Circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin. During the procedure, the excess skin is cut away. Circumcision as an adult takes about an hour and complete recovery takes around a week.
Although it is not essential to have your baby circumcised, there are some health benefits of circumcision. Circumcised men have reduced risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases. The procedure also offers some protection against penis cancer, and inflammation in the glans and foreskin. It also prevents phimosis, a condition which makes it difficult to retract the foreskin, and paraphimosis, the inability to return to the foreskin to its original location.
After the procedure, it is very important to keep the area clean, and you can do so by gently washing with warm water.
Circumcision may be recommended for adult men or older children who are suffering from an infection in the penis, or who have phimosis.
Dr Suhani Maharajh is a Specialist Urologist in Durban. After completing her undergraduate training summa cum laude at Nelson R Mandela School of medicine, she pursued her true passion and qualified as a urologist in 2012 and was awarded the Lionel B Goldscmidt Medal.
5th Floor, Suite 505 Umhlanga Medical Centre,
Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, 323 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319, Durban
