Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin of the penis. It may be done for medical, cultural, or personal reasons.
Circumcision may be done for different reasons. Sometimes it is recommended by a doctor to help with problems like a tight foreskin (phimosis), repeated infections or inflammation of the foreskin and penis, or urinary tract infections in young boys. Some people also choose circumcision for personal or hygiene reasons, as it can make keeping the area clean a little easier.
The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area to prevent pain during surgery. The whole process is generally quick and takes less than an hour, and is treated as an outpatient procedure.
Recovery time depends on the age of the individual. Infants often recover much quicker, usually within five to seven days, while older children and adults might take a little longer. It is normal to experience swelling and mild discomfort after the procedure, which can be managed with pain relief medications.
Yes, circumcision is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced medical professional. While all surgical procedures carry some risk, complications from circumcision are rare and usually minor when they do occur.