Circumcision
At Sriracha, Chonburi, Pattaya
– Circumcision with a urologist –
By Dr. Sirirat Nakdang,Urologist , License No. 55466

Q: Is circumcision painful?

​

A: Local anesthesia is administered, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure itself, though there may be a brief sensation from the anesthetic injection. Recovery is swift, and the procedure does not require an overnight hospital stay.

​

Q: What is the recovery time after circumcision?

​

A: You can resume light work within 1–2 days. Sexual activity should be avoided for 3–4 weeks.

​

Q: How do I manage urination after circumcision?

​

A: For a safe and clean urination process, it is recommended to urinate while seated. Urinating while standing can cause urine to splash from the toilet bowl and contaminate the wound. You should also place a small amount of tissue at the tip of the penis before urinating. After urination, gently shake the penis to remove any residual urine, then use tissue to gently dab the area dry.

 

Q: Can I wear underwear after circumcision?

 

A: You can wear underwear as usual, but it is recommended to choose briefs that are breathable and not too tight.

 

Q: How should I bathe after circumcision?

​

A: You can take a shower as normal, but you should avoid getting the wound wet. This can be done by covering the wound with a plastic bag and sealing it with waterproof tape while showering, or you may choose to sponge-bathe for the first 3-5 days after the procedure. This allows the wound to begin healing and reduces the risk of infection.

​

Q: What activities should I avoid after circumcision?

​

A: You should avoid getting the wound wet for 5-7 days after the procedure. Abstain from sexual activity for at least 4 weeks, or a minimum of 2 weeks if a condom is used. You should also avoid strenuous activities and anything that causes excessive sweating. Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol for 5-7 days after the procedure, and avoid wearing overly tight clothing.

 

Q: What foods or drinks should I avoid?

​

A: You should avoid alcoholic beverages as they can interfere with the wound healing process and increase the risk of infection. Smoking impairs blood vessels and can negatively affect wound healing. High-sugar drinks may cause inflammation and increase the risk of infection. If you have any food allergies, you should avoid those specific foods. The belief that fermented foods or eggs can cause keloid scars is not scientifically linked to circumcision and is considered a myth; these foods can be consumed normally.

​

Q: How long does swelling last after circumcision?

​

A: Swelling will gradually increase over the first 2-3 days but the total duration of swelling depends on individual wound care. The overall recovery period is approximately 7-10 days. We recommend abstaining from sexual activity for at least 4 weeks, or a minimum of 2 weeks if a condom is used.

​

Q: How can I ensure a quick recovery?

​

A: You should consistently maintain the cleanliness of the wound, follow the doctor's instructions for wound care, avoid contact with water, wear loose-fitting clothing, and get plenty of rest. During the first 1-3 days after the procedure, you should have the wound dressed at a nearby medical facility at least once a day. Once you feel comfortable, you can perform the dressing yourself. We recommend dressing the wound at least once a day until your follow-up appointment with the doctor in 1-2 weeks.

​

Q: Why is there pain after circumcision?

​

A: The doctor administers a local anesthetic at the base of the penis to numb the area during the operation, so you only feel pain during the injection itself. However, pain often occurs after the anesthetic wears off, as the foreskin tissue has been removed, causing tissue trauma and subsequent inflammation. Pain may also be a side effect of complications like subcutaneous bleeding, which appears as a purple bruise and increased swelling in the circumcised area, or from dressings that are too tight. If the pain does not subside after taking medication, or if the pain persists 5-6 hours after the procedure, you should contact your doctor immediately.

​

Q: Can an unsatisfactory circumcision be corrected?

​

A: Yes, it can. Circumcision is a form of surgery, and issues with the cosmetic appearance of the wound can arise. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a clinic or medical facility with specialized expertise in corrective procedures. A detailed evaluation by a specialized doctor is required to determine the cause of the unsatisfactory result. In some cases, patients who undergo a penile augmentation immediately after circumcision may experience complications.

​

Q: Does cutting the frenulum hurt?

​

A: There is only a slight sensation of pain during the anesthetic injection, but you will not feel any pain during the procedure. The main benefit of cutting the frenulum is that it reduces tension at the tip of the penis after circumcision.

​

Q: What is a bloodless circumcision with a titanium stapler?

 

A: It is a new technique for male circumcision that uses a special titanium-made tool to simultaneously cut and stitch the wound in a single step. This minimizes blood loss and helps the wound heal faster than with traditional methods. However, it cannot be used for every patient. In some cases, a bloodless circumcision may have side effects, so you should consult with a specialized expert for a thorough evaluation.

​

Q: Will the surgical staples fall out on their own?

​

A: The staples should fall out on their own within 2 weeks. This is true for new, standard-certified tools that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

​

Q: Are there potential side effects or complications with circumcision?

​

A: Yes, there can be side effects or complications.

Common and generally mild complications:

• Swelling and bruising

• Pain or discomfort

• Minor bleeding

• Scabbing or fluid crusting on the wound

• Altered sensation at the tip of the penis

• Delayed or non-shedding staples

Less common but more serious complications requiring a doctor's visit:

• Abnormal or heavy bleeding

• Wound infection

• Injury to the penis

• Abnormal keloid scarring

• Too much or too little foreskin removed

• Foreskin re-adhesion

• Urethral meatal stenosis (narrowing of the urethral opening)

• Complications from anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or other side effects

 

Q: Does circumcision affect sexual sensation?

​

A: Circumcision does not have a direct negative impact on sexual sensation. It does not negatively affect sexual function, sensation, or satisfaction. We recommend abstaining from sexual activity for at least 4 weeks, or a minimum of 2 weeks if a condom is used.

​

Q: What is the difference between traditional and bloodless circumcision?

 

A: Traditional circumcision is a surgical procedure using a scalpel or an electric knife. The doctor will stitch the wound with dissolvable sutures. This method takes longer and may involve some minor blood loss. Bloodless circumcision (Stapler Circumcision) is a newer technique that uses a ring-shaped instrument (Stapler) with a built-in blade and surgical staples. The device simultaneously cuts and stitches the wound in one step, resulting in very little to no blood loss. The procedure is faster and the wound is cosmetically neater.

​

Q: What activities should I avoid, and for how long?

​

A: Avoid strenuous exercise or high-impact activities like running, jumping, swimming, or cycling for at least 2-4 weeks.

​

Q: How should I take care of myself after circumcision?

​

A: You should get enough rest, keep the wound clean, abstain from sexual activity, and take all medications as prescribed by your doctor.

 

Q: Is "bloodless circumcision" truly a better option?

 

A: Bloodless circumcision generally provides a significantly better and more convenient overall experience. It's faster (10-15 minutes), causes less pain, has minimal bleeding, results in a neater wound, and offers a quicker recovery.