Should I Get Circumcised As an Adult?

Circumcisions are one of the most common procedures performed in the world, and in the United States, over half of all newborn baby boys are circumcised. 

If you’re part of the other half whose parents decided against circumcision, we’re glad you’re here. Whether or not you move forward with adult circumcision, it’s best to know your options. 

Dr. Philip Weintraub and our team at Urology Associates Medical Group specialize in various urology procedures, including circumcision. In this blog, we take a closer look at what’s involved to help you decide your next steps. 

To circumcise or not to circumcise

There’s usually no medical reason why you should need to be circumcised. Even when you’re first born, circumcision is largely a personal choice dictated by societal norms, cultural influence, and religious convictions. 

But it’s not uncommon to feel self-conscious if you haven’t been circumcised, especially when the majority of the male population has been. Plus, some research indicates a link between circumcision and a reduced risk for certain medical conditions, including:

• Bacterial infections
• Penile cancers
• Sexually transmitted diseases, including genital warts
• Lichen sclerosus
• Urinary tract infections

Additionally, the risk associated with circumcision is extremely low. 

I’d like to get circumcised — what should I expect?

If you’ve decided circumcision is for you, your first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weintraub. We’ll discuss your family and personal medical history, treatment goals, and expectations before scheduling a date for your circumcision. 

Circumcisions begin with numbing and cleaning the end of the penis. Then, we place a sterile clamp on the head of your penis to separate it from the skin. 

We carefully remove the foreskin with a scalpel and/or surgical scissors, and the suture or cauterize the wound closed. To finish, we wrap your penis in a protective dressing to keep it clean while you heal. Expect the procedure to take 30-60 minutes.

Recovering from adult circumcision

You’ll likely experience some swelling and bruising, but you can manage post-procedure discomfort by applying a cold compress to your groin (not directly on your skin). We may prescribe pain medication, but over-the-counter painkillers work well, too. 

Wearing supportive undergarments can help reduce swelling and pain. 

You’ll be back in our office in a few days to have the dressing removed and your incisions checked; you’ll fully recover in a few weeks (4-6 on average).  

While you’re healing, you should abstain from certain activities, including masturbation, sexual intercourse, and strenuous physical exercise. Take great care to keep the area clean and dry.

If you think adult circumcision is right for you, call 818-853-9659 to speak with one of our friendly staff members and schedule an appointment at our Burbank, California, office.