What is circumcision?

Circumcision removes the foreskin covering the glans (head) of the penis. Usually, babies undergo circumcision shortly after birth. Circumcision began as a religious rite. Today, people get circumcised for religious, medical and cultural reasons.

Many baby boys get circumcised, usually within the first week of life. Adults can get circumcised as well, though it’s less common.

What happens before a circumcision?

Your provider may recommend giving the baby some acetaminophen to help with pain relief. In most cases before the procedure, the person doing the circumcision will:

- Place the baby on his back.
- Gently restrain the baby’s arms and legs, so his limbs don’t flail during the procedure.
- Clean his penis.
- Apply an anesthetic, either an injection or a cream, so the baby won’t feel pain.

What happens during a circumcision?

The person doing the baby’s circumcision:

- Separates the foreskin from the head of the penis.
- Uses a scalpel to remove the foreskin.

What happens after a circumcision?

Immediately after removing the foreskin, the person doing the procedure applies ointment and wraps the penis in gauze.

How long does circumcision take?

The entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. Often, a bris takes less time.

Is circumcision painful?

Like any surgery, circumcision can cause some pain. But using pain medications and anesthetics can reduce discomfort. These can help both during the procedure and afterward.

Can an adult get circumcised?

Yes. People who were not circumcised as babies may choose to undergo circumcision as an adult. Generally, the procedure is the same for older boys and adults as it is for babies.

You’ll likely have the procedure in the hospital, using anesthesia. The surgery may take slightly longer than it does for infants. You will need stitches after the circumcision, too. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about recovery, including when you can resume having sex.

What are the risks of circumcision?

- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Reaction to anesthesia.
- Pain.
- Cutting the foreskin too long or too short.
- Irritation on the tip of the penis.
- Meatitis (inflamed opening of the penis).

What are the benefits of circumcision?

Certain penis conditions: These penile disorders include balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin), paraphimosis and phimosis, when the foreskin gets stuck out of place.
Cervical cancer for partners: Female sex partners of circumcised men are less likely to get cervical cancer.
Penile cancer: Men who had circumcisions are less likely to get cancer of the penis.
Sexually transmitted infections: Men who had circumcision have a lower risk of certain STIs, including HIV.
Urinary tract infections: UTIs are more common in uncircumcised males.

A Prominent consulting Surgeon across the western suburbs of Mumbai, Dr. Hitesh Arora has spent