FOR INDIVIDUALS AGED 16 AND OVER
What is adult circumcision?
Adult circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis. This procedure is predominantly performed for medical reasons in Australia, but it is also performed for cosmetic and religious reasons. If you are considering adult circumcision, it is important to do your research and understand what the procedure entails, as well as the potential benefits and risks so that you can make an informed decision.
This procedure is typically performed on men who were not circumcised as infants, although it can also be performed on men who have already been circumcised but require further removal of tissue. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and can take less than 10 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the foreskin is removed and the remaining skin is stitched, stapled or fused together, depending on which type of circumcision you have elected to have completed.
CIRCUMCISION IN MELBOURNE FOR ADULTS
Why do adult men choose to get circumcised?
Whether it is a medical condition that has not responded to other treatments, a cultural or religious practice or simply a personal preference, circumcision is a procedure that works across a wide range of circumstances.
Medical reasons
Many men pursue circumcision to address ongoing or recurrent health conditions affecting the foreskin or penis. Common medical reasons include:
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin is too tight to retract, which can cause pain, difficulty urinating or discomfort during sex.
- Balanitis: Inflammation of the head of the penis, often caused by bacterial or fungal infection, which can recur frequently in uncircumcised men
- Paraphimosis: Where a retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its normal position, which can restrict blood flow and require urgent treatment
- Recurrent infections: Some men experience repeated urinary tract infections or localised infections beneath the foreskin that do not resolve with other treatments.
- Lichen sclerosus: A chronic skin condition that causes scarring and tightening of the foreskin.
For men dealing with these conditions, circumcision can offer long-term relief when other treatments have not been effective.
Religious and cultural reasons
Circumcision holds deep significance in a number of religious and cultural traditions. Many adult men who were not circumcised at birth choose to undergo the procedure later in life as an expression of faith or cultural identity. This is particularly common among men converting to or returning to practising Islam or Judaism, as well as men from various African and Indigenous communities where circumcision is a traditional rite of passage.
Cosmetic and personal reasons
Some men elect to have adult circumcision for personal or cosmetic reasons, including preference for the appearance of a circumcised penis, hygiene preferences or a partner’s preference. These are entirely valid reasons to consider the procedure.
STATS
Did You Know?
Roughly one in seven Australian males is circumcised. Across different generations, backgrounds and reasons, it remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in private hospitals across the country.
Adult circumcision
What methods do we offer?
Each method of circumcision has its own advantages and disadvantages. At Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, the method of circumcision is tailored to the individual man. The method of circumcision is dependent on
- Penile anatomy
- Existing medical conditions or medications
- Recovery timeframes
Compared to the traditional stitches circumcision, Shang Ring and ZSR Stapler circumcision have
- Shorter operative times
- Slower intraoperative pain scores
- Higher satisfaction with penile appearance,
- Less intraoperative blood loss
- Lower adverse event rates
- Lower wound bleeding rates
- Shang Ring Method: This method is suitable for males over 4 years of age. It has the lowest risk of complications, produces strong cosmetic outcomes and can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Stitches Method: This is the conventional method of circumcision for males of all ages. While recovery is faster than the Shang Ring method, it has a higher risk of complications and the procedure is completed in 30 minutes.
- ZSR Stapler Method: This method is suitable for males of all ages, but at Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, we only offer ZSR circumcision for males over 12 years of age. It has the fastest recovery period.
Adult Circumcision
Shang Ring method
This method involves placing a plastic device called a Shang Ring around the foreskin. The ring is then tightened to cut off blood flow to the foreskin. The foreskin is then removed and the male returns in 1 week to have the Shang Ring removed.
- For males greater than 4 years.
- Lowest risk of complications.
- Completed in 10 minutes.
- Good cosmetic outcomes.
Adult Circumcision
ZSR Stapler method
This method involves cutting the foreskin and putting on staples to bring the skin together. The staples fall off by themselves.
- For males greater than 12 years.
- Fastest and easiest recovery period.
- Good cosmetic outcomes.
- Residual staples can remain lodged requiring manual removal.
Adult Circumcision
Stitches method
- The conventional method.
- For males of all ages.
- Highest risk of complications.
- Completed in 30 minutes.
- Faster recovery than Shang Ring by 2 weeks.
Fees
Circumcision fees
We are dedicated to providing affordable adult circumcisions in Melbourne. We offer circumcision at affordable prices under local anaesthetic and penile nerve block. This eliminates the cost of paying for an anaesthetist, anaesthetic drugs, hospital bed and surgical theatre room.
Adult circumcision
Making a decision to have an adult circumcision
Adult circumcision is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
If you are considering adult circumcision, it is important to discuss the procedure with a qualified doctor/surgeon and to have a clear understanding of what the procedure entails.
By doing your research and making an informed decision, you can ensure that you are making the best choice for your health and well-being.
Adult circumcision
What are the risks of circumcision for adults?
Bleeding:
- It is normal to experience some droplets of blood in the first 24 hours after the procedure, but excessive bleeding can be a complication.
- The Shang Ring method has the lowest risk of postoperative bleeding. It occurs at a rate of less than 1%.
Infection:
- Infection can occur at the site of the surgery, but this can usually be prevented with proper care.
- The Shang Ring method has the lowest risk of infection. It occurs at less than 1%.
