Adult Male Circumcision
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about a circumcision?
Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin from your penis. The foreskin is the fold of skin that covers the tip of the penis.
How do I prepare for a circumcision?
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for the procedure. He or she will tell you what medicines to take or not take before your procedure. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
- Take a shower the morning of your procedure. Do not put on lotion. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home and stay for a day after your procedure.
What will happen during the procedure?
- Your healthcare provider will give you a shot of numbing medicine at the base of your penis. Your healthcare provider may give you another shot further up your penis. The medicine will keep you from feeling pain during your procedure but you will be awake. You may instead be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- Your healthcare provider will make an incision and cut away the foreskin. Your provider may close the edges with tissue glue or stitches that will dissolve. Petroleum jelly and a dressing will be placed on the area.
What will happen after the procedure?
You will be monitored until you are stable. Once you are stable, you will be able to go home. You will need to rest for the rest of the day. Your penis will be swollen and bruised. You will have some pain after the numbing medicine wears off. This should get better over the next 2 or 3 days.
What are the risks of a circumcision?
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. An injury to your penis, urethra, or nerves may occur. You may need another procedure to fix the injury.
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Further information
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