Circumcision: Why It's Done, Risks and Recovery
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/302234.php
Circumcision in adulthood
Circumcision is performed in adults less frequently than in children. The procedure takes longer and is likely to be more traumatic the older an individual is.
There are still certain circumstances when an adult circumcision may be considered, however.
Phimosis
Phimosis is the inability to pull back the foreskin of the penis. The condition affects around 1% of 7th graders.
At birth, the foreskin is naturally tight and slowly loosens as the boy develops. In the case of phimosis, this tightening is slower to reduce. Typically, the problem resolves between the ages of 5 and 7.
If the problem persists and there is inflammation or ballooning during urination, intervention may be sought. In rare cases, circumcision is used to permanently remedy the situation.
Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis is effectively the opposite to phimosis: the foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis and restricts the blood flow to the end of the penis.
This condition is considered to be a medical emergency. Paraphimosis is often iatrogenic; in other words, it is a reaction to a medical procedure, such as a urethral catheter or penile examination.
If left untreated, paraphimosis can lead to gangrene and autoamputation. Once the initial issue is resolved, a circumcision is often prescribed to prevent future occurrences
Balanitis
Balanitis is a condition where the head of the penis swells up and the foreskin can no longer be brought to its natural position.
This condition can be caused by an infection, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or lichen planus (a skin disease). Having unprotected sex with a partner who has vaginal thrush can also increase the chances of balanitis, as can suffering from diabetes.
Depending on the initial cause of the issue, balanitis can be treated by steroid or antifungal creams, a course of antibiotics, or, as a last port of call - circumcision
Risks of circumcision
There are risks associated with any form of surgery, but circumcision is a relatively safe procedure. The risks include the following:
The foreskin might be cut too short or left too long
It may not heal properly
Blood loss and hemorrhage
Meatal stenosis: a condition where the urinary stream is deflected upwards making it difficult to aim
Damage to the urethra (the tube that carries urine through the penis) making urination difficult
Accidental amputation of the head of the penis (very rare)
Blood infection or poisoning (septicemia)
The foreskin left behind might reattach to the penis and require further minor surgery
A decrease in the sensation of the penis, especially during intercourse
Recovery from circumcision
As with any surgery, the affected area will be bruised and swollen. The pain, bruising and swelling will abate over a 2-3 week period.
Further recommendations:
Underwear that holds the penis in place is often considered more comfortable than loose fitting boxer shorts
Pain medication will be prescribed, and although there will be discomfort, because the operation is relatively minor, it should not be excruciating
Urination can be painful. Drinking plenty of fluids will help dilute the acidity of the urine. A dab of petroleum jelly on the end of the penis can also help abate any associated stinging sensations
Do not use an antiseptic cream on the surgical area as this can interfere with the healing process
Avoid physical activities until the wound has healed, which typically takes 3 weeks in older boys and men.
Erections can be painful during the recovery phase. These are some steps that can help minimize the chance of nocturnal erections:
Empty your bladder before retiring, and relieve yourself during the night
Lie on your side, rather than back
It may be helpful to draw your knees up into a more fetal position.
Circumcision, for such a simple operation, has seen more than its fair share of controversy. The procedure is brief and the recovery swift, but the medical benefits are often uncertain.
Quote:
Recent developments on circumcision and HIV from MNT news
Increased risk of spreading HIV while circumcision wounds heal
Scientists conducting a study of HIV-infected men in Uganda have found that men undergoing circumcision may be at an increased risk of infecting female partners with the disease while the wounds from their surgery heal.
New drugs reawaken latent HIV to eradicate virus
A new study suggests a class of drugs already being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer may also hold the key to complete eradication of HIV.
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