Circumcision in adults is a routine procedure that surgically removes the foreskin. While most reasons for adult circumcision are medical, it may also be performed for cosmetic reasons.
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Circumcision in adults 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.
One of the main benefits of private 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. Private circumcision 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.
At Welbeck, adult circumcision is performed as a day-case procedure in our Men’s Health centre, which means you will be able to go home on the same day.
Adult men may need to be circumcised for medical reasons, especially if the problem is recurrent, causing frequent discomfort or pain during sex. Adult circumcision may also be performed for cosmetic reasons.
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 (STIs) 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
At Welbeck, we offer circumcision to paediatric patients aged 3+. Please visit our paediatric circumcision page for more information.
Before you have the procedure, you’ll have a comprehensive consultation with one of our consultant urological surgeons. During this, they 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’re asleep throughout your procedure. A local anaesthetic can be used instead if you prefer.
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 won’t need to have them removed later on. The procedure usually takes around 30-40 minutes to complete.
At Welbeck, 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.
Circumcision is a safe and simple procedure, and aside from some pain during recovery, there are usually no side effects.
Some patients may experience bleeding, scarring or infection, although these side effects are rare, especially if proper care is taken during recovery.
There’s no preparation required for a circumcision. If there are any special requirements, your consultant will make you aware before the surgery.
After circumcision, your penis will be sore and inflamed for a few days. Taking pain relief such as paracetamol as needed can help with any discomfort
After circumcision, you should:
keep the area clean and dry
wear loose, natural fibre clothing
avoid riding a bike for at least 2 weeks
The dissolvable stitches should be gone in around 2 weeks, and you’ll be invited for a follow-up appointment to check that the area is healing well and that there are no issues.
Please contact our Men's Health centre for pricing.
At Welbeck, our urologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure your child receives the treatment they need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
We accept both self-referrals and referrals from healthcare professionals for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Most men can return to sexual activity once the incision has healed sufficiently and swelling and soreness have settled. Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance depending on your healing progress and whether any specific complications need monitoring.
While the procedure removes the foreskin, most men maintain normal sensation and function. Some individuals notice changes in sensation or require a short adaptation period. If sexual performance or sensitivity is a concern for you, discuss this during your consultation so the team can address expectations and options.
After surgery, you should wear loose, supportive underwear, keep the area clean and dry for the first few days, and avoid scented soaps or vigorous activity. You’ll receive a clear aftercare plan and contact details for any urgent issues (such as bleeding, infection, or issues with urination).
Yes. Adult circumcision is often recommended for conditions such as recurrent balanitis (inflammation or infection of the foreskin), phimosis (a tight foreskin that cannot be retracted), or hygiene difficulties. In these cases, the procedure can provide lasting relief and reduce the risk of further infections or discomfort.
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We have brought together a group of leading urology specialsits to create our Men's Health team. With over 300 years of combined experience, these expert clinicians are the best in their field and are all focused on delivering the very best patient care.