What is circumcision in adults?

Circumcision is surgery to remove the skin that covers the head of the penis (the foreskin). Your doctor will remove the foreskin. You will have some small stitches. They will dissolve on their own. You will likely go home the same day as the surgery.

You may have the surgery because you can't roll back your foreskin. This is called phimosis. Or you may need the surgery because your foreskin is stuck behind the penis head. This is called paraphimosis. After surgery, these problems will go away.

This surgery may also be done for other reasons.

Most people are able to go back to work, school, or their normal routines after a few days. But healing may take several weeks or longer, depending on how the procedure was done.

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk.
• You may shower when you no longer have a bandage on your penis. Pat the cut (incision) dry.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay.
• You can return to work and normal activities, including driving, when you are comfortable doing them.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

Incision care

• Remove the bandage when your doctor says it is time. Wear underwear that is comfortable for you. Some people prefer a snug fit for support, while others prefer loose-fitting briefs.

Ice and elevation

• Put ice or a cold pack on your groin for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the first day. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Position your penis so that your underwear keeps it upright.

Other instructions

• Do not have intercourse or masturbate for 6 weeks, or until your doctor says it is okay. You will probably have a few erections. They aren't harmful as long as you leave them alone. Do not stimulate the penis.

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.

Circumcision is surgery to remove the skin that covers the head of the penis (the foreskin). Your doctor removed the foreskin. You will have some small stitches. They will dissolve on their own. Most people go home the same day as the surgery.

Your penis may swell and bruise for the first 2 days. It is generally not very painful. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are likely all you'll need.

You will probably have a dressing over the area or over your entire penis. Follow your doctor's directions about when to remove it. Wear underwear that is comfortable for you. You may prefer a snug fit for support. Or you might like loose-fitting briefs. The underwear should hold the penis upright. This will help the swelling go down. The swelling usually goes down within a few weeks after surgery. But in some cases it may take a little longer.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about when to bathe or shower before your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital, surgery center, or doctor's office

• Bring a picture ID.
• The area for surgery may just be numbed. Or you may get more sedation. You will be kept comfortable and safe.
• The surgery usually takes less than 1 hour, but you may be there for several hours. This includes the time to check in and the time for recovery after the surgery.