficult
- recurrent balanitis where the foreskin and head of the penis become inflamed and infected
- paraphimosis where the foreskin can't be returned to its original position after being pulled back, causing the head of the penis to become swollen and painful; immediate treatment is neededto avoid serious complications, such as restricted blood flow to the penis
- balanitis xerotica obliterans a condition that causes phimosis and, in some cases, also affects the head of the penis, which can become scarred and inflamed
- cancer of the penis a very rare type of cancer that can occur in men, where a red patch, wart-like growth or ulcer appears on the end of the penis or under the foreskin
In most cases, circumcision will only be recommended when other, less invasive and less risky treatments have been tried and haven't worked.
Mild cases of phimosis can be treated with topical steroids to help soften the skin and make it easier for the foreskin to retract.
In paraphimosis, a healthcare professional may rub a local anaesthetic gel on to the glans to help reduce pain and inflammation. They may then apply pressure to the head of the penis while pushing the foreskin forward.
In severe cases of paraphimosis, local anaesthetic gel can be applied to the penis and a small slit ismade in the foreskin to help relieve the pressure.
Balanitis and balanitis xerotica obliterans can sometimes be successfully treated using corticosteroid ointment, gel or cream , antibiotic creams or antifungal creams .
The three main treatment options for penile cancer are:
- surgery to remove the cancerous cells, and sometimes the surrounding tissue
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
If you're considering circumcision for a medical reason,it's worth discussing alternative treatment options with your GP or specialist.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about the medical reasons why circumcision in men may be necessary and what happens before, during and after the procedure.
Why circumcision is carried out in men
Circumcision may be carried out for: medical reasons in men,circumcision is most commonly carried out when the foreskin is tight and won't pull back(retract), which is known as phimosis ; however,
Medicalreasons for men to have a circumcision
In men, circumcision is sometimes considered a possible treatment option for the following conditions: tight foreskin (phimosis) where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head o
HIV prevention
There's evidence from several trials carried out in Africa that circumcised men have a lower risk of acquiring HIV from infected women. However, it's unclear whether male circumcision can help preven
The procedure
Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. This means you'll be admitted to hospital on the same day you have surgery and you won't have to stay overnight. You'll be asked not to eat
Recoveringafter male circumcision
When you're discharged from hospital, you'll be given advice about your recovery at home, including when you can drive, return to work and have sex. It usually takes at least 10 days for your penis t
Risksof male circumcision
In the UK, complications after circumcisions carried out for medical reasons are rare and most men don't experience any significant problems. Apart from the initial swelling, bleeding and infection a
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