This summer, undergoing circumcision surgery seems to have become a “hot” procedure. Should one circumcise or not? Some parents do not quite understand the harms of phimosis and excessive foreskin, believing that since they did not undergo the procedure when they were young, there won’t be any issues. However, seeing other children getting circumcised makes them feel a bit restless. Whether or not to circumcise, let’s hear what Director Ye Daoyin has to say.
1. What are the harms of phimosis and excessive foreskin?
Firstly, due to the narrow opening of the foreskin, phimosis can result in abnormal urination, difficulty in urination, and later difficulties in sexual life that affect sexual health. Secondly, excessive foreskin and phimosis can easily lead to the production and accumulation of smegma, fostering various bacteria and viruses, especially sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, which is particularly important for men with multiple sexual partners. Thirdly, studies indicate that smegma and repeated inflammatory irritation are carcinogenic factors that can lead to cancer and cervical cancer for partners. Fourthly, prolonged covering can lead to heightened sensitivity, possibly resulting in premature ejaculation in adulthood.
2. Under what circumstances is surgery needed?
(1) Generally speaking, phimosis in children under 3 years old is mostly physiological, and surgery is not recommended. Phimosis occurring in preschool-aged children and beyond is often true phimosis, especially in cases of recurrent balanitis or posthitis, surgery is recommended;
(2) Even if it can be retracted, if there is a significantly visible narrow ring, it can lead to paraphimosis;
(3) Recurrent balanitis or posthitis, leading to varying degrees of adhesion between the foreskin and glans or secondary phimosis;
(4) Recurrent posthitis, or even urinary tract infections, require prompt surgery regardless of age;
(5) Those who have experienced phimosis should undergo surgery as soon as possible;
(6) Chronic inflammatory thickening of the foreskin, leading to cracks upon erection, affecting sexual activity or with a tendency towards phimosis;
(7) Those requiring surgery for cosmetic or religious reasons.
In fact, currently, the criteria for circumcision surgery have been significantly relaxed; as long as the glans cannot be exposed when flaccid, surgery may be considered.
3. What type of circumcision surgery is suitable?
There are various surgical methods for circumcision; however, overall, regardless of the method, the principle is to perform a circumferential excision of the foreskin, mainly differing in the tools and techniques used. Traditional circumcision mainly relies on the physician’s hands and sutures, with the main advantage being strong controllability. However, the surgery generally takes longer, around half an hour, with more bleeding and higher technical demands on the doctor, requiring very experienced doctors to achieve a neat and aesthetic foreskin.
Disposable circumcision staplers use a disposable device for the surgery, resulting in less bleeding, faster procedures, usually completed in 5-10 minutes, with shorter postoperative pain duration. Currently, this method is generally recommended for performing the surgery.
If you are still hesitating about whether to take your child for circumcision, you might want to visit Director Ye Daoyin at Jing Shun Urology first.
