Adult Circumcision
A straightforward procedure for a genuinely bothersome problem.
For: Adults with a tight foreskin, recurrent irritation, or a personal preference.
Overview
Understanding Adult Circumcision
Adult circumcision removes the foreskin. It is performed for medical reasons such as phimosis (a foreskin too tight to retract), recurrent infection or inflammation, scarring, pain with erections or intercourse, and paraphimosis. It is also performed by personal or cultural preference. The procedure is done under local or general anaesthesia depending on the situation, and most patients go home the same day.
Symptoms
Who this is for
- A foreskin that cannot be retracted comfortably, or will not return once retracted
- Recurrent redness, swelling, discharge or infection under the foreskin
- Splitting, tearing or pain with erections or intercourse
- Scarring at the tip of the foreskin, sometimes with a narrowed urinary stream
- Persistent hygiene difficulty, or a personal preference for circumcision
Causes
Good to know
- Phimosis from scarring, chronic inflammation or lichen sclerosus
- Recurrent balanitis, more common with poorly controlled diabetes
- A previous episode of paraphimosis, which can recur
- Frenular tightness or a short frenulum causing tearing
- Elective reasons, including cultural, religious or personal preference
Diagnosis
How we prepare you
- 1A private consultation about your symptoms, goals and expectations
- 2Focused examination to confirm the diagnosis and check for skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus
- 3Screening for contributing factors, including blood glucose when relevant
- 4A discussion of non-surgical options first when they are reasonable, such as topical steroid therapy for mild phimosis
- 5Clear explanation of anaesthesia choice, what the day involves, and recovery
Testing is chosen for your situation. Not every patient needs every step listed here.
Treatment
What the procedure involves
Non-surgical options first, where appropriate
Mild phimosis often responds to a course of topical steroid cream with gentle stretching. We try this before recommending surgery when it is a reasonable option.
In-office circumcision under local anaesthesia
Suitable for many adults. Local anaesthetic numbs the area, the procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you go home afterwards.
Circumcision under general anaesthesia
Used when local anaesthesia is not suitable, when there is significant scarring, or by patient preference. Still a same-day procedure.
Frenuloplasty and partial procedures
For selected patients, a smaller procedure addressing a tight frenulum or a limited area of scarring may be all that is needed.
Comfort options
Nitronox patient-controlled nitrous oxide is available for office procedures if anxiety about the visit is a concern.
Recovery and follow-up
Expect several days of swelling and tenderness, desk work within a few days, and abstaining from sexual activity for about four to six weeks. We review healing at a follow-up visit.
Why choose PSUMG
Specialist care for adult circumcision, close to home.
Performed by a fellowship-trained urologic surgeon, not as an incidental service
Non-surgical options are offered first whenever they are appropriate
Discreet scheduling, clear recovery instructions, and follow-up with the same clinician
This is a common adult procedure and a routine conversation for us. Nothing about the consultation is intended to be awkward.
Learn More
For additional patient education, explore these trusted resources.
Medical Disclaimer. This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual medical needs.