Even though male circumcision is rather common, it is rarely discussed. Because this treatment is typically performed in childhood, many men grow up not understanding the difference between cut and uncut. Those who have the surgery done during their youth or infancy are frequently too young to recall.

According to Medicare item data, the number of circumcisions performed under local anaesthesia increased from 6518 in 2017 to around 10,352 in 2019. Meanwhile, circumcisions using a regional nerve block more than quadrupled from 5425 to 11,526 between 2017 and 2019. This figure does not include the 4174 emergency circumcisions performed by doctors in public hospitals.

When it comes to adult circumcision, each patient may have different reasons for undergoing this treatment. Here are some of the most frequent reasons why men are circumcised as adults and what to expect.

1. Phimosis

The reason for the growing occurrence of adult circumcision is phimosis. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin narrows, making retraction over the penis difficult. This illness can be caused by an infection or a dermatological disorder known as balanitis xerotica obliterans.

This issue does not normally manifest itself until long beyond birth and adolescence.

2. Paraphimosis 

Paraphimosis is the condition when the foreskin is retracted to the point where it gets stuck behind the head of the penis. Paraphimosis occurs in uncircumcised men as the skin is not as elastic as the skin under the foreskin.  

In most cases, there is no need to treat the condition as the foreskin will return back to its usual position. If the foreskin doesn’t return, the doctor can gently squeeze the tip of the penis to reduce the swelling. If the condition does not reverse, the doctor may use a needle to puncture the skin and then gently push the head of the penis back.  

3. Balanitis

Balanitis is a condition where the foreskin is inflamed. If not treated, it can worsen and result in a skin infection called balanoposthitis. Balanitis is usually caused by poor hygiene, as regular foreskin washing can prevent the condition from occurring. Adult circumcision surgery may be recommended if the condition becomes worse.  

4. Religion

For men from some religions, circumcision is a part of the initiation rite. Examples of religions where circumcision is practised are Judaism and Islam.

How Adult Circumcision Works

The circumcision of a newborn is a quick process. The procedure for an adult, on the other hand, is significantly more complicated. It might take anything from 30 minutes to an hour.

An anesthesiologist will give you medicine to help you sleep. Depending on your choices, you may be given a general anaesthetic or a more targeted anesthetic.

The doctor will slide the foreskin away from the head of the penis and then back onto the shaft throughout the process. They’ll take measurements to determine how much skin has to be removed.

The doctor will then cut the skin using a scalpel. (A doctor snips the skin away from the penis with scissors or a specific tool for baby circumcision.)

Adults will then have their skin cauterised or sutured back to the shaft with dissolvable sutures. You’ll be transported into a recovery room once the sutures are in place and the penis is covered in a protective covering.

Most patients can go home the same day of surgery as long as there are no acute issues.

Conclusion

Adult circumcision is a complicated procedure when compared to the one done during infancy. The decision isn’t easy, and it is something that every man must think over before deciding if they should get circumcised. The procedure may carry a risk, but so do all medical procedures. The benefits are only significant for those who have phimosis or balanitis. In these cases, circumcision will either fix the issue or prevent it from getting worse. For the rest of the population, having a foreskin isn’t a big deal.

If you’re looking for a circumcision clinic in Adelaide, come to Adelaide Circumcision! Our clinic offers simple and painless circumcision for adults, with staff that’ll ensure you’re taken care of from consultation to after the procedure. Book an appointment today!