Adult circumcision is currently unavailable – watch this space for updates

Introduction

Circumcision can be performed at any age and this can be undertaken with a local anaesthetic.

Often adult patients are very apprehensive about undergoing a circumcision – and this is understandable given that it is their manhood. It is a major decision both to consider and to undergo the procedure. Often the greatest concern people have is the level of pain they will feel both during and after the procedure.

From our point of view, we have to reassure all our adult patients that a circumcision need not be a daunting and frightful experience. If anything, it is much easier having a circumcision done under a local anaesthetic than it is having a filling at your local dentist. The clinic has undertaken circumcisions in adults that are in their 50’s and 60’s and routinely undertakes circumcisions in people in their 20’s and 30’s.

Preparation before and on the day of the Procedure

It is a good idea to trim or shave your pubic hair a few days before the procedure in anticipation of the circumcision. This ensures that no hair gets into the operating field and it reduces the chances of infection. It is advised that you have a shower on the morning of the procedure. A firm pair of boxers together with a tracksuit bottom are ideal clothing for the day. Avoid wearing jeans and tight clothing on the day and for two weeks after the procedure.

Please bring with you an over the counter painkiller – either Co-Codamol or Ibuprofen. Once you attend the clinic we will advise you to take the first dose just before the procedure.

How the procedure is performed

The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic that is injected at the root of the penis. An interval of about 10 minutes is given before the actual procedure is started so that the penis is completely anaesthetised and no pain will be felt during the procedure. The groin is fully prepped and draped to undertake the procedure in a sterile fashion. A surgical marker pen is used to mark the line of incision on the foreskin to guide the level of the cut – this ensures that the skin removed is symmetrical and that the best final cosmetic result can be achieved. Freehand excision of the foreskin is performed along this mark. The procedure finishes with a thin strip of non-adherent dressing along the line of the wound. This serves two purposes: (1) it protects the wound from contamination and; (2) it helps to keep the swelling down.

The length of time required in total for the procedure is approximately one hour. This is broken down into (1) consultation (20 mins); (2) local anaesthetic application and time for it to take effect (10 mins) and; (3) surgery itself (30 mins).

After the procedure

All post-operative care instructions are given. You can wear your normal clothes that you came in and be ready to depart the clinic. You are welcome to sit and wait for a bit in the clinic if you so desire. You can drive or take public transport immediately after the procedure.

The pain that you will experience depends on the individual – it is more a dull ache than a sharp pain once the feeling returns. It is advisable that you take painkillers for 2-3 days following the procedure. However, a number of adults do not take any painkillers. Pain of course is an individual experience, the threshold of which differs between individuals.

Return to work and function

It is advisable to take at least 3 days off work following the circumcision. However, a number of adults return to work as early as the next day. It is advisable to avoid heavy manual work for about one week. In terms of return to sexual activity, approximately 6 weeks is required.

Follow-up visits

Routine follow-up is not necessary. However, if there is any concern than you are welcome to come for a check-up as many times as you wish. There are no charges for follow-up visits.

You can e-mail us from the website directly under contact us.

Finally

We hope the above information is helpful in order for you to make an informed decision about undergoing a circumcision – whether this is for medical or non-medical reasons.

You can rest assure that at the Circumcision Clinic you will get the very best care and attention.