The adult male circumcision is a surgical procedure that experts carry out on the prepuce or the foreskin of the penis. Usually, men opt for this procedure for a number of reasons. Some of the top ones including social, health, religious and cultural reasons. In most cases, debate hurls around this topic. But most men have to go through this surgical procedure to avoid any health-related problems. The adult circumcision surgery often helps to prevent the accumulation of smegma and other wastes on the glans.
Adult Circumcision Surgery Is a Rising Trend Worldwide
In infants, this surgery is an elective one. However, in men, doctors encourage it for the treatment of other medical conditions that affect the genitalia. Conditions include phimosis, paraphimosis, and infections of the foreskin and glans that are recurrent.
As mentioned, circumcision is a procedure that removes the penis foreskin. In adult men, the foreskin is the excess fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. Once a surgeon performs the adult circumcision surgery, the pain goes away within a few days after the procedure. However, the swelling may persist for at least two weeks.
The foreskin or the prepuce usually has a thin layer lining the penis prepitial sac. It serves as a collection sac for secretions, used or shed cells, and urine residue. In most cases, this triggers infections, thus becoming a leading indicator of its excision. Research also shows that the circumcision surgery can decrease the risks of transmission of HIV by about 60% in males when compared to men that do not go through circumcision.
Post Adult Circumcision Infection
Once the circumcision surgery nips off your foreskin, the chances of you developing an infection on the penis are rare. On the other hand, if you do not take care, you will likely encounter other issues in the future.
Usually, infections can develop due to various reasons, some including inadequate cleansing and improper cleansing of the sutured area, which leads to the growth of bacteria. As the head of the penis remains covered, the accumulation of moisture in this sensitive area is inevitable. Excess moisture also serves as a suitable ground for bacteria breeding. In infants who wear diapers, moist, and soaked at all times, it is a problem to keep this area dry. Sometimes, if there is a risk of infectionsrisk of infections, you will notice some major changes.
- The area may experience purpuric discoloration, a red and firm penile shaft with abnormal swelling around the sutures.
- Sometimes, the scrotum may appear somewhat bluish in color, which could lead to the condition that goes by with the name “cyanosis.” In cases where this condition occurs, it often means there is some poor circulation of blood in the area or an inadequate oxygenation of the blood.
- You may feel a burning sensation at times when you try to urinate when this happens, prompt attention is vital.
- A time could come when pus formation could affect the sutured area with fever, and swelling as the common side effects.
Management and Prevention of Infections Post Circumcision
A few days after the surgery, you should try your best to keep the area as clean and dry as possible. You need to make sure that you consult your doctors for some changes of the dressing. Apply some petroleum jelly on the area to prevent friction. In addition, ensure that you monitor the sutured area for at least 48 hours post the adult circumcision surgery to note any signs of infections, red discoloration, severe swelling, and pus. Keep in mind that you have to monitor the area for at least two days, it has to remain clean and wash it about 5-7 days with warm water and a mild soap.
In other cultures and practices, it is a common belief that the leaves of guava help in the prevention of infections. Various studies also reveal that the leave of guava has antibacterial properties, hence, intervening with the formation or occurrence of infections. You need to know that after your circumcision surgery, it is important that you consult your doctor for follow up care. You should visit him or her on regular basis and keep a list of the medications you take when you consult your doctor.
Caring for Your Circumcision at Home
Once the adult circumcision surgery ends, it is necessary that you take enough rest through sleep, which helps you recover within no time. You should walk (start with a short duration) and increase the time each day at a slow pace.
Take a shower only when you do not have any bandage on your penis. You can pat the area of the incisions dry and take short duration baths if you feel you need it. Avoid any particular form of strenuous activities like jogging, weight lifting, bicycle riding, or aerobic exercises for at least four weeks or until your surgeon advise you otherwise.
Remove your dressing from the sensitive area only when your doctor says so and you should wear comfortable underwear during this phase. Some men also prefer to wear tight fitting pants for extra support, whereas others prefer loosely fitted ones. During this stage, it is necessary that you keep the area breathable.
Return to your normal activities like driving at times only when you feel you are comfortable doing them.
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