Test / Diagnostic Procedure: Private Adult Circumcision

Bookings: bookings.menshealth@onewelbeck.com

Tel: 020 3653 2042


What is adult circumcision?

Circumcision is a routine procedure that surgically removes the foreskin (the skin that covers the head of the penis). Although circumcision is generally performed on male infants or young boys, it can be carried out on adults as well.

Adult circumcision is performed as a day-case procedure, which means you will be able to go home on the same day.



Why might I need to be circumcised?

Adult men may need to be circumcised for medical reasons, especially if the problem is recurrent, causing frequent discomfort or pain during sex.

Some of the medical conditions which can require treatment with circumcision include:

  • Phimosis – a condition that causes your foreskin to become tight, preventing it from being pulled back over the head of your penis. This can lead to swelling, pain, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and painful erections. It can also be difficult to clean your penis thoroughly if your foreskin will not pull back, which can lead to infections. Phimosis is a risk factor for penile cancer.

  • Recurrent balanitis – balanitis is where the head of your penis becomes red, swollen and painful. Thick discharge can also develop under the foreskin and it can be difficult to pull your foreskin back. Recurrent balanitis can be caused by phimosis, poor hygiene and sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

  • Balanoposthitis – a condition that causes inflammation of both the head of the penis and foreskin.

  • Lichen sclerosus- a chronic skin condition that can lead to thickening of the foreskin, itchiness and soreness. It can result in phimosis.

  • Cancerous or precancerous growths  – if these develop on your foreskin, they may need to be removed through circumcision.

  • Paraphimosis – a condition where your foreskin cannot return to its original position once pulled back, leading to swelling and pain. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency and circumcision may be performed after it has been treated to reduce the risk of it occurring again.

Adult circumcisions may also be performed for cosmetic reasons.



The benefits of adult circumcision

One of the main benefits of adult circumcision is the treatment and reduced risk of male genital conditions such as phimosis and balanitis.

Some people find it much easier to keep their penis clean once circumcised as well, improving personal hygiene levels and helping prevent recurrent balanitis.

Being circumcised can also decrease your risk of UTIs and certain STIs, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, you must still practise safe sex after being circumcised.



What happens during an adult circumcision?

At OneWelbeck, your needs and wellbeing are at the forefront of our care. Our team’s high level of expertise and ability to perform modern surgical techniques allow you to benefit from a simple operation with optimal recovery and results.

Before you undergo a private, adult circumcision, you’ll have a comprehensive consultation. During this, your consultant will go over your medical history and reasons for wanting a circumcision, and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing.

On the day of your circumcision, you’ll arrive at the clinic and our team will explain the procedure and make you feel comfortable. Next, you will be given a general anaesthetic to ensure you are asleep throughout your procedure. Local anaesthetic circumcision can also be performed according to the patient's preference.

The surgeon will use a scalpel or surgical scissors to cut your foreskin away from the head of your penis. The surgeon will then cauterise (burn with heat) the small blood vessels to prevent bleeding and stitch the edges of the skin together. Dissolvable stitches will be used so you will not need to have them removed later on.

The whole adult circumcision procedure usually takes around 30-40 minutes to complete.



What is the recovery process like?

After your circumcision has been completed, you should be able to go home on the same day.

Your penis may feel swollen, sore or bruised for the first week during your recovery. Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing to prevent rubbing or irritating the wound. Your penis will feel numb for about 12 hours after the surgery.

You should avoid using scented soaps or products while you’re healing as well, as these can cause soreness and irritation. You should avoid water coming into contact with the wound for the first 72 hours.

To help you manage any pain or discomfort, your surgeon may either prescribe or recommend over-the-counter pain relief medications for you to use.

After a week of recovery, you should be able to return to work. However, you should avoid having sex for four weeks to help prevent irritation and infection and allow time for the wound site to heal.  
Are there any risks associated with adult circumcision? 
All surgical procedures carry potential risks, even if they are simple procedures like having an adult circumcision. Some of these risks can include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Pain
  • Removal of not enough or too much foreskin
  • Altered sensitivity
  • Cosmetic dissatisfaction

At OneWelbeck, our team is committed to providing you with the highest level of care. Using our combined training and expertise, our adult circumcision procedures carry very low levels of risk.

We also offer unparalleled levels of care and will provide you with all the support you need before, during and after you have had your adult circumcision.