Pain:
- It is common to experience some pain/discomfort after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with painkillers.
- The ZSR Stapler method has the easiest and fastest recovery.
- At Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, we aim to minimise the discomfort you may experience by providing a thorough pain management plan.
ADULT CIRCUMCISION
Pre-procedure
Medications
Let your doctor know about any medications or supplements you are currently taking, particularly blood thinners, anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or fish oil. These may need to be paused ahead of your appointment to reduce the risk of complications.
What to wear
Wear whatever you are most comfortable. Some prefer loose, relaxed clothing, while others find supportive underwear helpful for the journey home.
Hygiene
Ensure the area is clean before your appointment. Your doctor will provide any specific hygiene instructions at the time of booking.
Eating and drinking
As the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, there are typically no fasting requirements. Confirm this with your doctor at the time of booking to be sure.
Questions
If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, do not hesitate to contact our team. We are happy to walk you through anything ahead of your visit.
Adult circumcision
Aftercare
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Shang Ring Method
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ZSR Stapler Method
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Stitches Method
When to come to the clinic or call your doctor:
- If you notice bleeding from around the Shang Ring or from the wound.
- If you experience difficulty passing urine.
- If you experience seriously painful swelling, increasing redness, bruising, fever or discharge/appearance of pus.
- If the Shang Ring is damaged or comes off accidentally (partially or completely)
After removing the Shang Ring:
- If you develop increased pain, swelling or redness please contact our on-call number.
- Expect the complete healing of the wound to take 6-8 weeks.
- After the operation rest at home for 2 days.
- Keep the dressing in place for a minimum of 1 week.
- Keep the wound and dressing dry during this period.
- You may shower after 48 hours but keep the wound dry.
- Ensure you wear clean well fitted underwear. Make sure the penis is upright to minimise swelling.
- Staples are expected to fall off within 2 weeks. If this has not occurred contact us and we will remove the staples manually.
- After the operation rest at home for 2 days.
- Keep the dressing in place for a minimum of 1 week.
- Keep the wound and dressing dry during this period.
- You may shower after 48 hours but keep the wound dry.
- Ensure you wear clean well fitted underwear. Make sure the penis is upright to minimise swelling.
- Your stitches will fall off in 1-2 weeks.
- Do not have sex or masturbate for 6 weeks.
- If you have pain post circumcision, you may use the medications prescribed to you.
- It is normal to have painful erections whilst recovering. You may ask your pharmacist for pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine tablets to minimise night time erections. This should only be taken at night and only suitable for adults.
- If you develop increased pain, swelling or redness please contact our clinic. We expect you to have increased swelling over the first 3 days.
- Expect to have some droplets of blood around the wound on the first day. If your dressing is soaked in blood please ring our on call number.
- If you experience seriously painful swelling, increasing redness, bruising, fever or discharge/appearance of pus please call our on call number.
- A follow up appointment is important. This will be scheduled 6 weeks from your procedure.
HOW TO GET CIRCUMCISED
Adult male circumcision in Melbourne
If you have been Googling “how do I get circumcised?”, Circumcision Vasectomy Australia is here to help. We offer adult male circumcision across Craigieburn, Dandenong, Hoppers Crossing and East Melbourne, with same-day consultations and surgery available and no referral required. Book online or call us today to take the first step.
Here for a family member? Discover our circumcision options for infants and teenagers.
Still have questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is male circumcision?
Male circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin (prepuce) covering the head of the penis. It is performed for medical, religious, or cultural reasons and may reduce risks of certain infections, including urinary tract infections, some sexually transmitted infections, and penile conditions.
I am unable to pull down my foreskin. Do I have phimosis?
Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the head (glans) of the penis. It may cause pain, swelling, infections, or difficulty with urination or sexual activity. Phimosis commonly affects children and adults and can be treated with creams, stretching, or circumcision.
Will my penis still be senstive post circumcision after suffering from phimosis?
Yes. Most men who undergo circumcision for phimosis still retain normal penile sensitivity. In many cases, removing a tight foreskin reduces pain and irritation, improving comfort and sexual function. While the glans may gradually become less hypersensitive, overall sexual sensation and satisfaction are typically preserved.
When can I return back to work?
This depends on the type of circumcision. You can return to work as early as three days after the procedure. If you work from home on a computer and have the circumcision done under local anaesthetic, you can even resume work on the same day.
Can I drive myself to the cllinic for a circumcision?
This depends on how we do the circumcision. If your circumcision in under local anaesthetic you can drive yourself to and from our clinic. The nerve block will work for several hours ensuring you feel no pain.
I am from interstate. How long must I stay locally post circumcision?
We commonly have men from interstate coming to our centres to complete circumcision. You may fly in and fly out the same day.
How do I care for the wound?
Care for the wound is simple. Our doctors will run you through aftercare post circumcision.
In addition to this, we provide all our patients access to our 24 hour hotline to address any concerns they have about their circumcision.
How long does a circumcision procedure take?
The consultation takes 10 minutes.
The penile nerve block takes 10 minutes.
The circumcision procedure takes 10 minutes.
We will keep you an additional 10 minutes post circumcision to ensure you are happy and comfortable.
In total, expect to be with us at least 45 minutes.
Do I need a referral?
No referral required.
