Table of Contents
What is Male Circumcision?
Male circumcision involves the surgical removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis. This procedure is fairly common in Singapore and over 14.9% of Singapore’s population has undergone the procedure.
Why is Male Circumcision done?
Sometimes, male circumcision is done as a religious practice or as a medical need when the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the glans (phimosis).
Phimosis is generally a non-issue unless one suffers from symptoms such as:
- Pain during urination
- Painful erections
- Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Bleeding or thick discharge
- An unpleasant smell
- Swelling
- Tenderness
If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, please visit a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Other benefits of male circumcision include:
- Better hygiene — It is easier to wash the penis.
- Lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) — Circumcised males are less likely to get UTIs and STDs.
- Lower risk of penile cancer — Statistically, penile cancer is less common in circumcised men. Female sexual partners of circumcised men are also less likely to get cervical cancer.
Circumcision with a Urologist
A Urologist is a specialist doctor with advanced training in the male reproductive and urinary systems, and may be better equipped to handle more complex cases involving infections, such as phimosis. They may also be able to perform more complicated circumcision procedures. The main differences include:
- Specialisation — A Urologist has specialised knowledge regarding the male genital and urinary systems.
- Complexity — Urologists are equipped to handle complicated cases, such as penile infections, scarring or phimosis.
- Cost — The costs are generally similar to circumcision by a General Practitioner, especially since circumcision is MediSave claimable in Singapore.
Is a Male Circumcision painful?
You will be put under general anaesthesia (GA) to ensure a comfortable experience. You may experience some post-operative pain, but this can be treated with painkillers.
At what age do men get Circumcised?
Generally, circumcisions are done a day or two after the child’s birth as there are lower chances of complications and less downtime. However, male circumcision can be done at any age.
Are there any side effects to Male Circumcision?
Side effects are very rare. It is, however, important to let it heal properly and prevent infection.
Contrary to popular belief, male circumcision will not affect the growth of the penis or the rest of the genitalia, and it will not enhance or detract from sexual pleasure for men or their partners.
Types of Circumcision Procedures by a Urologist
There are a variety of circumcision procedures, tailored to each patient’s age, cultural and medical preferences:
Conventional Surgical Circumcision
A conventional circumcision involves surgically removing the foreskin with a scalpel or surgical scissors. After it is removed, the remaining edges of skin are sutured together to encourage healing. As it is manually done, it allows the doctor more control and can be customised to the patient’s aesthetic preferences.
| Procedure time |
| Recovery |
| Benefits |
| 30 to 60 minutes |
| 2 weeks |
|
Laser Circumcision
Laser circumcision uses targeted high-energy light to remove the foreskin and cauterise the cut area to encourage healing and reduce bleeding.
| Procedure time |
| Recovery |
| Benefits |
| 20 to 30 minutes |
| 2 weeks |
|
Stapler Circumcision
Stapler circumcision involves the use of a specialised circular stapling device to cut the foreskin and surgically “staples” or seals the edges in one singular and efficient motion. No actual staples are involved, so there is no need to remove anything, and it results in an aesthetically pleasing and uniform circumcision.
| Procedure time |
| Recovery |
| Benefits |
| 10 to 15 minutes |
| 2 weeks |
|
Shang Ring Circumcision
The Shang ring is a minimally invasive circumcision procedure that involves a device with 2 concentric plastic rings — the inner ring is lined with a soft silicone pad, while the outer ring is designed to clamp over the inner ring. The inner ring will be placed at the glans, while the foreskin is everted over it and pressure is applied in between, locking the foreskin in place. The foreskin is then removed, and the device stays in place for 7 – 10 days until the wounds heal.
| Procedure time |
| Recovery |
| Benefits |
| 10 to 15 minutes |
| 2 weeks |
|
Each procedure varies in terms of healing time, pain levels, and scarring, which are important factors to consider before making a decision on which to opt for. Be sure to share your concerns and desired results with your Urologist, so that they may recommend the most appropriate method for you.
How do I prepare for a Circumcision procedure?
You can prepare for a circumcision procedure by doing the following:
- You could prepare by shaving or trimming your public hair a few days before the procedure to reduce the chances of infection.
- Come in comfortable clothes and try not to wear tight-fitting pants on the day of and two weeks after the procedure.
