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Circumcision Treatment

Circumcision – Safe and Skilled Surgical Care at Minnerva Clinic

Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin, the retractable fold of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis. It is one of the oldest and most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide, undertaken for a variety of reasons, including religious or cultural practices, medical necessity, personal hygiene preferences, or preventative health benefits. At Minnerva Clinic, our experienced surgeons perform circumcision for newborns, children, and adult males in a safe, sterile, and supportive environment.

The dedicated medical and surgical team at Minnerva Clinic understands that the decision to undergo or have a child undergo circumcision is a significant one. We are committed to providing comprehensive information, skilled surgical care, and compassionate support throughout the process.

Understanding Circumcision: Reasons, Benefits, and The Surgical Procedure

Individuals and families opt for circumcision for various reasons:

Religious or Cultural Traditions: A common practice in many faiths and cultures.
Medical Indications:
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin is too tight to be retracted over the glans.
- Paraphimosis: A medical emergency where a retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its normal position, constricting the penis.
- Recurrent Balanitis/Balanoposthitis: Inflammation or infection of the glans and/or foreskin.
Reducing Risk of Certain Infections: Circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in infants, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, HPV, and herpes, in adult men.
Personal Hygiene: Some find it easier to keep the penis clean after circumcision.
Cosmetic Preference or Prophylactic Reasons: Personal choice regarding appearance or perceived preventative health benefits.

How Circumcision Surgery Works:

The surgical technique for circumcision varies slightly depending on the age of the patient and the surgeon's preference, but the fundamental goal is the removal of the foreskin.

Anesthesia:
- Newborns/Infants: Typically performed with local anesthesia (e.g., dorsal penile nerve block, ring block, or topical numbing cream).
- Older Children/Adults: Usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Preparation: The penis and surrounding area are cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
Foreskin Separation & Incision: The foreskin is gently separated from the glans if any adhesions are present. A protective device (like a Gomco clamp, Mogen clamp, or Plastibell device for newborns, or freehand technique for older patients) may be used to ensure a precise and safe removal of the foreskin and protect the glans. The surgeon makes careful incisions to remove the appropriate amount of foreskin.
Hemostasis & Closure (for older children/adults, or specific newborn techniques): Any minor bleeding points are controlled (hemostasis). If sutures are used (common in older children and adults, and some newborn methods like the dorsal slit or sleeve resection), the remaining skin edges are meticulously stitched together using fine, absorbable sutures. For Plastibell, the device itself aids in healing, and no sutures are typically needed as it falls off with the foreskin.
Dressing: An antibiotic ointment and a sterile dressing (e.g., petroleum gauze) are usually applied.

Circumcision aims to:

Surgically remove the foreskin from the penis.
Address medical conditions like phimosis or recurrent infections.
Fulfill religious, cultural, or personal preferences.
Potentially reduce the risk of certain infections.

Potential Key Advantages and Considerations of Circumcision

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Easier Genital Hygiene: Can make it simpler to keep the head of the penis clean.

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Reduced Risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Particularly noted in infant males during the first year of life.

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Reduced Risk of Certain Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Studies show a lower risk of acquiring HIV, HPV, and genital herpes in circumcised men.

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Prevention of Foreskin Problems: Eliminates the risk of conditions like phimosis and paraphimosis.

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Reduced Risk of Penile Cancer: Although penile cancer is rare, circumcision is associated with a lower risk.

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Reduced Risk of Cervical Cancer in Female Partners: Female partners of circumcised men may have a lower risk of cervical cancer (linked to HPV transmission).

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Fulfillment of Religious or Cultural Practices.

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Addresses Medical Necessities: Provides definitive treatment for phimosis or recurrent balanitis.

It's important to note that major medical organizations worldwide have varying stances on routine neonatal circumcision for non-religious reasons, generally stating that while potential benefits exist, they may not be significant enough to recommend it universally without considering individual, cultural, and family preferences. The decision is a personal one.

Is Circumcision the Right Choice for You or Your Son?

The decision to proceed with circumcision is a personal one, often influenced by medical, cultural, religious, and individual preferences. Circumcision might be considered or indicated if:

For Newborns/Infants:

→It aligns with family religious or cultural traditions.

→Parents desire it for perceived hygiene or preventative health benefits after discussing with a healthcare provider.

For Older Children & Adults (Medically Indicated):

→You (or your child) have phimosis (a tight foreskin causing problems with urination, hygiene, or sexual function).

