A tight foreskin, repeated swelling, or pain during sex can make you wonder whether circumcision is still an option now that you’re an adult.
So, can you get circumcision as an adult? Yes. Some men have the procedure to treat problems with the foreskin. Others choose circumcision for personal, cultural, or religious reasons.
If you’re thinking about circumcision, knowing why it’s done and what recovery is like can help you know what to expect.
Why Do Men Get Circumcised as Adults?
A tight foreskin is one reason men may consider circumcision. This condition is called phimosis. It happens when the foreskin can’t be pulled back comfortably over the head of the penis.
Phimosis can make it hard to clean under the foreskin. It may also cause pain during sex or discomfort with erections.
Repeated inflammation may also lead some men to consider circumcision. Balanitis causes inflammation of the head of the penis, along with symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain. Infections, skin irritation, and some health problems can raise the risk.
When inflammation keeps coming back, the foreskin may become irritated or scarred. Over time, that can make it harder to pull back.
Some skin conditions can also cause the foreskin to tighten or scar. One example is lichen sclerosus, which can cause ongoing irritation, tightness, and scarring.
Another problem is paraphimosis. This happens when the foreskin gets stuck behind the head of the penis and can’t be pulled forward again. The area may swell and restrict blood flow. Paraphimosis needs prompt medical care.
Not every adult chooses circumcision because of a medical problem. Some men decide to have the procedure for personal, cultural, or religious reasons.
What Happens Before Adult Circumcision?
Before circumcision, your urologist will ask about your health and any symptoms you’re having. Your urologist will also examine the penis to look for tightness, scarring, or other problems.
You’ll have a chance to talk about the procedure and what to expect afterward. Your doctor can explain the type of anesthesia you’ll receive, how to prepare, and how long recovery may take.
This is also a good time to ask about changes in appearance or sensitivity and any other concerns you have.
What Happens During Adult Circumcision?
You’ll receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable during circumcision. Depending on your needs, your doctor may use local or general anesthesia.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the foreskin and closes the incision with absorbable stitches that don’t usually need to be removed. They may also cover the area with a dressing. Most men can go home the same day.
What Is Recovery Like After Adult Circumcision?
Some swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal during the first part of recovery. You may also notice a small amount of bleeding.
The area may look quite different at first because of the swelling. The head of the penis may also feel more sensitive now that it’s no longer covered by the foreskin. This often becomes less noticeable as you heal.
Your doctor will tell you how to keep the area clean and care for the incision. Follow these instructions closely while the skin heals.
It can take several weeks to heal fully, but you may be able to return to light daily activities sooner. You’ll need to avoid sex and masturbation while the incision heals. Your surgeon will tell you when it’s safe to resume sexual activity.
Call your doctor if:
- Bleeding is heavier than expected
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- You develop a fever
- Redness or drainage gets worse
- You have trouble urinating
Can You Get Circumcision as an Adult? Talk With a Urologist
Yes, you can get circumcision as an adult. If you’re dealing with a tight or scarred foreskin, repeated inflammation, or pain, you don’t have to guess about what’s causing it. A urologist can examine the area and talk with you about whether circumcision or another treatment makes sense.
If you live in Eugene, Springfield, or a nearby community, call (541) 334-3350 to schedule an appointment with Oregon Urology Institute and discuss your treatment options.