Why do men need to be circumcised?

Male circumcision is usually performed to resolve phimosis or foreskin problems, prevent infection and improve hygiene. Circumcision surgery mainly has the functions of preventing urinary system infections, reducing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, reducing the occurrence of balanitis, improving the quality of sexual life and avoiding foreskin incarceration.

1. Prevent infection

Excessive foreskin or phimosis can easily lead to the accumulation of smegma, which can breed bacteria and cause balanitis or urinary tract infection. Repeated infections may induce the risk of penile cancer, and postoperative local infection rates can be significantly reduced. Pay attention to cleaning the perineum every day, and use erythromycin ointment as directed by the doctor after surgery to prevent wound infection.

2. Reduce disease risk

Excessive foreskin may increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS and human papillomavirus. Circumcision can reduce the area of ​​viral attachment and is recommended by the World Health Organization as an auxiliary measure for HIV prevention in high-endemic areas. It is necessary to avoid strenuous exercise after surgery and use rehabilitation fluid to promote wound healing.

3. Improve hygiene

It is difficult to clean when the foreskin covers the glans, and it is easy to produce odor and secretions. Exposing the head of the penis after surgery is more conducive to keeping it dry and clean, which is especially important for diabetic patients. It is recommended to choose loose cotton underwear and avoid using shower gel to directly rinse the surgical site for 1 month after surgery.

4. Improve sexual function

Some patients with phimosis may have sexual intercourse pain or premature ejaculation due to foreskin traction, and exposure of the glans after surgery can enhance sensitivity adjustment. However, please note that you should avoid sexual intercourse within 3 months after surgery. During the recovery period, you can use lidocaine cream as directed by your doctor to relieve local discomfort.

5. Prevent incarceration

Forcibly turning up the foreskin in patients with phimosis may lead to foreskin incarceration, causing ischemic necrosis of the glans and other emergencies. Surgery can permanently eliminate this risk. If edema occurs after surgery, a magnesium sulfate solution can be used for wet compresses. Nighttime erection pain can be relieved by short-term use of ibuprofen sustained-release capsules.

After surgery, the wound needs to be kept dry and clean, wear loose clothing to avoid friction, and bathing and swimming are prohibited within 1 month. Eat a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and consume more high-quality protein such as fish, meat, eggs, and milk to promote healing. If abnormal bleeding, suppuration or persistent pain occurs, timely review is required, and straddling movements should be avoided within 2 weeks after surgery. Those who have not undergone surgery should clean their foreskin every day. In children with phimosis, you can try manual dilation first, and then consider surgery if it fails.