Post-Circumcision Care: Managing Pain and Gland Exposure

Circumcision?

In the past few days, I had a circumcision.
It's been three days since the procedure, and the glans is still retracted under the skin.
When I went for a follow-up appointment, the doctor said I need to manually expose the glans.
It hurts a lot; is this normal? Will the glans eventually come out on its own, or will I always need to pull it out? I've tried to pull it out myself, but if I move too much, it retracts back under the skin.

Da Niu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/14

Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology

It is still advisable for you to visit the hospital for a physician's examination in order to understand the true situation and receive appropriate advice and treatment.

Reply Date: 2016/04/14

More Info

Post-circumcision care is crucial for ensuring proper healing and managing discomfort. It's common for patients to experience some pain and sensitivity in the days following the procedure, especially when the glans (the head of the penis) is still partially covered by the remaining skin. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to manage your situation.

Understanding the Healing Process
After circumcision, the glans is exposed for the first time, which can lead to increased sensitivity and discomfort. The skin around the glans may still be healing, and it is not unusual for the glans to retract back under the skin, especially if there is swelling or if the area is not yet fully healed.

Pain Management
1. Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

2. Cold Compresses: Applying a cold compress to the area can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Make sure to wrap ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.

3. Gentle Handling: Avoid any rough handling of the area. If you need to expose the glans, do so gently and only as recommended by your doctor.

Managing Gland Exposure
1. Follow-Up Appointments: It’s essential to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. They will assess the healing process and provide guidance on how to manage the exposure of the glans.

2. Manual Exposure: Your doctor may recommend gently pulling the skin back to expose the glans. While this can be painful, it is often necessary to ensure that the glans does not remain covered, which could lead to complications such as adhesions or infection.

3. Self-Care: If you are instructed to expose the glans at home, do so carefully. If the glans retracts back under the skin, do not force it. Instead, consult your doctor for advice on how to proceed.

Will the Glans Stay Exposed?
In most cases, once the healing process is complete, the glans will remain exposed without the need for manual intervention. However, during the initial healing phase, it is common for the glans to retract. As the swelling decreases and the skin heals, the glans should remain exposed more consistently.

When to Seek Help
If you experience severe pain, signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge), or if the glans does not stay exposed despite following your doctor’s advice, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider. They may need to evaluate the situation further and provide additional treatment options.

Conclusion
Post-circumcision care involves managing pain and ensuring proper exposure of the glans. While some discomfort is normal, following your doctor's instructions and attending follow-up appointments are key to a smooth recovery. If you have any concerns or if the pain becomes unmanageable, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further assistance.

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