5 Common Reasons for Adult Circumcision

Circumcision is a surgical procedure performed to remove the foreskin (prepuce) from the penis. Often performed on infants, it can be completed for cosmetic, religious, or medical reasons. For men who decide to undergo the procedure later in life, there are 5 common reasons they may inquire about circumcision. Some may receive the surgery for cosmetic or cultural reasons, or to treat four conditions: phimosis, balanitis, paraphimosis, and balanoposthitis

California Adult Circumcision, located just outside San Diego, offers circumcision services for men under the guidance of board-certified urologist Dr. Mohamed Bidair. Practicing since 1988, Dr. Bidair is experienced in many circumcision techniques and is well-equipped to deliver effective results. Schedule an appointment with him today by calling our office at (619) 486-5005, or you may fill out our contact form to inquire about a consultation.

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About Adult Circumcision

The reasons for circumcision are vast and complicated, meaning the decision to receive this procedure is a personal one. It is one of the oldest and most commonly performed procedures in medicine, and it can provide many benefits for men dealing with foreskin-related ailments. (1)

For more information about types of circumcision and what might work best for you, check out our other blog posts.

Types of Circumcision Procedures

Dr. Bidair performs many types of circumcisions including:

  • “Low Cut” – In this procedure, the incision is made near the head of the penis.
  • “High Cut” – Conversely, the incision is made further away from the head during a high-cut circumcision.
  • Difference in penile skin looseness – A decision is made about how much loose skin is present when the penis is flaccid. 

A combination of each preference is created to perfect four types of circumcision described as high and tight, low and tight, high and loose, and low and loose. With extensive knowledge and practice in plastic surgery methodology, Dr. Bidair can customize circumcisions to fit each patient’s preferences and cosmetic desires. The procedure is safe and can be life-changing when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Phimosis

Studies show that in 2022, most of the adult circumcisions were performed to treat phimosis in the United States. (2) Phimosis is when the foreskin cannot be retracted. If medically urgent, this is accompanied by prepuce scarring that leads to pain.

There is a high possibility that if you develop phimosis at a very young age, it can often spontaneously dissipate when you get older. If not treated topically or with circumcision, this condition can lead to irritation, bleeding, expansion, and ballooning of the foreskin, painful erections and urination, and infection. To resolve this issue, Dr. Bidair exposes the glans with circumcision, which also prevents the condition from returning. (2)

Balanitis

This condition is defined as inflammation of the foreskin. (1) Balanitis can occur due to poor hygiene, and if a patient has multiple bouts of inflammation, they may develop more serious side effects. Repeated balanitis leads to pathologic phimosis, which in turn leads to scarring of the preputial orifice. The primary remedy for this condition would be for Dr. Bidair to perform a circumcision. (3)

Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin is retracted for an extended period, leading to swelling that causes the foreskin to become trapped behind the glans penis. It can be very painful for the patient, and sometimes requires immediate circumcision to prevent damage to the glans and sensation loss. This condition is often corrected with a dorsal slit procedure. (3)

Balanoposthitis

Balanoposthitis is skin redness (erythema) and swelling (edema) of the prepuce and glans. It is indicated by inflammation of both the foreskin and the glans penis. It can be very painful for both pediatric and adult patients, often leading to discharge. Balanoposthitis is usually either infectious, allergic, irritant, or trauma-related. Circumcision can be performed to prevent the continuation of this condition if it is recurring, especially if urinary tract infections and dermatosis accompany it. (4) 

Cultural or Cosmetic Reasons

In certain societies or communities, circumcision is considered the norm, and individuals may choose to undergo the procedure to conform to social expectations or avoid feeling different. In many cultures and religions around the world, circumcision is considered a right of passage or ritual. They are typically performed when the patient is an infant. Some patients receive circumcisions later in life due to the norm among their peers and community. It has also been observed that some women prefer circumcised penises for sexual intercourse as opposed to uncircumcised. (5)

Men can be socially motivated to undergo circumcision, perhaps by their partners or friends and family, but it is ultimately your choice to get circumcised. It is a personal choice that can be made for many reasons, and it is important to consider all of your options to get the results you desire. Dr. Bidair is sensitive and aware of all possible reasons men seek out adult circumcision, and he will gladly help you through your decision. 

