Circumcision with private assessment and careful planning

An illness is not required for someone to choose circumcision. The decision may reflect personal preference or cultural, religious or hygiene-related considerations. The practice discusses each person's reason without judgement.

Medical reasons can include a scarred or painful tight foreskin, recurrent inflammation or problems passing urine. In children, a foreskin that does not yet retract is often part of normal development and is not by itself a reason for surgery.

For symptomatic phimosis, steroid ointment or a foreskin-preserving procedure may sometimes be considered first. Benefits, limitations and alternatives are discussed before a final decision.

The foreskin is removed to the extent agreed beforehand and the skin is closed with fine, usually dissolvable stitches. Anaesthesia, treatment setting and preparation depend on age, medical findings, health and the extent of surgery.

Additional consent requirements apply to minors. A child or young person should be included in the decision according to their maturity. Please confirm the age and appropriate treatment setting with the practice before booking.

Swelling, bruising, wound pain, temporary increased sensitivity of the glans and slight bleeding may occur. Other risks include infection, delayed healing, noticeable scarring, narrowing of the urinary opening or a result that requires further treatment.

Heavy or persistent bleeding, fever, pus, increasing redness, severe pain or difficulty passing urine needs prompt medical assessment. If passing urine is impossible, seek emergency care immediately.

If a tight retracted foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans and cannot be moved forward again, this is paraphimosis. Swelling can impair blood flow. Seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.