Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin — the retractable fold of skin that covers the head of the penis (glans).
In adult men, circumcision is most commonly performed for medical reasons, particularly when a tight or scarred foreskin causes pain, inflammation, infection, or functional problems.
If you are considering circumcision, we recommend first confirming the underlying cause of your symptoms and reviewing non-surgical options where appropriate. In many cases, circumcision is advised only after less invasive treatments have been tried, have not worked, or are unlikely to provide a lasting solution.
What is Foreskin?
The foreskin is the skin which covers the head of the penis. In many males, it can be pulled back (retracted) over the glans and moved forward again comfortably.
Problems develop when the foreskin becomes tight, inflamed, scarred, or difficult to retract — particularly in adulthood.
Why Circumcision is Done
Male circumcision may be carried out for:
- Medical reasons (the most common reason adult men seek circumcision in the UK)
- Religious or cultural reasons (including Jewish and Islamic practice and other community traditions)
- Personal preference (including hygiene concerns or preventive health reasons)
This guide focuses mainly on medical circumcision in men, with a brief overview of newborn and childhood circumcision where relevant.
When Circumcision is Medically Recommended
Adult circumcision may be considered for the following conditions.
Tight Foreskin (Phimosis)
Phimosis happens when the foreskin is too tight to pull over the glans. It can cause:
- discomfort or pain during erections
- tearing or bleeding
- difficulty cleaning under the foreskin
- recurrent inflammation or infection
Rarely, some men experience urinary symptoms if the tightness is severe.
Recurrent Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans and/or foreskin. Episodes may be related to infection (fungal or bacterial), irritation, skin conditions, diabetes, or difficulty with hygiene.
Circumcision may be discussed if balanitis is recurrent, severe, or associated with persistent tightness or scarring.
Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin retracts behind the glans and cannot be returned to its normal position. This can cause swelling and pain and, in severe cases, may restrict blood flow.
It requires urgent medical assessment.
After the immediate problem is treated, circumcision is sometimes recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO) / Lichen Sclerosus
BXO is a scarring condition that can tighten the foreskin and sometimes affect the glans.
When scarring is present or symptoms persist, circumcision is often recommended.
In some cases, we may advise additional assessment where clinically appropriate.
Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is uncommon, but persistent ulceration, a wart-like growth, bleeding, discharge, or significant skin changes on the foreskin/glans require specialist assessment.
Circumcision may be part of the management in selected cases, alongside other treatments.
Alternatives to Circumcision
Circumcision is not always the first step. Depending on the diagnosis and severity, alternatives may include:
- Topical steroid treatment (often used for mild-to-moderate phimosis in selected cases)
- Targeted treatment for infection/inflammation (antifungal or antibiotic creams where appropriate; steroid preparations for inflammatory skin conditions)
- Urgent reduction for paraphimosis (often using local anaesthetic gel; occasionally a small relieving incision is needed)
- Foreskin-preserving surgery (such as preputioplasty) in selected cases, especially when scarring is limited
Our approach is to match treatment to the underlying problem, rather than defaulting to surgery.
Potential Benefits
Benefits depend on why circumcision is performed. For men with clear medical indications, circumcision may:
- make hygiene easier when retraction is difficult or painful
- reduce recurrence of foreskin-related inflammation or infection
- resolve symptoms linked to tightness (pain, tearing, recurrent irritation)
- reduce the risk of complications associated with chronic inflammation in some cases
HIV and STI Prevention
In high-prevalence settings, studies have shown lower rates of HIV acquisition in circumcised men.
However, circumcision does not eliminate the risk of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Safer sex practices — including condom use and appropriate STI testing — remain essential.
Getting Circumcision in London: How We Typically Assess and Plan
In London, circumcision is usually arranged either through an NHS referral pathway or privately.
