Circumcision is a surgical procedure that is often performed during infancy. However, adult circumcision is also performed due to personal choices or medical conditions.
This procedure involves the removal of foreskin from the penis, which requires proper aftercare to ensure a successful recovery, as the procedure is more complicated for adults than it is for infants.
So let’s look at what your post-surgery aftercare should look like and why it is important in ensuring a smooth recovery.
General Aftercare
For the first few days, your penis will likely swell and bruise. Generally, this is not very painful, and you will only require over-the-counter painkillers at most. You can put a cold pack or some ice on your groin for ten to twenty minutes.
On the first day, you should try and do this every one to two hours. Make sure there is a thin cloth between the ice and your skin through. Each person will recover at their own pace, but the swelling will usually go down within two to three weeks following the surgery. You should also wear underwear that is the most comfortable for you, with the underwear ideally holding the penis upright to help the swelling go down. A snug fit can help you give this support.
Activities
When it comes to activities, you should always rest when you feel tired and take care in getting as much sleep as possible, as this helps you recover faster. It is recommended that you try and walk every day, even if it is a little bit.
Every day that follows, you should aim to increase the amount of walking you do. You should take care to avoid more strenuous activities, such as cycling, jogging, or weight lifting, for at least four weeks.
When it comes to more normal activities such as work and driving, you can simply start performing them when you are comfortable with it.
Incision Care
Straight after the procedure, you will likely have a bandage over the area or over your entire penis. You should follow your doctor’s instructions when you try to remove it. You will be able to shower when you no longer have the bandage.
Don’t try scrubbing the wound in the shower; instead, let the soapy water flow over it and pat it dry once you have finished showering. You should make sure you also avoid using harsh soaps, fragrances, or products that may irritate the sensitive skin.
Diet and Medication
There aren’t any dietary changes you need to make for the recovery process, but it goes without saying that you should eat as healthily as possible to aid recovery. You should also drink plenty of fluids.
You may also have to take certain medicines, such as pain medication or antibiotics. Your urologist will inform you what medications to take , especially if you are already on medications for other conditions, so follow their instructions as advised.
Avoid Stimulation
You shouldn’t have intercourse or masturbate for at least six weeks or until your doctor says it’s okay. You will likely have a few erections during this time, but they won’t be harmful as long as you leave them alone and do not stimulate your penis.
However, they can be painful during the recovery phase, so to try and avoid the chance of nocturnal erections, you should try and empty the bladder before bed, sleep on one side rather than on the back, and try drawing your knees up into fetal position.
Monitor Your Recovery
Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor at your chosen urology clinic is also important as these appointments allow your urologist to monitor your progress, assess the healing process, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.
Make sure that you also be aware of any signs of infection which include increasing pain, redness, increased swelling, unusual discharge or a fever. Seek medical attention as soon as you can in these cases to prevent complications.
The best urologist will make sure that you know exactly what the recovery process is going to entail and provide personalized advice for you. Don’t be afraid to contact your urologist if something is unclear or you have any doubts.
