Circumcision

Circumcision is a male surgical procedure where the foreskin of the penis is detached from the penis head and then partly or fully removed. It is an operation that is popular for young males in some cultures and a necessity for men who have a tight foreskin, where it is painful for them to retract the foreskin back from the penis head and over the glans.

Circumcision is normally performed in a hospital by a trained surgeon. The surgeon will cut away the existing foreskin that cover the penis head and glans, and then secure the remaining portion of foreskin directly to the base of the glans, so no foreskin movement over the penis head needs to take place. Surgery takes little more than half an hour to complete, and rarely is an overnight stay in hospital required.

Swelling and bruising is likely around the penis and scrotum area in the days after surgery - this can be quite painful at times, although generally short-lived. You will be prescribed painkillers to help manage this discomfort, which should recede within two to three days. Full recovery from circumcision surgery is normally three to four weeks, during which time you should avoid sexual activity.

For more information on circumcision, please review the resources on our site.

Adoption, Child Birth, Child Behaviour, Child Development, Child Care, Circumcision, Teen Pregnancy