Important: This page is general education, not personal medical advice.
What is adult circumcision?
Adult circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin. It can be performed for medical reasons (such as phimosis, recurrent balanitis, or scarring conditions) or personal preference.
Who may be a candidate?
- Tight foreskin (phimosis) causing pain, tearing, or hygiene problems
- Recurrent foreskin/glans inflammation or infections
- Scarring disorders (for example, lichen sclerosus/balanitis xerotica obliterans) in selected cases
- Patients choosing circumcision after counseling on risks and alternatives
Potential benefits
- Definitive treatment of problematic foreskin conditions in many patients
- Improved hygiene and easier foreskin care
- Reduced recurrence of foreskin-related inflammation in appropriate cases
Risks and trade-offs
- Bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising
- Discomfort during healing and temporary sensitivity changes
- Scar-related cosmetic concerns or wound-healing issues
- Rare need for revision surgery
Typical recovery timeline
- First 48 hours: rest, supportive underwear, local wound care
- Week 1–2: swelling/tenderness gradually improve
- ~4–6 weeks: most patients can resume sexual activity per surgeon guidance
Procedure video (educational overview)
Educational medical video content.
Source video: consultant urologist educational overview of circumcision indications/procedure/recovery.
Questions to ask your urologist
- What is causing my symptoms, and are there non-surgical options first?
- What healing timeline should I expect in my case?
- How should I care for the incision and when should I call for concerns?
- When can I safely return to work, exercise, and sexual activity?