Circumcision Discussion

Considering Adult Circumcision: Four Things You Need to Know

Circumcision is a surgical operation that involves the removal of the foreskin—the skin that covers the tip of the penis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 6 in 10 male newborns in the United States are circumcised as infants. As there are cultural factors, the percentage varies in other countries. Adult circumcision is also an option.

At Lazare Urology, we want to ensure that every man considering adult circumcision has the knowledge and resources that they need to make the best decision for their situation. In this article, our Brooklyn urologist for adult circumcision highlights four of the most important things that you need to know if you are considering adult circumcision.

Circumcision: Cultural, Religious, Hygiene, Medical Reasons and esthetics

As noted previously, government data shows that the majority of men in the United States are circumcised. That is certainly not the case everywhere in the world. In some countries, the circumcision prevalence is actually far higher. For example, in North Africa and the Middle East, nearly 100 percent of men are circumcised. In other areas, circumcision rates are far lower. Only a small percentage of adult men in many Eastern European countries have been circumcised. There are many cultural and religious factors at play.

There are also hygiene and medical reasons for circumcision. While there are certainly some adult men who opt for circumcision on cultural or religious grounds, it is far more common for adult circumcision to have a health-related motivation. Some health-related reasons why an adult man may choose circumcision to include:

• Phimosis (tight foreskin);
• Paraphimosis (retracted foreskin);
• Balanitis (penis inflammation);
• Posthitis (foreskin inflammation);
• General skin tearing; and
• Other forms of inflammation.

Of course, there is no right or wrong reason to get an adult circumcision. An experienced New York City urologist will be able to sit down with you and have a conversation about your purpose and your concerns.
Finally, some men opt for circumcision because they or their partner prefer the appearance of the circumcised penis.

Full Recovery Can Take Up to 3 Weeks

Before getting an adult circumcision, it is crucial that you are prepared for the recovery process. As a general rule, you should expect it to take somewhere around three weeks to make a full and complete physical recovery. Of course, the recovery will be gradual. For the first 48 hours, a patient will need to keep their genital region dry. They are also required to avoid swimming and other related activities for at least one week. You are likely to feel some discomfort and sensitivity—especially immediately after the procedure.

Note: You should avoid sexual intercourse and other sexual activity immediately after an adult circumcision. It is crucial that you take the time you need to heal to avoid complications. Most often, doctors recommend that men who get an adult circumcision wait at least two to three weeks before resuming sexual activity.

Complications are Uncommon—But All Procedures Carry Risks

An adult circumcision is a safe and effective procedure. While the large majority of circumcisions in the United States are performed on infants, the reality is that adult circumcisions are still relatively common. A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), found that tens of thousands of adult circumcisions are performed in North America each year.

While adult circumcisions are safe, it is important to remember that all medical procedures do carry some risks. It is crucial that any issues are immediately addressed. With adult circumcisions, the biggest risk comes from infection. As with any other incision, the risk of infection must be prepared for and protected against. The most important factor that determines the infection rate is the skill of your surgeon.

Also, proper follow-up care is critically important with adult circumcisions. What exactly proper follow-up care will entail depends on the specific circumstances of the patient’s case. That being said, there are generally two follow-up appointments for all adult circumcisions. One appointment will occur after two weeks and another one will occur after six weeks. These follow-up appointments are great candidates for telemedicine services—especially if there are no issues.

An Adult Circumcision Should Be Performed By a Skilled Professional

Male sexual health is important. If you are a man in New York City who is considering getting circumcised as an adult, it is imperative that you work with a skilled, trained medical professional. You need to find a urologist who you can rely on to handle your circumcision properly and provide top-quality care.

Many men who are interested in adult circumcision have reasonable reservations. You may be wondering about things like sexual functioning, sexual pleasure, and fertility. The good news is that a properly-performed adult circumcision should not adversely affect functioning, pleasure, or reproductive ability.

How New York Urologist Dr. Jonathan Lazare Can Help

Circumcision is a major decision—especially if you are an adult considering the procedure. As a New York board-certified and nationally-respected urologist, Jonathan Lazare, MD is an expert in men’s sexual health. When you reach out to our medical practice, you will be able to speak to a New York City urologist who can:

• Listen to your story and answer any questions you have about adult circumcision;
• Help you carefully review the potential benefits and risks of the procedure;
• Perform the adult circumcision at our state-of-the art office in Brooklyn; and
• Provide attentive, thorough follow-up care and support.

Dr. Jonathan Lazare and his urology team are devoted to providing the highest level of patient care. We always put forward the time and resources to make sure that patients get the personalized attention and support that they rightfully deserve. If you want more information about adult circumcision, we are more than happy to help.

Do You Have Questions or Concerns About Adult Circumcision?

We are here to help. At Lazare Urology, our New York urologist has the professional experience and medical expertise that you and your family can rely on. If you want more information about adult circumcision, we are available as a resource. Give us a phone call or make contact with us online to set up your strictly confidential appointment. Our urology team provides adult circumcision services in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and communities beyond.