Circumcision is a medical procedure aimed at removing the foreskin or the outer skin that covers the penis. This procedure can be performed on infants, children, and adults.
In Indonesia, it is commonly carried out when boys reach elementary school age, around 6 to 10 years old. As the age of the boy or man increases, so do the risks, complexity, and duration of the healing process.
Benefits of Circumcision for Health
From a medical perspective, there are numerous benefits associated with undergoing circumcision, including:
1. Maintaining Penis Hygiene
One primary goal of circumcision is to maintain penis hygiene. The foreskin at the tip of the penis can potentially accumulate dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils. Without circumcision, the penis requires extra cleaning. Failure to do so can lead to the buildup of smegma, a whitish-yellow substance with an unpleasant odor, which increases the risk of infection.
2. Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections
Circumcision can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as genital herpes, HIV, and syphilis. This benefit also extends to reducing the risk of STIs for female partners.
3. Reducing Risk of Penis Disorders
Generally, circumcision aims to lower the risk of penile disorders such as phimosis and balanitis. It’s important to note that uncircumcised adult men are at higher risk of developing phimosis, a condition where the foreskin becomes stuck or cannot retract fully. Balanitis can occur when the outer skin of the penis and the glans become infected, leading to itching, inflammation, and redness.
4. Reducing Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
One of the benefits of circumcision is the reduction in the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). While UTIs are more common in women, uncircumcised men are also at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections.
5. Reducing Risk of Penile Cancer
Although penile cancer is relatively rare, uncircumcised men are at a higher risk due to factors such as HIV infection, HPV infection, phimosis, and balanitis, which are risk factors for penile cancer.
Post-Circumcision Care
After circumcision, the penis will typically appear red, bruised, and swollen. Healing times vary, with circumcision wounds on infants generally taking about 10 days to heal, while wounds on children and adults may take at least a month.
To ensure proper healing and avoid complications, follow these care instructions:
- Wear Loose Clothing: Use loose-fitting underwear or a sarong to avoid friction against the penis.
- Regular Doctor Check-ups: Follow up with your doctor regularly to care for the wound and maintain good genital hygiene to prevent infection. You may bathe once your doctor permits, but avoid soaking in baths.
- Pain Relief and Medications: Take pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate discomfort. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection after circumcision.
- Avoid Heavy Activities: Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities or exercises, such as cycling, weightlifting, or jogging. For children, ensure they do not play or move around too much initially.
- Refrain from Sexual Activity: Adult men should avoid sexual intercourse for about 4 to 6 weeks or until the circumcision wound is completely healed.
Some Risks of Circumcision
Although circumcision has health benefits, the procedure also carries certain risks, including:
- Bleeding, Especially in individuals with blood clotting disorders.
- Infection
- Urinary Tract Issues
- Foreskin Issues**: The foreskin may be cut too short or too long.
- Foreskin Reattachment**: Residual foreskin may reattach to the tip of the penis.
It is advised to seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following after circumcision:
- Bleeding that is difficult to stop.
- Discharge of pus or foul-smelling fluid from the tip of the penis.
- Persistent urinary issues for several weeks after circumcision.
- Swelling of the penis that remains two weeks after the procedure.
- Fever.
The benefits of circumcision can have a significant impact on your health. If you have questions about your genital health or reproductive issues, consider consulting a specialist through the Fitie app. You can ask doctors about your concerns anytime and anywhere via Chat. Download the Fitie app now from the App Store or Google Play.