Child and Adult Circumcision
A procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis
Circumcision is a procedure in which the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis is surgically removed.
It can be provided to babies and children, as well as adults.
Circumcision can help prevent disease, and has been shown to be partially protective against transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. It also helps to lower the risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners.
What’s part of the healing process after male circumcision?
When it’s carried out by professionals in a health facility, circumcision carries little risk. Under our expert care, your baby will recover quickly from his circumcision. Any issues are usually small, such as bruising, bleeding and infection.
It will take around 7-10 days for your baby’s penis to heal completely. After the circumcision your baby may experience some discomfort and the tip of his penis may be sore. At your appointment, ask our healthcare team for advice about giving your baby painkillers safely during their recovery. It’s also normal for the penis to look swollen for up to 3 days after surgery. Help your baby stay comfortable by fastening their diapers loosely and dressing them in loose-fitting clothes.
Depending on the age and characteristics of the male to be circumcised, MSI sometimes offers the Plastibell ring technique for circumcision. We apply a local anaesthetic to numb your baby’s penis, then place the Plastibell, which is about 1.3cm in diameter, underneath their foreskin and over the head of their penis. This ensures there is no blood loss during the surgery. The Plastibell remains on the penis until it falls off within a few days to 1 week.
Danger signs to look out for
Keep an eye on your baby son’s health after his circumcision and contact us if:
- Your baby’s wound does not stop bleeding.
- Your baby doesn’t wee within 8 hours of the circumcision.
- Your baby has a temperature of 38 degrees celsius or more.
- You see signs of infection, such as pus or a smelly discharge coming from the wound, or it hasn’t healed after a week.
- You have any concerns
Book an appointment
If you’re ready to visit us, book an appointment to reduce your waiting time at the clinic.
Once you’ve filled out the form, a member of the team will be in touch to confirm your appointment.
What happens during circumcision
Before you have the procedure, a doctor will explain the benefits and risks to you, or to the parents if the circumcision is being performed on an infant.
If the procedure is being done on an infant, the penis and the surrounding areas are cleaned and a local anaesthetic is applied to help numb the area. A special ring is then attached to the penis and the foreskin is then removed. The procedure takes around 15 minutes. A topical antibiotic cream is then applied, and the penis is bandaged.
If the circumcision is being done on an adult man, the same procedure is followed however, there may be a need for a stronger anaesthetic.
Frequently asked questions about circumcision
Healing may take about 10 days, during which the ring device should fall off. Some swelling and temporary crusting of the penis is normal.
For infants, the penis can be washed with soap and water until it heals. Petroleum jelly can also be applied gently every time the diaper is changed.
You should seek medical attention if:
– There is bleeding or difficulty in passing urine 8 hours after the procedure
– Redness and swelling does not improve by the 4th day, or gets worse
– There is a high fever of 38 degrees
Adult males should take things slowly in exercise and avoid anything that could interrupt healing, such as long walks, riding bicycles, and wearing tight underwear.
Find a clinic near you
Don’t delay coming in to see us for a circumcision. Find a clinic near you and book your appointment today.