Benefits of Adult Circumcision

In addition to treating the conditions mentioned above, adult circumcision can also decrease your risk of:

  • Penile cancer
  • Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
  • Passing on STIs (and cervical cancer) to a female partner
  • Urinary tract infections

Receiving this surgery can also help with personal hygiene and improve your self-image. Such an intimate subject matter can affect your personal perception, and circumcision can help patients become more comfortable with their bodies. Removal of the foreskin can also help with cleanliness by allowing patients to clean the area with ease.

It can also provide emotional or spiritual benefits for those devout to a particular religion or cultural practice.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Bidair

At California Adult Circumcision, Dr. Bidair specializes in personalized procedure plans and attentive medical consultations. At our facility, he meets with you for a private appointment to discuss your medical history, desires, and concerns before scheduling your circumcision procedure. He performs a medical examination to determine the best technique to achieve your desired look. 

As an integral part of the process, this consultation acts as your chance to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and healing processes. Make sure you are clear and concise about your specific desires so Dr. Bidair can correctly assess you.

Recovery & Results

Circumcision for adults usually does NOT require general anesthesia. The procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia. Dr. Bidair is very gentle with the local anesthesia injections. There should be absolutely no pain during the procedure. Dr. Bidair will expertly remove the foreskin and leave you with the aesthetic result you choose during your consultation. 

As your penis heals, you may experience some pain, swelling, and redness around the incision. After 2 weeks, your incision should be fully sealed. Some patients find that their penis is sore for 3 to 4 weeks after the procedure, but this should subside quickly. 

Cost of Adult Circumcision in San Diego

Depending on the method used and your specific situation, the price for adult circumcision varies from patient to patient. Dr. Bidair will estimate and explain your total cost during your first appointment. If you have any questions about cost, Dr. Bidair will be happy to answer them at this time. 

To schedule your first consultation at California Adult Circumcision with Dr. Bidair, don’t hesitate to call our office directly at (619) 486-5005 or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you shortly. 

FAQ

How long does it take to recover from adult circumcision?

After your procedure, you will have dressings around your penis to keep it clean. Observing them and keeping the area dry to prevent infection is important. Typically, patients take around 2 to 3 weeks to recover from adult circumcision.

Does circumcision help with hygiene?

Circumcision can make it easier to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness of the penis. Without the foreskin, there is less chance of bacterial buildup, smegma accumulation, and potential infections.

Does adult circumcision affect fertility?

No. It is generally known that adult circumcision does not impact your fertility in any way. The procedure is usually performed to treat the conditions above or for religious and societal reasons. 

How long do I have to wait before I can engage in sexual intercourse after an adult circumcision?

To avoid both pain and the possibility of complications, avoid any strenuous activities, including intercourse, for at least 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure. This will give your incision plenty of time to completely heal.

References

  1. Abdulwahab-Ahmed A, Mungadi I. Techniques of male circumcision. Journal of Surgical Technique and Case Report. 2013;5(1):1. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2006-8808.118588
  2. Nabavizadeh B, Li KD, Hakam N, Shaw NM, Leapman MS, Breyer BN. Incidence of circumcision among insured adults in the United States. PLoS ONE. 2022;17(10):e0275207. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0275207
  3. McGregor TB, Pike JG, Leonard MP. Pathologic and physiologic phimosis. Canadian Family Physician. 2007;53(3):445-448. Accessed January 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1949079/
  4. Perkins OS, Cortes S. Balanoposthitis. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed January 15, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31971711/
  5. Asa GA, Fauk NK, Ward PR. Traditional male circumcision and the risk for HIV transmission among men: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2023;13(5):e072118. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072118
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