Circumcision – How does it work?

Circumcision is the process of surgically removing the skin covering the tip of the penis. It is a common procedure among many cultures all across the globe and involves little to no complications if performed with the required precautions. It is common for this procedure to be performed on newborns in many cultures and for many parents who choose it for reasons other than religion.

Circumcision is one of the oldest procedures being conducted on humans. While it is most common in males, it is also performed in women. Why a family would choose to go for this procedure has varying different reasons. Either way, in the following blog, we will help you understand what circumcision is and what it pertains to.

Where possible, circumcision should not be done until the person is able to give informed consent. – Roger Charlton

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the procedure of removal of the foreskin from the human penis. It is the most common process of operation, the foreskin is extended with the forceps, then a circumcision device may be placed, after which the foreskin is excised. Topical or local anesthesia is generally used to reduce the pain during the procedure.

This is an elective procedure, which is performed for reasons of preventive healthcare, as a religious rite, or simply as a cultural practice. Either way, it could be agreed that circumcision goes a long way in history. This procedure is used also for resolving chronic medical conditions like phimosis or chronic Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

The reason why circumcision garners such heat is simply because of its potency. To many, it may be a procedure of medical prevention, and to many others, it may be cultural abuse. Just like many of the creations of humankind this too has garnered negative and positive responses.

Why is Circumcision performed?

Circumcision could be performed for various reasons, varying from cultural derogation to medical conditions. The most widely followed is cultural or religious connotation. Circumcision could also be for personal health, aesthetic appeal, or even for preventive measures.

When and why to consult a doctor?

Circumcision is a common procedure among newborns, hence, a consultation with a doctor would be only fitting so that an informed choice could be made. This informed choice could be that of the parents of the newborn or of the individual wanting to undergo that procedure.

When snips are in question that should be considered very seriously, as the individual undergoing it would have to look into more than just clipping of their skin ends. Hence, the best time to get circumcised is when one feels completely prepared, i.e., both mentally and physiologically.

Procedures and Types of Circumcision

Circumcision surgical procedures in males are fairly straightforward. The premise is to make an incursion into the foreskin and to extend it off in order to remove it. This removal could be done through instruments or through devices. The most commonly used instruments include Gomo Clamp, Mogen Clamp, and Plastibell. These are used worldwide and are approved by the World Health Organization for the purposes of performing a safe procedure.

Among the surgical procedures, there are open surgical methods; namely –

• The Forceps Method – This method involves using forceps in order to enable the process of circumcision. The foreskin is pulled out past the front of the glans, then locked into the forceps to be removed with ease and without discomfort.
• The Dorsal Method – This method is similar to the one mentioned above. The only difference is that a slit is made into the foreskin before it is clipped out. This method is effective for tightened foreskin.
• The Sleeve Resection Method – For this method, shrapnel is used to remove the foreskin which is stretched out of the penile tissue. This method is the most commonly used and among the oldest known. It is considered most appropriate for newborns and children.

Circumcision could be performed by either instrument or through devices. The fundamental difference between the two is that, for the first, the instruments are during the surgical procedure unlike the devices that are inserted into the penile lining, or tissue to enforce circumcision, and with time and procedural discrepancies that device is either removed or comes off spontaneously.

To understand the instruments and the devices better here is a table of comparison. -:

Surgical Instruments	Surgical Devices
1. Used for the surgical procedure. 2. Disposed after use. 3. Include – forceps, Gomo Clamp, ZSR scissors, or Laser clippers	1. Used for the process of circumcision. 2. Sometimes they stay on and have to be removed, at other times, these come off spontaneously. 3. Include – ringlets and metal scrape with an outer and inner clamp.

What to expect from the surgery?

During the surgery, the foreskin is freed from the head of the penis, and the excess foreskin is clipped off. The procedure starts with the medical staff cleaning, then numbing the penile area, either with a small shot or with a numbing cream. They would put a clamp or a ring on the penis and the doctor removes the foreskin. After the procedure is completed, antibiotic ointment is put on the wound followed by gauze. in the case of newborns, circumcision takes from 5 to 10 minutes, unlike for adults or older children where the procedure could last for about an hour.

What to do after the Surgery?

• The wound should heal in 5 to 7 days.
• Use soap and water to maintain cleanliness.
• Use Pain medication, antibiotics, and Prescribed meds, responsibly.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you should have any trouble passing urine, or find bleeding in the affected area, blisters, or any other form of abnormality.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Circumcision –

Sniping is a straightforward yet painful process. Thus, weighing possibilities becomes imperative. This is to keep in mind that the procedure is done right, and what to expect from it. The advantages and disadvantages table thus equips you with as much information as possible so that you aren’t taken by surprise.

ADVANTAGES OF CIRCUMCISION	DISADVANTAGES OF CIRCUMCISION
1. Reduces risk of Urinary Tract Infection, Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 2. Prevents Penile cancer and cervical cancer. 3. Also, it prevents Phimosis and Paraphimosis. 4. Religious and Cultural connotations.	1. Painful2. Risk of Infection 3. Irritation 4. Metis (inflammation of the Penile gland) 5. Injury and Deformation

Circumcision – Medical Science Vs. Culture

Circumcision is among the oldest procedures being conducted on humans and has had a history and cultural connotation attached to it. This brings circumcision to the world of decisive religious ideas. One needs to realize that both scientific and religious dispositions of a concept are there for the safety and well-being of the individual.

We are all after all people. And what becomes of this life is what we chose for it to be, so whatever may be the reason for you pick a circumcision surgery, remember a safe surgery is an informed surgery. So, ask your doctor as many questions as you like and read as much as you can. And look for more information. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor.

Circumcision is an age-old procedure. One that was believed to bring about a good and prosperous life. According to medical science, a lifestyle of care and medical prevention. Despite its positives and negatives, circumcision is still a practice widely known and followed. Making it a medical precaution as well as a family tradition. Amidst all this, caution is to be practised for the best care is the one that does not require pain. Take care of yourself and of those around you 🙂

Since we are talking about the safety and cleanliness of your body and consulting a doctor, Dr Ashish Saini‘s practice of urology and sexology would help! He is one of the leading doctors for laser circumcision treatment in Delhi. DON’T WAIT, BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW!

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