Post-Surgery Pain and Skin Issues After Circumcision - Urology

Share to:

Frenulum tear


Hello Doctor, I underwent a circumcision procedure on November 15th, and everything seemed normal initially.
However, after the surgeon advised me to start showering on November 20th, I took my first shower and maintained proper hygiene and dressing changes.
The next day, November 21st, I began to feel pain, which I initially thought was just discomfort from not being bandaged.
I kept moving around at work, standing up, squatting, and so on, until I noticed in the evening while showering that the entire area around the corona was raw and extremely painful.

On November 22nd, during my follow-up appointment, the doctor mentioned that he had never encountered such a situation before and was unsure if it was due to the stitches rubbing against the skin or another cause.
He advised me to stop showering and to continue applying ointment and dressing.
As of today, November 28th, I still have a slight wound around the corona.
Although most of the wound is gradually healing and no longer painful, it remains red and swollen.
I am concerned that if I stop bandaging it now, it might start to break down again.
I would like to ask the doctor if the wound is due to the stitches rubbing against the skin, or if it is because too much skin was removed during the circumcision leading to tearing during erections, or if my skin is too sensitive and easily breaks with slight friction? It feels like I have undergone two circumcisions and have been in pain for two weeks...

Ji Ji Tòng Tòng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/28

Dr. Jian Weihong reply Urology


Hello: Your condition requires clinical judgment.
If it is friction-related, it should occur gradually.
Initially, if there is a wound, it will be painful.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/11/28

More Info


After undergoing circumcision, it is not uncommon to experience a range of post-surgical symptoms, including pain, skin irritation, and redness around the surgical site. Your experience of pain and the development of a superficial wound around the corona of the penis is concerning, and it’s important to understand the potential causes and healing processes involved.

Firstly, pain after circumcision can be attributed to several factors. The surgical procedure itself involves cutting away sensitive tissue, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort as the area heals. The skin around the penis, particularly the corona, is sensitive and can react to various stimuli, including friction from clothing or movement. If you have been active and moving around a lot, this could have contributed to the irritation and subsequent breakdown of the skin, leading to the painful area you described.

The fact that your doctor noted the possibility of the sutures (or "staples") causing irritation is also significant. If the sutures are too tight or if there is excessive tension on the skin, it can lead to skin breakdown. Additionally, if the circumcision was more extensive than necessary, it could result in more skin being removed, which might lead to increased sensitivity and a higher likelihood of irritation during the healing process.

Regarding your concerns about whether the pain is due to the sutures, excessive skin removal, or sensitivity, it is likely a combination of these factors. The healing process can vary significantly from person to person, and some individuals may experience prolonged discomfort or sensitivity. It is also possible that the area is simply taking longer to heal due to individual differences in skin sensitivity or healing capacity.

In terms of management, it is crucial to follow your doctor's advice regarding wound care. Continuing to keep the area clean and properly dressed is essential to prevent infection and promote healing. If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

To alleviate discomfort, you may consider using a mild topical ointment recommended by your healthcare provider to keep the area moisturized and reduce friction. Avoiding tight clothing and minimizing activities that could aggravate the area will also help in the healing process.

If the pain persists or worsens, or if you have concerns about the healing process, it is advisable to return to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may need to assess the wound more closely to determine if there are any underlying issues, such as infection or improper healing, that need to be addressed.

In summary, while some pain and irritation after circumcision can be normal, your symptoms warrant careful monitoring. Proper wound care, avoiding irritation, and consulting with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist are key steps in ensuring a smooth recovery. Healing can take time, and it is important to be patient while your body recovers from the surgery.

Similar Q&A

Post-Circumcision Concerns: Addressing Common Urological Issues

Hello Doctor, I underwent a circumcision surgery. Today (11/22) is the 12th day post-operation. I have a few phenomena that are not commonly reported online, so I would like to ask about them: 1. During the dressing change today, I suddenly noticed a small blister (about 1mm in ...


Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
If there are issues post-surgery, you should return to the original surgeon's clinic for follow-up.

[Read More] Post-Circumcision Concerns: Addressing Common Urological Issues


Post-Circumcision Care: Understanding Changes in the Glans

Today is the fourth day after my circumcision surgery. The pain has decreased significantly, but the wound area is itchy. I'm not sure if it's due to friction, but the glans, which was originally pink, has become a bit wrinkled, and there is a dark spot on the back. Is ...


Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It is very common to experience this phenomenon after surgery. You just need to take good care of the wound, maintain a light diet, and minimize erections. It should improve in about 10-14 days. If you have a follow-up appointment, please make sure to attend on time. Wishi...

[Read More] Post-Circumcision Care: Understanding Changes in the Glans


Post-Circumcision Pain and Itching: Causes and Solutions

I had a circumcision surgery at the end of last year, and during intercourse, I feel tightness and pain in my penis, to the point where it becomes numb. Could it be that too much was removed, and how can I resolve this? Additionally, I've been experiencing itching on the gla...


Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
That's strange! How could this happen? Are there any other issues? I'm also feeling a bit "fuzzy" and puzzled. The itching of the glans should be unrelated to this matter; it might be eczema or a fungal infection! I suggest you visit a hospital to see a "...

[Read More] Post-Circumcision Pain and Itching: Causes and Solutions


Post-Circumcision Complications: Addressing Pain and Discomfort

Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. I had a circumcision surgery about a year and a half ago, using absorbable sutures (the doctor mentioned it was a new material used by the hospital). After the surgery, the sutures did not fully absorb, leading to hardened areas at the wound...


Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1) If personal experiences occur repeatedly, the management may be similar each time, mostly involving wound care and the excision of hardened tissue, but new wounds may still develop. It might be worth trying ointments that soften scar tissue. Avoid tight-fitting underwea...

[Read More] Post-Circumcision Complications: Addressing Pain and Discomfort


Related FAQ

Post-Circumcision

(Urology)

Pain After Ejaculation

(Urology)

Wound

(Urology)

Foreskin

(Urology)

Post-Hernia Surgery

(Urology)

Itching

(Urology)

Balanitis

(Urology)

Urethra

(Surgery)

Trauma

(Urology)

Post-Anal Fissure Surgery

(Surgery)