Circumcision and Vasectomy Australia
Despite male circumcision being relatively normal, it is not something that people usually talk about. This procedure is generally done in the early days of life, which means that many men grow up not knowing the difference between cut and uncut. For those that undergo the procedure during infancy or childhood, they are often too young to remember.
According to Medicare item reports, the number of circumcisions with local anaesthetic grew from 6518 in 2017 to around 10,352 in 2019. Meanwhile, circumcisions with a regional nerve block doubled from 5425 to 11,526 comparing 2017 to 2019. This number does not cover the 4174 emergency circumcisions by doctors in public hospitals.
When it comes to adult circumcision, every patient can have their own reasons to go ahead with this procedure. Here are the common reasons why some men get circumcised as adults and what to expect before and after the procedure. At Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, we want to give you all the information so you can make the best decision for you.
What are common reasons to be circumcised as an adult?
While circumcision is a short and simple procedure, recovery can take longer in adults compared to babies. Adult circumcision is not as common as infant circumcision, but it is not as uncommon as you might think. There are various reasons why an adult would want to get circumcised. Some men get the cut to improve their hygiene, while others do so for aesthetic reasons. Health, religion, and social reasons can all play a part in the increasing number of adults wanting to get circumcised. Some medical reasons include:
- Phimosis
This increased prevalence in adult circumcision is mainly due to phimosis. Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin becomes narrow and makes retraction over the penis difficult. This condition can be a result of infection, or a dermatological disease called balanitis xerotica obliterans.
This condition is usually not apparent until well after birth and puberty.
- Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis is a condition when an inflamed or narrow foreskin becomes stuck behind the head of the penis and can’t be pulled back. Phimosis can lead to paraphimosis and will require urgent medical attention.
- Recurring balanoposthitis
Recurring balanoposthitis involved frequent bacterial or fungal infection that can cause generalised inflation of the penis.
What are the potential benefits of circumcision?
Circumcision may reduce the risk of the following conditions:
- Decreased risk of ulcerative sexually transmitted diseases.
- Decreased risk of penile cancer.
- Decreased risk of inflammatory and skin disorders of the foreskin.
- Decreased risk of getting a HIV infection by up to 60%.
How is an adult circumcision done?
At the first consultation, our team will tell you what to expect and run through your aftercare with you. This consultation will usually take around 20 minutes.
For adult men, our clinic uses the Shang Ring because it results in a shorter operation time, decreased pain and risks. This method appears to be safer and results in less blood loss, compared to a circumcision with stitches. This procedure will take 20 minutes.
Your doctor will keep you for 20 minutes after your procedure to make sure you are happy and comfortable. You will get access to our 24-hour aftercare service, and we will send you off with all the information you need before leaving the clinic.
Following your procedure, our clinic will organise for you to come in 7-10 days to remove the Shang Ring. We will also organise a follow up appointment 6 weeks after your circumcision. This is to make sure you are healing as expected and to answer any follow up questions.
What can I expect during recovery?
Remember to take it easy for a few days following your procedure! Everyone’s recovery time is different, but in many cases full anatomical healing can take up to six weeks. If you have a desk job, you should be able to return to work after 2-3 days. If you have a physically demanding job, we suggest you request lighter duties or rest for 5-7 days before going back to work. Avoid any activity that can put pressure on your penis or scrotum for at least 4 weeks.
If you talk to your doctor about your lifestyle, they will be able to give you specific instructions to help ease your recovery.
Talking to an expert today find the best options for you
Just as all men are different, every experience of circumcision is different. At our clinic, we are committed to creating a calm and safe environment for you to help ease any anxiety you have. If you’re considering this procedure, we have a list of resources that can help you make an informed decision.
Our doctors and experienced staff are happy to answer any questions you have about being circumcised as an adult. Before your procedure, we will give you a full consultation to keep you informed about the procedure and outline aftercare that best suits your lifestyle and work. Our consultations will also ensure that you are medically fit for the procedure before we book the surgery.
Learn more about our circumcision procedures and get your questions answered by our friendly team today! Contact us at (03) 9007 2020 to find out more or book a consultation today.
About The Author
Dr. Shehab Abdalla is the Director of Circumcision Vasectomy Australia. He has completed a fellowship through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and now specialises in circumcisions and vasectomies.
Connect with Dr. Shehab Abdalla on LinkedIn
