When to Consider Adult Circumcision?

Circumcision is the removal of foreskin from around the head of the penis. In some cultures, males are circumcised during their infancy for religious and societal reasons. This practice can also enhance men’s genital hygiene throughout their life. While there is nothing wrong with being uncircumcised, many men will choose to receive this procedure later in their lives to enhance their health, hygiene, confidence, and more.

If you would like to investigate the benefits of adult circumcision, then please schedule a consultation with Dr. Bidair to explore your options. Dr. Mohamed Bidair is a Harvard graduate who is a member of three different medical association boards. He is a leading writer in urological literature and has been practicing in the field for nearly 30 years. His patients are regularly satisfied with the results of their procedures, and his circumcision techniques ensure natural-looking results and swift recoveries.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our La Mesa office at (619) 486-5005.

About Adult Circumcision

We understand that receiving a circumcision procedure as an adult is not always an easy decision to make. Religious customs, cultural expectations, societal norms, and more are all major factors in this decision. Many uncircumcised men report feeling “abnormal” about their foreskin or the appearance of their penis, and this can cause embarrassment in intimate situations. (1)

There are also various medical reasons for circumcision; the most common of these being phimosis. Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is unable to retract over the head of the penis. This condition can lead to poor genital hygiene, which in turn can lead to infection, disease vulnerability, and more. Circumcision is a very common procedure in the United States, Canada, and other Western countries. Statistically, one in six male infants will be circumcised. (1) Those who are not circumcised may face medical and psychological complications due to their foreskin at some point in their lives. However, many men will live happy, confident lives with their foreskin still intact. There are no right or wrong answers with circumcision; what is most important is that you make the decision that feels best for you.

Reasons for Adult Circumcision

Your decision to circumcise your foreskin may come from a wide variety of motivations. Some common reasons men will seek a circumcision in their adult life include:

  • Medical necessity: Some conditions like phimosis, regular urinary tract infections, or inflation of the head of the penis (balanitis) may require circumcision to improve a patient’s health.
  • Hygiene: Having a foreskin requires extra steps in hygienic care. Men have to pull the foreskin back to fully clean the penis. Removing the foreskin can help make this hygiene process easier–especially for elderly patients.
  • Cultural or religious reasons: Circumcision is a customary practice in many cultures around the world, and you may want to remove your foreskin to align with your beliefs.
  • Sexual health: Circumcision may reduce the risk of infection or disease vulnerability.
  • Personal preference: Some men may circumcise their foreskin to enhance their confidence in life and intimate situations.
  • Enhanced genital appearance: If you are not happy with the appearance of your penis because of your foreskin, you might consider an adult circumcision. (See cosmetic circumcision)

Benefits

The two main benefits of receiving a circumcision as an adult are improving your confidence and your hygiene. Many uncircumcised men report embarrassment during intimate situations because circumcised penises are the cultural norm in many places. By removing their foreskin, they may be able to carry themselves more confidently and enhance their sex life. In regards to health, circumcision can improve hygiene, possibly reduce the risk of some diseases, and address conditions like phimosis. Some uncircumcised men may also experience some discomfort during sex because of their foreskin. Removing the foreskin around the head of the penis can also help to eliminate this. (1)

Candidates

Any man above the age of 18 who still has their foreskin is eligible for an adult circumcision procedure. Circumcision is available for patients under the age of 18, but this will require a discussion involving parents or legal guardians during the initial consultation. Patients should also be in good health, have realistic expectations about their results, and be willing to carefully follow Dr. Bidair’s preparation and recovery instructions.

Personal Consultation

The first step in your circumcision treatment is a consultation with Dr. Bidair. At California Adult Circumcision, we understand that this can be a major decision. We create a relaxing, judgment-free environment where you are encouraged to speak openly about your motivations and goals, and, when combined with Dr. Bidair’s decades of urology experience, we can confidently ensure that your consultation will lead to exceptional results.

At this appointment, you are encouraged to speak openly about your motivations behind seeking a circumcision and your aesthetic, functional, and emotional goals for the procedure. Your general medical history will also be reviewed. Although circumcision is not a particularly invasive nor complex procedure, it is still important to ensure safety by screening for any medications, supplements, preexisting conditions, or past procedures that could cause complications.

