“Do you really need Circumcision”

In our clinic, we see a lot of patients who are suffering from issues related to difficult and painful retraction of foreskin termed as PHIMOSIS. So, what does circumcision basically means and why it may be required in some cases? It is a process of removal of covering skin (foreskin) over penile head for medical/religious reasons. Causes where circumcision is medically indicated are mentioned below :

1. Childhood phimosis (since birth)

2. Recurrent Balanoposthitis (infection of penile head and covering foreskin)

3. Tight frenulum

4. Diabetic patients with uncontrolled sugars on medications

5. Patients with active Sexually transmitted infections (STI)

6. Acquired Phimosis on Erection

   So, patients need to understand few points before deciding about proceeding ahead with circumcision(advised by your urologist).

   Congenital conditions with tight foreskin (covering skin over penile head) which is present since birth can never be corrected by medicines. Similarly tight frenular tag also needs a small surgical procedure to release it and improve retraction. Diabetic patients who have first episode of Balanitis/ Balanoposthitis because of poor sugar control can be managed conservatively with medication if they manage their diabetes well. In case, it becomes a recurrent issue with multiple recurrences over an year, it suggests that medical treatment has failed and circumcision may be warranted.

   Also, patients who have proven Sexually transmitted infection, should consider getting circumcision done to avoid recurrences as well as to lower down the risk of transmission of infection to their partners.

   There is a group of patients who can retract foreskin normally in a flaccid state but has extreme pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse and find it difficult to pull down the foreskin in erect state. These patients can also consider circumcision as their sexual life suffers because of constant fear of pain during sexual contact.

   So, to summarise circumcision, if required for medical reasons should be opted for to treat recurrent issues and improving one’s quality of life.