Male circumcision is a procedure where the hood of skin covering the end of the penis, the foreskin, is surgically removed. Circumcision may be performed for medical reasons and may have some medical advantages, or religious reasons, where circumcision is common in Islamic and Jewish faiths as well as many African communities and tribes.

Whilst circumcision is commonly performed on babies, adult circumcision is not uncommon, with many men choosing to be circumcised in adulthood. Adult circumcision is carried out under anaesthetic, however, patients will usually go home on the same day as their operation and will not be required to stay in hospital overnight.

As many circumcision patients will be able to go home on the same day as their operation, adult circumcision clinics provide important tips to help them to care for themselves at home. All individuals recover at different speeds, however, if you are soon to be circumcised, following these steps after treatment can help you to recover quickly.

Pain Medication

It is important for you to take any pain medication as directed to by a doctor. If you are given prescription medication for pain, it should be taken only when prescribed on a daily basis. If you are not prescribed pain medication but are experiencing pain, you should ask your doctor for advice regarding over the counter pain relief.

If you are prescribed antibiotics, they should also be taken only when directed to by a doctor. A full course of antibiotics should be taken, so even if you are feeling better, you should continue to take your antibiotics until you have finished your course. If you finish your course antibiotics and do not feel that you have recovered properly, you should consult your doctor.

Ice and elevation of the penis

Try to put an ice pack on your groin for 10 or 20 minutes at a time. For the first day after circumcision, try to do this every hour or so, with a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.

Activity and rest

Adult circumcision patients are encouraged to try and walk each day. You can start to walk a little further on a daily basis. However, it is important to avoid more strenuous activities such as aerobic exercise, cycling, jogging and lifting heavy weights. You can return to your normal activities, such as going to work and driving when you are comfortable doing them. For more strenuous jobs, you should consult your doctor to know when you are ready to return to work.

Incision care and dressing

You should wait until your doctor says it is ok to remove your dressing. You should do this by soaking it off in a warm bath. Once your dressing is removed, you can shower or take short baths if you prefer. Pat the incision dry after washing. You should then wear underwear that is comfortable for you; you may prefer tighter fitting underwear for extra support, whilst you may prefer a looser fit.

Follow up care and other instructions

Adult circumcision clinics provide excellent aftercare, so if you have any questions or problems, you should call your doctor. Be sure to attend any follow up appointments.

It is normal for you to have erections after circumcision and this is not harmful, however, you should not stimulate the penis, and it is important to refrain from sexual intercourse or masturbation for at least 6 weeks, or until your doctor advises that it is safe.

For more information on adult circumcision aftercare, you can visit http://www.circumcisionbham.co.uk/.

If you have any questions or problems, you should call your doctor