Preparation

Circumcision does not require extensive preparation measures. However, you will still receive specific instructions from Dr. Bidair, and we recommend that all patients make proper preparations nonetheless. You should avoid any blood-thinning medications or compounds before your procedure. You may drive yourself to the office to get the procedure done.

You may find walking and sitting to be slightly uncomfortable after your procedure, so having a trusted friend or family member get you home is helpful but not necessary. Finally, you should fill any prescriptions provided to you by Dr. Bidair and arrange a comfortable space at home to rest and recover.

Procedure

Dr. Bidair performs circumcisions with local anesthesia on the penis and around the groin. Once prepared and anesthetized, he will employ one of two methods, depending on your procedure’s needs and goals.

Dorsal Slit Circumcision

The dorsal slit technique is highly effective in adult circumcision procedures. If a patient has a history of phimosis or paraphimosis, then this technique is recommended. (2) In these procedures, Dr. Bidair will carefully pull the foreskin forward with surgical forceps. He will then make an incision along the dorsal side of the penis shaft. This will extend from the tip of the foreskin to just below the head of the penis. Once this incision is made, the foreskin along the length of the incision will be removed, leaving the head of the penis unshrouded. (2)

Sleeve Technique Circumcision

The sleeve method of circumcision is the most common technique used because it can create aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results with an easy procedure. Additionally, this technique can be performed on patients of all ages. In this procedure, Dr. Bidair will pull the foreskin over the head of the penis and mark the planned incisions. Sleeve circumcisions preserve the natural “V” shape around the frenulum. (2) Once incision sites are marked, Dr. Bidair will carefully remove the foreskin.

Recovery

Once your foreskin has been removed, Dr. Bidair and his team will carefully dress the penis with gauze. You will receive detailed instructions on the day of the procedure. Each patient’s healing is different, but we typically recommend leaving this dressing on for at least 48 hours. During this time, it is important to wear comfortable, breathable clothing like athletic wear or loose shorts. After this, tighter underwear is recommended to support the penis and serve as a compression garment.

We also recommend that patients avoid exercise during this period, including recreational running. You will also be required to refrain from any sexual activities for at least 3 weeks. Most patients heal fully within 6-8 weeks. During this time, it is common to experience some swelling and soreness in your groin, which will subside before long.

Results

After your circumcision, the head of your penis will no longer be covered by foreskin. If you were embarrassed by the appearance of your penis, you will feel your confidence grow after your procedure. You will also no longer have to worry about hygiene issues without a foreskin that can trap debris. Patients who decide to receive an adult circumcision are regularly satisfied and happy with the results of their procedure.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Some patients may require a frenuloplasty to properly perform their circumcision. “Frenulum” is the medical term for connective tissues, and in this case, it is the tissue that connects the foreskin to the penis shaft. Frenulum anomalies can cause pain during sex and also create complications during circumcision. If a frenuloplasty is required in your treatment, Dr. Bidair will carefully make incisions in the tissue to reduce its connections and enhance the outcome of the circumcision procedure.

Cost of Adult Circumcision in San Diego

The total price of your adult circumcision will depend on your goals, the scale of the procedure, and a few other factors. Each patient receives attentive care to ensure their comfort and safety as well as personalized planning from Dr. Bidair. The best way to receive an accurate cost estimate for your treatment is to discuss your goals with Dr. Bidair at a consultation appointment.

If you have any questions about payments, pricing, procedures, or anything else, please do not hesitate to call our La Mesa office at (619) 486-5005 and get the information you need.

FAQ

Will I still have full sensation in my penis after an adult circumcision?

Yes, you will have full and normal nerve sensation in your penis after your circumcision. It may, however, be slightly more sensitive without the foreskin to shroud the penis head.

Why should I get a circumcision as an adult?

Adult men who receive a circumcision say they do so for their confidence, the appearance of their penis, or for hygienic/health concerns. Ultimately, it is your decision, but if you are experiencing embarrassment, discomfort, pain, or more, then you may want to consider circumcision as well.

Is circumcision painful?

You may feel some soreness and sensitivity after your procedure, but you will not feel pain during your treatment because we apply a local anesthetic.

References

  1. Holman JR, Stuessi KA. Adult Circumcision. American Family Physician. 1999;59(6):1514-1518. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/0315/p1514.html
  2. Warees WM, Anand S, Rodriguez AM. Circumcision. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535436/
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