Circumcision - Symptoms & Causes

Circumcision in adults is carried out for various reasons, such as medical, religious, cultural, or personal considerations. Here are some situations why adults might get circumcised:

1. Medical Conditions:

• Phimosis:

This happens when the foreskin is too tight to retract over the head of the penis. It causes pain or difficulty during urination or sexual activity.

• Recurrent balanitis:

An inflammation or infection of the foreskin that doesn't respond to other treatments.

• Paraphimosis:

A condition where the retracted foreskin cannot be returned to its original position, leading to swelling and potential circulation issues.

• Other foreskin-related issues:

various conditions affecting the foreskin, such as scarring, traumatic injuries, or recurring infections

2. Infection prevention:

Existing research claims that circumcising a penis can reduce the risk of getting HIV. Still, there is no conclusive data that proves it can prevent other sexually transmitted infections. There is also research showing that circumcision may reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection.

3. Personal or religious reasons:

Some adults may choose circumcision to align with cultural or religious beliefs. Others might opt to remove the foreskin because of hygiene or aesthetic preferences or because they believe this will change sexual sensations.

Before opting for adult circumcision, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a consultant urologist, who can evaluate your specific situation, discuss the reasons for considering circumcision, and advise whether the procedure is appropriate and necessary based on individual health circumstances.

Circumcision on babies

Circumcision performed on babies is often a cultural, religious, or familial practice, though it can also be done for medical reasons. Here are several reasons why circumcision might be performed on newborn boys:

• Religious or cultural beliefs:

Circumcision is a significant ritual or tradition in some religions, such as Judaism and Islam and is often performed as a symbol of faith and part of cultural identity.

• Prevention of infections:

Some studies suggest that circumcision in infancy might reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) during early childhood.

• Disease prevention:

Circumcision may lower the risk of specific penile issues, such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or phimosis (tight foreskin)  later in life.

• Family or parental choice:

Some parents might opt for circumcision based on familial traditions, personal beliefs, or aesthetic preferences.