Male circumcision remains one of the oldest surgical procedures. It is a fairly common practice that one can undergo for a variety of reasons.

The procedure can be a matter of family tradition, religion, personal hygiene and preventative care or for medical reasons.

Dr SE Mazibuko tells us whether or not you deem it necessary for yourself or your child, it is always best to make the informed choice.

What is male circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from a man’s penis.

Why is it performed?

Circumcision can be performed for a number of reasons, the most common are:

• Medical – e.g Narrow foreskin (phymosis) recurrent foreskin injection balanitis ect.
• Religious – Jewish, Muslim.
• Cultural – Certain African tribes e.g :Xhosa; Ndebele etc.

Is it necessary?

Circumcision has shown to reduce HIV transmission by 60% in men and other sexually transmitted infections like HPU (Human papillomavirus), HSV (Herpes simplex virus) etc.

Countries known to practice circumcision have low rates of penile carcinoma while this continues to be a burden in countries who do not.

There are countries which do not believe in circumcision but advocate for preservation of the foreskin. Circumcision remains a personal choice and no one should be circumcised against their will.

At what age can it be performed?

Circumcision can be performed at any age as long as it is performed by a competent surgeon under safe conditions.

Is it reversable?

It is not reversible once the foreskin is removed it can’t be replaced.

Can parents consent on behalf of boy or infant?

Young boys 18 years and older can give written informed consent independently to circumcision and can be circumcised for any reason.

Boys aged above 16 but younger than 18 may give consent to circumcision assisted by parents or guardian.

Boys younger than 16 require written consent of parents or legal guardian to undergo circumcision with boys younger than 16 may only carried out for medical or religious reason only.

Importantly all boys regardless of age, have the right to refuse circumcision.

What are the risks/ complications associated with male circumcision?

The most common risks and complications associated with male circumcisions are bleeding, injury in the urethra, injury to the glands and infections these are less frequent if the surgeon is experienced and the procedure is done under controlled conditions.

Does circumcision reduce sexual pleasure?

There are changes in sensation but with time they are regained as circumcision does not reduce sexual pleasure.

Does male circumcision benefit women?

• Sexually transmitted diseases like HPV/ HIV are reduced.
• Circumcision in males has reduced the transmission of HPV which leads to cervical carcinoma in females.

How does one begin the process?

• We usually carry out the procedure under a general anaesthetic, but local or spinal anaesthetic may be used instead.
• We use local anaesthetic nerve blocks, regardless of the type of anaesthetic to provide post-operative pain relief.
• We give you an injection of antibiotics before the procedure, after checking you for any allergies.
• We make an incision just below the head of the penis and remove the whole foreskin, this leaves the glans (head of the penis) completely exposed.
• We use dissolvable stitches to attach the skin of your penis to your glans.

For more information, call 013 655 3087 to book your appointment.