Post-Circumcision Complications: Swelling and Concerns

Q: Post-Circumcision Complications: Swelling and Concerns

Regarding your questions, my opinions are as follows： 1. <br>It is normal to experience swelling around the incision site after circumcision, which can last from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on individual physiology. <br>2. <br>After the circumcision, depending on the surgical

Problems and Complications of the Foreskin

After circumcision, it is common to experience swelling around the wound.
Is this normal? Will it always look swollen in the future? (In some areas, the swelling has subsided, but it still appears puffy.) If the swelling has not completely resolved, is it safe to engage in sexual activity or masturbation? Could there be any complications if I masturbate while the swelling is still present? Once the foreskin is removed, will the glans always be exposed? Can I still push the foreskin up? What should I do if the exposed glans feels uncomfortable while walking? Thank you!

Xiao Quan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/07/31

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Regarding your questions, my opinions are as follows: 1.
It is normal to experience swelling around the incision site after circumcision, which can last from 2 weeks to 3 months, depending on individual physiology.
2.
After the circumcision, depending on the surgical technique used, some doctors may only remove the skin while preserving all the subcutaneous tissue.
This method can result in a thicker appearance of the penis postoperatively, which may look somewhat swollen.
3.
If the wound is healing well, there are no restrictions on sexual activity.
However, it is generally advised to avoid any sexual activity for at least one month post-surgery and to refrain from vigorous activity for two months to prevent the risk of wound dehiscence.
Masturbation is permissible as long as the healing process is progressing well.
4.
After circumcision, the glans is typically exposed and difficult to cover.
Initially, there may be discomfort due to stimulation of the glans, which can even lead to frequent erections.
Over time, adaptation occurs, and discomfort tends to decrease.
If you have further questions regarding the above responses, please feel free to ask again or consult your physician during a follow-up appointment.

Reply Date: 2003/07/31

More Info

Post-circumcision complications, particularly swelling, are common concerns for patients after the procedure. It is important to understand that some degree of swelling (edema) around the surgical site is normal following circumcision. This swelling is typically a result of the body's natural healing response to surgery, which includes increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the area.
In the initial days following circumcision, it is common for the area to appear swollen and possibly red. The swelling may take several days to a few weeks to subside completely. If you notice that some areas have reduced swelling while others remain swollen, this can also be part of the normal healing process. However, if the swelling persists for an extended period or is accompanied by severe pain, redness, or discharge, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider to rule out any complications such as infection.

Regarding sexual activity and masturbation, it is generally recommended to wait until the swelling has significantly decreased and the surgical site has healed adequately before engaging in these activities. Engaging in sexual activity or masturbation while there is still significant swelling could potentially lead to discomfort or complications, such as reopening the surgical site or increasing the risk of infection. It is best to follow your surgeon's specific advice regarding the timeline for resuming sexual activity, as they will provide guidance based on your individual healing progress.

As for the appearance of the glans (the head of the penis) post-circumcision, it is important to note that once the foreskin is removed, the glans will remain exposed and will not be covered by the foreskin again. Some individuals may experience discomfort or sensitivity in the glans after circumcision, especially if they were previously uncircumcised. This sensitivity often decreases over time as the skin of the glans becomes accustomed to being exposed.

If you are experiencing discomfort while walking due to the exposed glans, there are a few strategies you can consider. Wearing loose-fitting underwear can help reduce friction and irritation. Additionally, applying a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer may help alleviate some discomfort. If the discomfort persists or worsens, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

In summary, while some swelling after circumcision is normal, it is essential to monitor the healing process and consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns about the swelling or any other symptoms. Following the recommended guidelines for resuming sexual activity and addressing any discomfort will help ensure a smoother recovery. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery process.

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