Possible complications
- Bleeding
- Wound infection
- Wound dehiscence (for younger males, sometimes even erections can separate the wound)
- Cosmesis (some patients may not like the look of the penis after the surgery)
- Very rarely, ischemia of the tip of the penis
What to expect during a Circumcision procedure
Adult circumcision
For adult male circumcision, the procedure is generally done under general or local anaesthesia and will have more risk of complications and will take longer to heal when compared to a child. The procedure will last anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
- You will be given general or local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- The doctor will make measurements of how much skin to remove before it is cut away with a scalpel.
- Either absorbable sutures or surgical glue will be used, and there will be no need to remove these after surgery.
How do I know what Circumcision procedure is right for me?
Understandably, choosing the most suitable circumcision procedure can be overwhelming because of the wide variety of modalities available. It’s important to consider your age, medical condition, and other individual factors and preferences, such as:
- Age — Certain circumcision procedures are more suitable for infants, while others are meant for adults.
- Healing time — If healing time is a priority, it helps to consider the amount of time needed to recover from each procedure, as some surgical methods may take longer.
- Surgical vs non-surgical — Surgical techniques may offer versatility, while non-surgical modalities are minimally invasive.
- Aesthetic preference — Various methods offer different aesthetic outcomes, such as tightness or scar placement.
- Medical conditions — Certain health issues may require specific procedures for effective treatment.
- Cost — Different procedures vary in cost, with specialised procedures having a higher price tag. It is also important to discuss
- Cultural or religious considerations — You may want to consider circumcision procedures that are aligned with your cultural and religious practices.
Ultimately, it all boils down to personal preference, guided by your unique needs and priorities. Share your concerns and expectations with your Urologist, who can help you make an informed decision — open communication ensures that they can tailor a treatment that best fits your needs.
Post-procedure recovery
It usually takes about ten to fourteen days for your penis to heal after a circumcision procedure.
- Will urination be painful after the procedure?
You may experience minor bleeding from the incision within the first day or two of the procedure. However, urination will not be painful.
- Can I wear pants or jeans after the procedure?
We recommend loose fitting pants and to avoid tight underwear till the wound heals.
- Will there be swelling along the wound after the surgery?
Yes, there will be swelling around the wound site after surgery. It will resolve as the wound heals.
- Will the head of the penis be dry?
Yes, it will be dry after circumcision for some males.
- Is there a recommended way to sleep after the procedure?
You may want to avoid putting pressure on the surgical area. Ideally, you should sleep on your side with your knees tucked into your chest.
- How long after a circumcision procedure can I exercise?
Avoid strenuous physical activities for about 4 weeks after your circumcision procedure.
- How long does one have to abstain from sex?
It would be best to abstain from intercourse or masturbation for 6 weeks or until your doctor deems it to be okay.
About 10-14 days after your circumcision, you will be asked to return to the clinic for a follow-up visit and to ensure that your penis his healing well and that there are no complications.
Length and amount of tissue removed during circumcision
Circumcision refers to the removal of the foreskin, and the amount and length of tissue removed largely depends on the technique used and the desired outcome.
- Amount of tissue removed — A circumcision may involve removing enough foreskin to ensure proper hygiene or address medical concerns. The amount of tissue removed may also be due to personal preference, with some opting for a tighter finish.
- Length of tissue removed — The length of tissue removed largely depends on the natural size of the foreskin and the age of the patient.
What happens when too much or too little foreskin is removed during a circumcision procedure?
Generally, when too much or too little foreskin is excised:
- Too much — Removing too much foreskin can cause tightness when the penis is erect, causing pain and discomfort. It also increases risk of scarring and may cause dryness and sensitivity.
- Too little — Removing too little foreskin can result in an incomplete circumcision, not completely addressing the medical condition. This may require a subsequent revision surgery to achieve the patient’s desired outcome.
It’s important to ensure that the right amount of foreskin is removed during a circumcision procedure. An experienced doctor will have the expertise to determine the suitable amount of foreskin to remove, ensuring that the procedure is safe, effective, beneficial, and minimising the risk of complications.
Is a circumcision procedure MediSave or insurance claimable in Singapore?
Yes, a circumcision procedure in Singapore is MediSave claimable, capped at $650 per patient. Most insurance policies also cover this procedure. At Aare Urocare, we work with several insurers to assist in your post-procedure billings and claims processes for a smooth patient journey. Contact us for more information on your insurance eligibility.
Summary
Although circumcisions are usually decided on one or two days after a child’s birth, it is never too late to have a circumcision done in your adulthood. As it will be easier to keep the penis clean, there are benefits such as UTI prevention. If you are considering a cirumcision, it is important to communicate your concerns with your doctor in order to make an informed decision and a comfortable procedure.
