The Benefits of Circumcision Later in Life

The Benefits of Circumcision Later in Life

Circumcision remains one of the most lively debated and discussed topics, as new studies and information are always occurring. While most American men are circumcised, many are not. And men born in other countries, where circumcision is not as prevalent, may also opt for the procedure as adults. 

In places like the United States, the Middle East, and many African countries, getting circumcision is a common practice. But it is not common in European countries. Adults get circumcised due to a variety of reasons such as religious, cultural, or personal. This surgery is not medically required, but it does offer a range of health benefits. Moreover, circumcision is a highly safe procedure with minimal risks, if any. In most cases, there are no risks or complications at all. If you follow the surgeon’s advice properly after the surgery, you will be completely safe and heal much faster. If you want to know more about adult circumcision and the numerous benefits that the procedure offers, keep on reading.

About The Procedure

Circumcision, or the surgical removal of the penis’s foreskin, is often done at birth in the United States. While the rate of the nation’s circumcisions has been on the decline lately, the American Academy of Pediatrics has said that the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to this procedure. Generally, a surgeon or a urologist performs the procedure. Since the surgery is a simple one, surgeons can complete it fast and in a safe manner. To get circumcision, you will need to visit either a hospital or a surgery center near your location.

Whether the reasons are cultural, social, religious, health-based, or personal, there’s no doubt that there are benefits to getting circumcision as an adult. “We’re seeing more and more evidence that circumcision can actually help protect men’s health,” says New York plastic surgeon Dr. Elliot Heller.

Surgeons use several techniques to perform circumcision on adults. Three of the most common of these include the Gomco Clamp, the Mogen clamp, and the Plastibell technique. It is for the surgeon to decide which technique he/she should use on a person for the best results. In each of these, the surgeon first cuts off the blood flow in order to stop bleeding, and then he uses a scalpel to cut and remove the foreskin of the penis. The entire procedure takes anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. The surgeon performs the circumcision on an outpatient basis. So, you can leave the surgery center and go home on the same day after the procedure.

Recovery

For speedy recovery after the procedure, follow the instructions that the surgeon has given you. If you have no discomfort, you can get back to your daily activities. Just remember to avoid doing any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 3-4 weeks after the surgery. Also, abstain from indulging in any kind of sexual activity for a period of six weeks for faster healing.

Benefits of Adult Circumcision

Getting circumcision is a good practice for adults. Numerous studies and researches have proven the effectiveness of the surgery and the many benefits that it can bring for adults in their future life. Among other potential upsides, here are the ways circumcision may be good for men:

Decreased Risk of Infection

Common ailments like urinary tract infections (UTIs) are notably lower in circumcised men. UTIs include infections of the urinary bladder, kidneys, urethra, etc. If the infections are not detected and treated in time, the effects can be adverse. If you plan to reduce the risk of such infections, one key step to take is to get circumcised. These claims are proven through several studies.

Lower Risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

STD infections are transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. It can be due to bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The following diseases are less likely to be spread by those who have been circumcised:

  • Chlamydia
  • Genital herpes
  • Genital ulcers
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in heterosexual men
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Syphilis

The association between circumcision and STDs has been examined several times by way of research and studies. It has been found that uncircumcised men are at a much higher risk of getting sexually transmitted infections than those adults who have been circumcised.

Possible Protection Against Penile Cancer

While penile cancer is quite rare, its spread is linked to HPV. Therefore, a reduction of the latter could aid a decrease in the former. Thus, some data suggest that circumcision may help prevent penile cancer.

Penile cancer is a serious and destructive disease. In developed countries, there are not many cases of this disease. According to a report, this form of cancer is most common in adults who are uncircumcised. Since lack of circumcision carries the most risk of penile cancer, getting penis circumcision is a major step towards reducing the risk of the disease later in life.

Reduced Risk of Prostate Cancer

Some studies suggest that men who had circumcision surgery before becoming sexually active were about 15% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who were not.

In Jewish and Muslim men, there are very few cases of prostate cancer as compared to people from other faiths. This is because both Jews and Muslims practice circumcision as a religious custom. According to research conducted by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, USA, circumcision lowers the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer as well as less aggressive prostate cancer by 18% and 12% respectively. The circumcision, however, needs to be performed before the first sexual intercourse. Many other studies also claim the same benefits.

Smaller Risk of Spreading Cervical Cancer to Female Partners

This is due to the decreased risk of transmitting HPV, certain strains of which can cause cervical cancer and others that can cause genital warts.

Being Able to Last Longer during Intercourse

As foreskin allows greater sensitivity in the glans (head of the) penis, that is a detriment to some men. Those who have had circumcision as adults note that ejaculation can take more time, meaning intercourse can be more pleasurable and longer-lasting. Some men also say that circumcision has helped their sexual performance.

Easier Genital Hygiene

Without foreskin in the way, it’s much easier to maintain a clean genital area, and thus greatly reduce the likelihood of many types of infection.

Prevention of Rare Conditions

You can prevent several unpleasant and painful penile disorders by circumcision:

  • Balanitis, or inflammation of the glans penis itself
  • Balanoposthitis, or inflammation of both the glans penis and the foreskin
  • Phimosis, or the inability to retract the foreskin
  • Paraphimosis, or the inability to return the foreskin to its initial location

Schedule an Adult Circumcision Surgery with a Professional

Of course, any surgery has risks associated with it, and circumcision is no exception. As with every medical procedure, it’s always best to consult with a professional plastic surgeon who specializes in the type of surgery you are willing to undergo.

To find out more about adult circumcision or to schedule a free surgical consultation, contact one of Dr. Heller’s offices today! Call Dr. Heller in New York and New Jersey today to schedule an appointment.

© 2021 Allure Plastic Surgery Center.

BY Dr. Elliot Heller | June/30/2021