How Painful Is Circumcision In Adults?

Circumcision is often associated with baby boys. Many people are surprised to learn that adults can undergo a circumcision as well.

Circumcision for adults is a surgical process of removing the hood of skin (the foreskin) from the glans of the penis.

The most common reasons for getting a circumcision are cosmetic or stem from cultural beliefs. However, there are medical issues which may require a circumcision, especially as a man ages. For example, some boys and men may experience phimosis, a condition where the foreskin is too tight and unable to retract, causing pain during erections. Others who are not circumcised may have difficulty keeping the foreskin and penis clean, increasing the risk of infections.

Circumcision Procedures

Adult circumcisions are more complicated procedures than infant circumcisions; despite this, they are still considered a minor surgical procedure.

In Canada, our team offers two methods of circumcision: a Mogen clamp circumcision using the Pollock Technique™, and the Shang Ring circumcision method. Both procedures take less than 10 minutes for adults. They are virtually painless, performed under long-acting local anesthetic and provide excellent cosmetic results with minimal discomfort.

Pollock Technique™ Circumcision

Our patented method is a quick surgical technique which uses a combination of local anesthetic, the Mogen clamp and skin glue. With the skin glue closure method, patients experience improved cosmetic outcomes, absent of suture track marks in the mucosa and skin. In addition, glue closure happens faster than sutures, resulting in a fast, effective recovery.

Shang Ring Circumcision

Developed in China through the backing of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Shang Ring consists of two concentric medical grade plastic rings: an inner ring with a silicone band, and an outer hinged ring that acts as a ligature. The Shang Ring is removed after one week.

Both procedures can be performed as an out-patient surgery, meaning the patient will leave the clinic the same day as the operation. Most men with an office job can return to work after 2-3 days. For those who work physical jobs, a complete rest of 5-7 days is recommended.

Pain During and After Adult Circumcision

Adult men are often concerned about pain during and after circumcision. Worries about pain may even lead someone to refuse surgery. The good news is circumcision is likely less painful than you think it is. Thanks to modern anesthetics and proven methods such as Pollock Technique™ Circumcision and Shang Ring circumcision, most men will experience a virtually painless procedure, and post procedure pain is typically minor.

Is Recovery From Adult Circumcision Painful?

The pain after adult circumcision is generally mild and can be relieved with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Most adult circumcision patients can expect some mild discomfort after the procedure for a couple days, like with any surgery. Afterwards there may be some discomfort during the first 2 weeks with nocturnal erections.

In some severe cases, which are very rare, the pain subsides within two weeks — though some people may find it lasts longer than that. The pain may also come back if the patient has sex or gets an erection before the area is fully healed. In all cases, the minimum length of time will be 6 weeks before the wound heals completely.

Conclusion

Even after reading this article, you may still be wondering about how painful circumcision is in adults. Here’s the good news: it’s not as bad as you think. Your doctor will also be available before and after surgery as required to answer your questions and to react quickly should there ever be any problems.

Please go ahead and request an appointment with Pollock Clinics now if you are ready for an adult circumcision. Or call us at (604) 239-4214 with questions or to schedule an appointment. You can also use the cost confirmation form to request more information.