Adult Circumcision

Individuals who could not undergo circumcision during childhood may wish to do so when they reach a certain age. This desire could stem from social pressure, religious preferences, or health reasons. Regardless of the reason, it is often difficult for an adult to decide to get circumcised and to share this decision with others. Adults who have not been circumcised tend to keep this fact hidden from their family and social circles. As a result, when they decide to undergo circumcision, they typically want it to remain confidential and not be known by anyone. Some individuals may even prefer to have no one present during the procedure. They often do not want the news of their circumcision to spread after the procedure. For this reason, adult circumcisions are performed in our office in a private environment where confidentiality is maintained, ensuring that the patient feels comfortable. During the procedure, the patient will not have any interaction with anyone except for the doctor. Adult circumcision can be performed much more easily and painlessly than circumcision in children. Since communication is easier, the details of the procedure and post-operative care can be easily explained to adult patients. After the procedure, the patient can put on their pants and return to their normal life. However, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothes, such as sweatpants, for the appointment. The patient can go back to work the next day if they wish, and it is important for those who do not want others to know about their circumcision to be able to wear their pants and go to work without it being noticed. After the healing process is completed, there are no changes in the individual’s sexual life. The recommended waiting period is followed, and after that, the person can return to their normal sexual activity.

Pre-Circumcision Preparation

After the appointment for circumcision is confirmed, we provide detailed information about the treatment. Everything you need to know about circumcision is included in the information form we give you, so please read it carefully before coming to our office. Here is a brief summary of what you should do before your visit:

• Make sure to shave your groin area and take a shower.
• Take 1000 mg of paracetamol one hour before the appointment.
• Wear or bring a half-tight pair of briefs/boxer shorts.
• You can bring your tablet or smartphone for distraction.
• Circumcision is performed under local anesthesia, so you can do everything after the procedure, but it is advisable to have someone with you for support.

How is Anesthesia Administered for Adult Circumcision?

Before circumcision, the penis is numbed with local anesthesia. This procedure is done with a very fine syringe, and the pain sensation is minimal. For patients with needle phobia, the area to be anesthetized is prepared using numbing cream or cooling spray, ensuring that they do not feel anything during the injection. Local anesthesia provides full numbness in approximately 10-15 minutes, and the patient will not feel any pain during the circumcision. This numbness lasts for about 3-4 hours. Local anesthesia does not interfere with driving for adults, so they can easily come to our office alone and with their own vehicle for the procedure. After the circumcision, they can comfortably drive home using their own car.

How is Adult Circumcision Performed?

The classical surgical circumcision procedure takes approximately 30-45 minutes. During this time, excess skin is removed, and bleeding is controlled. Then, the skin and mucosa are brought together and stitched with self-dissolving stitches. Since these stitches dissolve on their own, there is no need for the patient to return to the office for stitch removal. The wound is closed with a dressing, and the procedure is completed. Clip-based methods are not preferred in adults due to severe pain and delayed healing. The clip method can cause pain during erections and delay the healing process.

Is Adult Circumcision Painful?

The circumcision procedure is not painful. The penis is numbed locally before the procedure, and the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. Afterward, painkillers are prescribed to minimize any discomfort.

How to Return to Sexual Activity After Adult Circumcision?

It is recommended to refrain from sexual intercourse for at least one month, and to avoid sexual stimuli (such as films, visuals, etc.) and masturbation, so that erections do not occur during this period. After one month, sexual intercourse with a condom is allowed. After two months, unprotected intercourse can be resumed.

How to Care for the Area After Adult Circumcision?

No companion is needed for adult circumcision, allowing for privacy. After the procedure, the necessary medications will be prescribed to you. Painkillers are recommended for the first day, and you may not need them after that. If the dressing (bandage) does not fall off on its own within the first two days, there is no need to remove it. After 48 hours, the dressing can be removed following a warm shower as instructed. After removing the dressing, local antibiotic creams and St. John's Wort oil are applied to the circumcised area. This application should be done twice a day for 3-4 days. The stitches will dissolve on their own within 3-6 weeks. Although healing is generally completed in the first 2-3 weeks, it may sometimes take up to 4 weeks due to the morning erections in adults, which may cause tension on the stitches, delaying the healing process. Mild redness and swelling around the wound are normal after circumcision. However, increased redness, swelling, or increased sensitivity in the circumcision area may indicate an infection, and it is advisable to evaluate the situation again. Under normal conditions, the risk of infection is very low due to the sterile conditions in our office, but personal hygiene is very important. Changing underwear daily and using cotton, moisture-absorbing underwear is highly recommended.

Benefits of Adult Circumcision:

Adult circumcision is frequently performed in our office, with a strong emphasis on maintaining privacy.

• It is very beneficial in terms of hygiene. Microbes trapped under the foreskin can easily multiply, causing odor and infections. After circumcision, if enough foreskin is removed, hygiene problems are eliminated.
• Women of circumcised men have a lower risk of cervical cancer.
• It is known to reduce the risk of penile cancer.
• The risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis is lower in circumcised individuals.
• Men with a tight foreskin may experience painful erections due to difficulty in the foreskin retracting, which can be relieved with circumcision.
• In societies where circumcision is common, being uncircumcised can lead to significant self-esteem and psychological issues. Overcoming the fear of being judged for being uncircumcised is only possible through circumcision.