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Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes your foreskin (the folds of skin around the head of your penis, or glans). Newborns, children, adolescents and adults alike get circumcised, for several reasons: religious, aesthetic, because foreskin is uncomfortably tight and difficult to retract (phimosis) and for cleanliness - some people think a circumcised penis is easier to keep clean and free from infections including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and balanitis. Others, however, are opposed to the procedure, arguing that circumcision is medically unnecessary and, in the case of newborns, a cruel application of pain. Indeed, the issue of circumcision is a contentious one.
Around sixty percent of American men are circumcised, whereas most men from Latin America, Asia and Europe are not. Circumcision of males is a religious requirement of the Jewish and Muslim and faiths and as a result is practised extensively throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Malaysia and Indonesia. How is it done? For adult males, the operation typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia. No hospitalisation is required. Most men recover in three weeks. Minor complications such as swelling, bleeding, pain and infection may occur after the operation. Important considerationsOnce you get circumcised, you can kiss that foreskin goodbye - there's no good way to undo the procedure! Some men advocate non-surgical foreskin restoration, in which the remaining skin on shaft of the penis is, over time, stretched over the head of the penis to create a hood of skin that resembles foreskin. Remember, this is not the same as having original foreskin, and you should not undergo this restoration without consulting your doctor first. Other surgical procedures try to create a flap of skin to cover your glans. They often result in a loss of sensation and scarring.
Some men who've been circumcised as adults report that the glans (the head of the penis) becomes less sensitive after surgery.
Keep in mind, there are varying degrees of circumcision: some men who've been circumcised still have a fair amount of foreskin. Their penises may even look intact!
Researchers from Australia reported on June 9, 2000 that circumcision may provide protection against HIV and STDs. The inner surface of the foreskin contains HIV receptors, which are susceptible to the virus and other infections, the researchers say. By removing the foreskin, many of these receptors are removed, which may help protect you. Even so, all men should always use condoms to help ensure their safety from disease.
One last thing: don't get pressured into getting circumcised. It's your body and your choice. If your boyfriend pushes you to have the procedure, maybe he's the one who should speak to a doctor! Possible side effectsWhile you heal, the area around the incision may be swollen and painful; your doctor may recommend ice-packs to bring down the swelling and prescribe medication to control the pain. Dangerous complicationsCircumcision, no matter at what age, is considered a safe and routine procedure. All surgeries, however, carry risks for bleeding and infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. As always, choose an experienced physician to perform the procedure. If done incorrectly, your penis can be injured if too much skin is removed. In rare instances, a separation of the incision can also occur.
Newborns who are circumcised may hemorrhage from the procedure, but this is "rare," says Harry Fisch, M.D., Director of the Center for Reproductive Health at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. How long is the healing process? Healing time for newborns takes about one week. Some swelling and formation of yellow crust around the incision area is normal. If you are circumcised after infancy, healing can take up to three weeks. During this time vigorous exercise and sex should be avoided. Be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions on proper care of the wound, and contact him or her immediately if your entire penis looks swollen and red, if fresh bleeding occurs after surgery, or if pus drains from the incision. How do you reverse it? Once your foreskin is removed, there is no good way to restore it. Some fans of foreskin advocate non-surgical foreskin restoration, in which the remaining skin on the shaft of the penis is stretched, over time, to create a retractable hood of skin that resembles foreskin. This is not a replacement for original foreskin, and you should consult your doctor before trying this procedure.
Other surgical procedures try to create a flap of skin, resembling original foreskin, to cover your glans. Beware! They often result in loss of sensation and scarring. 2011-04-25
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