Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of a penis, primarily done for various medical reasons. While people have considered it a cultural or religious practice, doctors are giving more and more importance to circumcision for medical reasons for its health benefits. They usually recommend this procedure in medical necessity cases such as recurrent infections or other penile conditions.
What is Circumcision for Medical Reasons?
Medical circumcision refers to doctors removing the foreskin of the penis, which they usually perform on infants, young boys, or adults, to treat or prevent certain medical conditions. They perform it under local or general anesthesia, depending on the age of the patient and the complexity of the procedure. Although the procedure is relatively safe, patients should seek medical advice to establish whether it is necessary for a specific condition.
Why is Circumcision for Medical Reasons Needed?
Circumcision is performed for a wide range of medical reasons, including the following:
- Phimosis: This is a situation where the foreskin is tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis.
- Recurrent Infections: The potential for recurrent infections in patients such as urinary tract infections or balanitis often results in the need for circumcision.
- Prevention of Penile Cancer: Although this is a very rare occurrence, penile cancer can be prevented with circumcision.
- Improved Hygiene: Circumcision can enhance the hygiene of genitalia as removing the foreskin makes cleaning a much easier procedure.
- Risk Minimization for HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections: Studies indicate that circumcision might protect against STIs, such as HIV.
Types of Circumcision For Medical Reasons
There are broadly two types of circumcision operations according to the medical condition of a patient and also his age.
- Infant: Healthcare providers usually perform it within the first few days or weeks of birth and commonly do it for religious or health reasons.
- Adult: Doctors often require a general anesthesia procedure for adult circumcision to treat infections, medical complications, or conditions such as phimosis.
Steps of the Procedure
The circumcision procedure is quite simple, though the technique might be a little different for each age and medical status of the patient. Here’s a general procedure:
- Preparation: The site is cleaned, and the anesthetics are provided. Infants require only topical anesthetics, but adult patients are offered general anesthetic.
- Surgical Excision: The foreskin is delicately separated from the glans head of the penis. An excessive foreskin can be removed through surgical excision using a surgical scalpel.
- Incision Closing: Absorbable sutures are used for closing the wound. It will then be protected with dressings.
- Post-operative Care: A follow-up appointment is normally scheduled to assess healing and the removal of non-absorbable stitches.
Medical Benefits of Circumcision
Circumcision offers many medical benefits such as:
- Less Chance of Infections: Regular circumcision can be used to reduce infections such as urinary tract infections and balanitis, which are common among uncircumcised males.
- Easy Hygiene: Removing the foreskin makes genital hygiene easier, thus reducing the risk of skin infections.
- Prevention of Penile Conditions: It helps prevent conditions like phimosis and paraphimosis, wherein the foreskin is too tight or difficult to manage.
- Reduced Risk of STIs: Research shows that circumcision reduces the risk of some STIs, such as HIV and herpes.
Cost of Circumcision for Medical Reasons
| Country | Awarage Prining(USD) |
| USA | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| UK | $700 – $2,000 |
| India | $100 – $150 |
The wide gap in costs makes India an attractive destination for medical tourists who seek circumcision for medical reasons.
Best Hospitals in India for Treatment
Several hospitals across India offer the procedure of medical circumcision, such as good healthcare at low charges. Some are:
- Metro Hospital Faridabad is known to have a dedicated surgical team as well as cutting-edge infrastructure
- Fortis Healthcare – Provides circumcisions at their urology departments.
- Max Healthcare is a renowned hospital for medical services with an immense reputation in treatment surgeries.
Even though these hospitals have the best experience, be sure to seek a specialist to decide which treatment will best suit your needs.
Risks and Complications
Like other surgical procedures, circumcision comes with some risks and complications. They include:
- Infection: These are rare; however, one can experience infection at the cut site.
- Bleeding: Surgeons mostly control the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.
- Pain: Patients may experience some discomfort during the healing process, but they can usually manage it with medication.
- Scarring: Though uncommon, there is a risk of scarring or changes in the appearance of the penis.
It’s important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.
Recovery
Recovery from circumcision is typically straightforward, with most individuals returning to normal activities within a few days. Here’s what to expect:
- First few days: the area may swell and be sore, and most people are on pain medication.
- Wound Care: The main goal is to keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Avoid sexual activity: Medical professionals usually advise patients to avoid sexual intercourse and heavy physical activities for 4-6 weeks.
- Follow-up: The healthcare team schedules a follow-up visit to ensure healing has taken place and removes non-absorbable sutures.
In most cases, the patient achieves full recovery within 4-6 weeks and resumes normal activities.
