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What Are The Benefits of Circumcision On Health?

Medically reviewed by Jezreel Esguerra, MD · General Practitioner


Written by Hello Doctor Medical Panel · Updated Jan 19, 2023

    What Are The Benefits of Circumcision On Health?

    The surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis is known as circumcision, and it is very frequent for newborn boys in some countries. In the Philippines, however, this procedure is usually done on or before a boy hits adolescence. Although circumcision after the neonatal stage is possible, it is a more involved process.

    Who Gets Circumcised?

    The procedure of circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin that covers the glans (head) of the penis. Typically performed soon after birth on male infants, it originated as a religious practice.

    Although it’s less common, women can also get circumcised.

    What Does Foreskin Do?

    The foreskin is a piece of skin that covers the round tip of the penis. When a baby is born, the foreskin is completely attached to the penis. Over time, the foreskin separates from the head of the penis and becomes retractable. However, occasionally, the foreskin doesn’t separate when it should and remains tight in a condition called phimosis.

    Circumcision Cut Types

    Open procedure

    The traditional method of circumcision is known as open surgery. Technically, it is also known as the dorsal slit technique. Open surgery is a very complicated procedure, and even a small error can have serious consequences.

    In this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions along the upper length of the foreskin and then removes it, exposing the glans penis. Major incisions are always accompanied by a lot of pain and bleeding.

    It is common for patients to experience significant pain and swelling in the penile region following open surgery. Additionally, since the procedure requires numerous incisions, cuts, and sutures, there is always a high risk of infection. Blood may also gather under the skin, resulting in a hematoma.

    In addition, open surgery has a very long recovery period. It takes about 4-5 weeks to recover completely. This recovery period is for a healthy recovery without any infections; if any infections occur, the recovery period may extend even further.

    Circumcision using ZSR

    Also known as a stapler circumcision, and it uses a circular stapler to close the incision in a safe and very effective manner. When compared to open surgery, ZSR is a more advanced form of circumcision.

    Depending on the type of anesthesia used, the ZSR circumcision operation lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, causes little discomfort, and results in the least amount of blood loss. The patient can return home 6 to 12 hours following the procedure.

    The recovery time is also less than with open surgery; it will take you about a week to heal fully before you can resume your normal daily activities. During this time, you just need to be a bit cautious and observe the measures the surgeon recommends.

    Laser amputation

    Unlike open surgery and ZSR circumcision, which involve making large incisions or cuts on the foreskin, this involves the surgeon using a high-intensity laser beam to remove the foreskin layer.

    Since the laser beam only affects the foreskin and does not damage any surrounding tissues, there is no bleeding or pain during the process, and laser circumcision is 100% safe for all age groups, even those of infants.

    The laser circumcision surgery just takes around 10-15 minutes to perform, and there is no inconvenience because you can even return home the same day.

    Additionally, recovery from a laser circumcision is quick and painless. There is little to no postoperative pain or swelling; there are no incisions or stitches, so there is no risk of infection; you can resume your normal activities in just a few days. All you need to do is follow a few simple safety precautions.

    Benefits of Circumcision

    Here is a short reminder of all the advantages this procedure gives now that you are aware of the various circumcision procedures:

    • A circumcised penis is simpler to maintain in terms of hygiene. All it requires is daily washing when taking a bath.
    • It significantly lowers the risk of urinary tract infections.
    • How it lowers the risk of catching HIV is unclear, but men who underwent the procedure are substantially less susceptible to STIs.
    • Numerous foreskin-related issues such as phimosis (tight foreskin), paraphimosis (tight foreskin stuck), and balanitis (inflammation of the glans) as well as balanoposthitis are all prevented by circumcision (inflammation of glans and foreskin both).
    • Reduces the incidence of penile cancer by 90% in infants.

    Circumcision Age

    It is advisable to perform circumcision as soon as possible because waiting can increase the danger. Typically, circumcisions take place in the hospital a day or two after birth. Other cultures perform circumcision at a later age.

    Most doctors can perform this procedure for prepubescent patients. But circumcision of a newborn is usually done by a urologist, obstetrician, or pediatrician in the hospital.

    What Are The Risks?

    Circumcision is a routine, safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks. These include:

    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Pain
    • Too long or too short a foreskin cut
    • Discomfort on the penis’s tip
    • Meatitis (inflamed opening of the penis).
    • Penile adhesion is a rare complication that may necessitate additional surgery for the infant if the foreskin doesn’t heal properly.

    Post-Circumcision Care

    The doctor or nurse will provide instructions on how to lessen any discomfort after the procedure. It typically takes at least 10 days for your penis to heal after circumcision. A newborn’s circumcision takes approximately 7 to 10 days to heal.

    After the circumcision, it’s common for the penis to appear a little bruised or red for a few days. To speed the healing process, wash the penis and change the dressings every time you change the diaper.

    If your kid experiences any of the following, contact your doctor right away:

    • Ongoing fussiness (in babies)
    • Heightened pain (in children)
    • Difficulty urinating
    • Fever
    • Foul discharge
    • A heightened redness or swell
    • Bleeding

    Learn more about Adolescent Health here

    Disclaimer

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Medically reviewed by

    Jezreel Esguerra, MD

    General Practitioner


    Written by Hello Doctor Medical Panel · Updated Jan 19, 2023

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