→You (or your child) experience recurrent balanitis or posthitis (inflammation/infection of the glans or foreskin).

→You have experienced paraphimosis.

For Older Children & Adults (Elective/Personal Reasons):

→You desire circumcision for personal hygiene, cosmetic preference, or perceived prophylactic health benefits.

General Considerations:

→The individual (or child, via parents) is in good general health.
→There are no contraindicating medical conditions (e.g., certain blood clotting disorders, hypospadias for newborns until evaluated by a specialist).
→You have realistic expectations about the procedure, recovery, and appearance.

A thorough consultation at Minnerva Clinic is essential. Our surgeons will discuss the reasons for considering circumcision, explain the procedure, potential benefits, risks, and answer all your questions, enabling you to make a fully informed decision for yourself or your child. For newborns, the discussion often occurs with pediatricians or obstetricians as well.

Your Circumcision Journey: Safe and Skilled Care at Minnerva Clinic

We are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and respectful environment for circumcision procedures at Minnerva Clinic. The specifics will vary based on age, but here’s a general overview:

Step in Your Journey	Details of What Happens at Minnerva Clinic
1. Pre-Procedure Consultation & Consent	For all ages, a consultation with our surgeon is key. We will discuss the reasons for circumcision, explain the procedure chosen (e.g., clamp device, dorsal slit, freehand), anesthesia options, potential risks, and aftercare. Informed consent will be obtained. For newborns, this often happens shortly after birth or in the first few weeks.
2. Anesthesia Administration	Newborns/Infants: Local anesthesia (dorsal penile nerve block, ring block, or topical EMLA cream) is administered to numb the penis and ensure the baby is comfortable. A sugar solution (sucrose) may also be given orally for its calming effect. Older Children/Adults: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is typically used.
3. The Circumcision Procedure	The penis and surrounding area are cleansed. The chosen surgical technique is performed: Using a Clamp (Gomco, Mogen): Common for newborns, the foreskin is drawn over a protective device, a clamp applied, and excess foreskin excised. Plastibell Device: A plastic ring is placed under the foreskin, a ligature tied, and excess foreskin trimmed. The ring falls off in 5-12 days. Surgical/Freehand: For older children/adults, the surgeon makes incisions, removes the foreskin, controls bleeding, and sutures the skin edges. The procedure takes 15-60 minutes.
4. Immediate Post-Procedure Care & Dressing	An antibiotic ointment and a sterile dressing (e.g., petroleum gauze) are usually applied to the incision site (except for Plastibell). Parents and adult patients receive detailed aftercare instructions.
5. Healing and Recovery	Newborns: Healing is usually quick, within 7-10 days. Older Children/Adults: Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common for several days to a week or two. Pain medication is provided. Activity restrictions will apply. Stitches typically dissolve on their own.
6. Observing the Healed Outcome	Once healed, the glans (head) of the penis will be permanently exposed. The incision line will mature and fade over several months.

Why Trust Minnerva Clinic for Circumcision?

✔️Experienced Surgeons: Our surgeons (urologists, plastic surgeons, or pediatric surgeons as appropriate for age) are skilled and experienced in performing circumcisions safely and effectively for all age groups.

✔️Focus on Patient Safety & Comfort: We prioritize a safe surgical environment and utilize appropriate anesthesia and pain management techniques to ensure comfort, especially for newborns and children.

✔️Sterile Clinical Setting: All procedures are performed adhering to strict sterile protocols to minimize the risk of infection.

✔️Variety of Techniques Available: We can employ different techniques (e.g., clamp devices, surgical excision) suited to the patient's age and specific circumstances.

✔️Compassionate & Respectful Care: We understand the personal, cultural, or medical reasons for circumcision and provide care with sensitivity and respect for all patients and families.

✔️Comprehensive Pre and Post-Procedure Guidance: We offer thorough consultations, clear explanations, and detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth process and optimal healing.

Circumcision Results & Aftercare: Ensuring Proper Healing and Comfort

Seeing Your Results:

After circumcision, the glans (head) of the penis will be permanently exposed as the foreskin has been removed. Immediately after the procedure, the area will be red, swollen, and possibly bruised.

Newborns: The penis typically heals within 7 to 10 days. The Plastibell ring, if used, will fall off on its own during this time.

