Male Circumcision
Did you know? Dr Thair Al-Dujaili offers male circumcision procedures in our Main Street Cosmetic & Skin rooms.
What is male circumcision?
Male circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin, the protective sleeve of skin that covers the head of the penis. There are various reasons for performing male circumcision – it is helpful to have as much information as possible when making a decision.
Reasons for circumcision
Doctors may recommend circumcision for a boy or a man due to several medical reasons.
- Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is too tight to pull back. This is normal for infants, but can be a problem if it is still there in adulthood.
- Paraphimosis occurs when you cannot return the foreskin to its original position after pulling it back. This causes a painful constriction and can cut off blood supply to the head of the penis, so if you think this has happened go straight away to the nearest emergency department.
- Recurrent balanitis is an infection of the head of the penis.
However, male circumcision is also commonly performed for religious or cultural reasons, or as a matter of family tradition or parental preference.
Because the foreskin protects part of the penis, circumcision is not routinely done on newborn boys in Australia unless there is a medical reason. Most doctors don’t recommend circumcision. If you’re not sure, it is best not to circumcise your baby. He can always make the decision to be circumcised later, if he wants.
Age at time of circumcision
The circumcision for religious reasons is often performed on newborn boys, or in puberty in some cultures as a coming of age ceremony. Circumcision for medical reasons may occur at any age, although it is more common in adulthood.
Risks and benefits of circumcision
Circumcision might reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) for boys, and of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or cancer for men.
Complications of male circumcision are rare, but it will be painful for the baby and child at the time of the operation and for a few days afterwards. Some boys and men have a little bleeding or infection. Occasionally it can be severe.
Care after circumcision
Apply antibiotic cream to an infant’s wound to protect against infection and prevent it from sticking to nappies. Adults should wear loose-fitting underwear for 5–7 days and avoid sexual arousal for 6 weeks to allow the healing process to occur.
For more information or to book a consultation with Dr Thair Al-Dujaili, please call Main Street Cosmetic & Skin on 03 9739 3830.