Whichever route you take, we recommend an assessment that covers:
- your symptoms and how long they have been present
- whether the foreskin is tight, scarred, or repeatedly inflamed
- any history of infections, cracking, bleeding, or urinary issues
- relevant medical conditions (for example, diabetes can increase the risk of recurrent infections)
- medications (especially blood thinners) and any anaesthetic history
This helps us confirm the diagnosis, rule out conditions that need different treatment, and recommend the safest and most effective plan.
How to Prepare
Preparation depends on whether we use a local or a general anaesthetic:
- Consent: We will explain the procedure, alternatives, benefits, and risks, and ask you to sign a consent form.
- Medication review: We will advise you on medicines that may need to be paused before surgery (where clinically appropriate).
- Fasting: If general anaesthetic or sedation is planned, we will provide clear fasting instructions.
- Practical planning: We recommend arranging transport home and allowing time for recovery, especially if your job is physically demanding.
What to Expect: Adult Circumcision Procedure
Adult circumcision is usually performed as a day-case procedure, so you go home the same day.
Anaesthesia Options
Depending on your needs and suitability, we may use:
- Local anaesthetic to numb the penis and surrounding tissues in our clinics
- General anaesthetic so you are asleep in the Hospital
- Occasionally, another regional anaesthetic approach is appropriate
How We Perform Circumcision
We remove the foreskin just behind the glans using a technique suited to your anatomy and clinical indication.
We control bleeding carefully and close the skin edges using one of the following, depending on the method selected:
- Dissolvable stitches
- Medical tissue glue
- A stapler device (in selected cases)
We will explain which method we recommend for you and what it means for healing and aftercare.
Recovery Timeline
Healing varies, but most men can expect:
First Few Days
- swelling and bruising are common
- mild-to-moderate discomfort is expected
- sensitivity changes can occur (temporary oversensitivity or numbness)
- A small amount of spotting may occur
Around 7–21 Days
- Most wound healing is underway
- Many men return to desk-based work once comfortable (often within several days to a week)
- Stitches may still be present if used
4–6 Weeks
- We usually advise avoiding sex and masturbation until fully healed (commonly 4–6 weeks)
- Return to sport and exercise depends on wound healing and the technique used
Aftercare Guidance
We provide tailored instructions, but typical advice includes:
- Keep the wound clean and dry; wash gently as advised and pat dry
- Use petroleum jelly to reduce sticking to underwear if recommended.
- Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing initially to reduce friction
- Take simple pain relief (for example, paracetamol or ibuprofen) if suitable for you
- Avoid friction, heavy exercise, cycling, swimming, and sexual activity until cleared
If we use a glue-based closure or staplers, aftercare can differ (for example, avoiding soaking and following specific wound-care instructions).
Risks and Complications
Complications are uncommon when circumcision is performed in an appropriate medical setting, but risks include:
More Common Risks
- bleeding
- infection
- swelling and bruising
Less Common Risks
- delayed healing or minor wound separation
- excess skin removed (too much) or insufficient skin removed (too little)
- scar tenderness
- persistent sensitivity changes (increased or reduced sensitivity)
We discuss risks in advance and provide clear guidance on what is normal during healing and what needs further assessment.
When to Seek Medical Help Urgently
Seek prompt medical advice if you develop:
- increasing redness, heat, swelling, discharge, or a bad smell
- fever or feeling generally unwell
- bleeding that does not settle with gentle pressure
- worsening pain not controlled with the advised medication
- difficulty passing urine
- rapid swelling of the glans, severe pain, or discolouration (especially if paraphimosis is suspected)
Circumcision in Newborns and Children
Circumcision is common for newborn boys in some countries and communities and is often carried out for religious, cultural, or family reasons.
Newborn circumcision is usually quicker, and recovery is different from adult circumcision.
Circumcision later in life generally involves:
- a longer recovery period
- a higher risk profile than newborn circumcision
- more disruption to work, exercise, and sexual activity during healing
In some situations, we may recommend delaying circumcision in babies — for example, where there are clotting problems, prematurity requiring hospital care, or certain penile anatomical conditions.