Older Children & Adults: Swelling and bruising may take 1-3 weeks to substantially resolve, though minor swelling can persist longer. The final appearance, with mature and faded scar lines, will be evident after several months. The primary result is the surgical removal of the foreskin, achieving the intended medical, cultural, or personal objective.

How Long Do Results Last?

Circumcision is a permanent procedure. The foreskin does not regrow.

Essential Aftercare (will vary slightly by age and technique):

Keep the Area Clean: Follow specific instructions for cleaning the penis, especially during diaper changes for newborns or after urination for older patients. Gentle cleansing with water is often sufficient.
Apply Ointment: An antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly is usually recommended to be applied to the tip of the penis or inside the diaper/dressing to prevent sticking and promote healing.
Manage Discomfort: For newborns, calming measures and prescribed (if any) or over-the-counter infant pain relievers (as advised by a doctor) can be used. For older children and adults, prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication will manage discomfort.
Dressing Changes (if applicable): Follow instructions for changing any gauze dressings.
Monitor for Healing & Complications: Watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever), excessive bleeding, or problems with urination. Contact the clinic if any concerns arise.
Activity Restrictions (for older children/adults): Avoid strenuous activities, sexual activity, and sports for several weeks (typically 4-6 weeks or as advised) to allow for complete healing.
Loose Clothing: Wearing loose-fitting underwear and clothing can improve comfort.

Our medical team will provide detailed, age-appropriate, and technique-specific aftercare instructions.

Circumcision FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q1: Is circumcision painful?

A: Appropriate anesthesia (local for newborns/infants, local with sedation or general for older children/adults) is always used to minimize pain during the procedure. Post-procedure discomfort, soreness, and swelling are expected and are managed with pain relief medication and proper care.

Q2: How long does the circumcision procedure take?

A: The surgical procedure itself is relatively quick, typically taking about 15 to 30 minutes for newborns, and perhaps 30 to 60 minutes for older children and adults, depending on the technique and anesthesia.

Q3: What is the best age for circumcision?

A: Circumcision can be performed at any age. Many prefer it during the newborn period (first few weeks of life) as healing is often quicker and anesthesia is simpler. However, it can be safely performed in older children and adults for medical or personal reasons.

Q4: What are the risks associated with circumcision?

A: Circumcision is generally a safe procedure when performed by an experienced professional. Potential risks are low but can include bleeding, infection, irritation of the glans, meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the urethra), injury to the penis, or problems with the amount of foreskin removed (too much or too little). Serious complications are rare.

Q5: How long does it take for a circumcision to heal?

A: For newborns, healing is usually within 7-10 days. For older children and adults, initial healing of the incision takes about 1-2 weeks, but complete resolution of swelling and full comfort may take 3-6 weeks or longer.

Q6: Will circumcision affect sexual sensation or function?

A: Most studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that circumcision does not negatively impact sexual function, sensation, or pleasure for most men. Some men report changes in sensation, but overall satisfaction rates are generally high.

Q7: What are the medical reasons for performing a circumcision?

A: Medical reasons include phimosis (tight foreskin), paraphimosis (trapped foreskin), recurrent balanitis (inflammation/infection of the glans/foreskin), and sometimes to reduce the risk of UTIs in infants or certain STIs in adults.

Q8: Are stitches used for circumcision? Will they need to be removed?

A: For newborns, methods like the Gomco or Mogen clamp, or Plastibell device, may not require stitches, or if used, they are often absorbable. For older children and adults, surgical circumcision usually involves fine, absorbable sutures that dissolve on their own over a few weeks. Non-absorbable sutures, if used, would require removal.

Q9: When can normal activities (including sexual activity for adults) be resumed after circumcision?

A: For adults, strenuous exercise and sexual activity should typically be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks, or until the area is fully healed and comfortable, as advised by the surgeon.

Q10: How should I care for the circumcision site after the procedure?

A: Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided. This generally includes keeping the area clean, applying prescribed ointment, monitoring for any signs of infection, and managing discomfort. For newborns, this involves gentle cleaning at each diaper change and applying petroleum jelly.

Considering Circumcision for Medical, Personal, or Traditional Reasons?

Whether for your newborn son, an older child, or yourself as an adult, if you are considering circumcision, the skilled and compassionate surgeons at Minnerva Clinic provide expert care in a safe and supportive environment. We are committed to ensuring the best possible outcome and comfort.

Book your circumcision consultation at Minnerva Clinic today to discuss your needs, receive comprehensive information, and make an informed decision.