PAdult and child circumcision procedures are generally the same. However, treatment after undergoing adult circumcision may be slightly different from child circumcision, because there are several important things that must be considered.
Circumcision is a method of removing the skin covering the head of the penis. In Indonesia, circumcision is usually performed for religious reasons when boys reach elementary school age. However, adult men who have not done so can still undergo adult circumcision.
Considering the Health Benefits of Circumcision
Apart from being based on religious advice, circumcision basically has many good health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of circumcision that you need to know:
- Reducing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and their complications, such as epididymitis and orchiitis (inflammation of the testicles) which can reduce fertility
- Reducing the risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Prevents the occurrence of phimosis or the inability to retract the skin of the penis or foreskin
- Prevents balanitis (inflammation of the tip of the head of the penis) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the head of the penis and foreskin)
- Reducing the risk of cervical cancer in female partners and also penile cancer
Because circumcision removes the skin at the tip of the penis or foreskin, it makes the penis easier to clean. So, for those of you who have never had a circumcision procedure as a child, it is never too late to reduce the risk of getting the above diseases with adult circumcision.
Adult Circumcision Procedure
Compared to circumcision in infants or children, adult circumcision procedure can take longer, which is about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Before the circumcision procedure begins, the doctor will administer anesthesia. This anesthetic option can be through local anesthesia, half body, or general anesthesia that makes you fall asleep.
If the doctor applies general anesthesia, a breathing apparatus will be placed in your mouth or nose and your condition will be monitored during the operation.
After being sedated, a special clamp or plastic ring will be attached to the penis. Then, the doctor will remove the skin covering the head of the penis and cut it. Finally, the penis will be smeared with an ointment such as petroleum jelly then loosely wrapped in gauze.
Maintenance After Performing Adult Circumcision
After an adult circumcision, your penis may look red, swollen, or bruised with pain at the tip of the penis. However, it usually gets better in 7-10 days.
Adult circumcision patients usually make a full recovery within 2-3 weeks. During this recovery period, there are several treatments that you need to do, including:
- Avoid strenuous activities and use of tight pants so as not to trigger pain and swelling.
- Take painkillers and antibiotics as directed
- Clean the penis after the gauze is removed by wiping it with a warm washcloth or towel without soap.
- Avoid soaking in warm water until you get approval from your doctor.
- After being allowed to bathe or the penis has healed, carefully clean the penis with mild soap and clean water.
In addition, the important thing to remember after undergoing adult circumcision is that it is not recommended to have sex or masturbate for four to six weeks.
If after adult circumcision you experience fever, blood in the urine, or pain and swelling in the penis that does not improve, see a doctor immediately for further treatment.