Post-Circumcision Concerns: Pain, Curvature, and Healing - Urology

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Curvature of the penis after circumcision?


I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.

Chen Tongxue, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/08/24

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Student Chen: Hello, regarding your questions, my answers are as follows:
1.
It has been over 40 days since your circumcision, and you are experiencing swelling and slight pain between the glans and the shaft.
This is due to the surgical process, which may have severed some small blood vessels and lymphatics.
It typically takes 1-2 weeks for these to regenerate.
Swelling, of course, can be painful.
What you should do now is to apply local heat.
Use a warm towel for heat therapy, as it can increase local blood flow, promote circulation, and significantly help with reducing swelling.
2.
It is normal to feel some discomfort while urinating in the days following the circumcision.
Pain during urination, splitting of the urine stream, and even blood in the urine can occur.
After surgery, the wound will be quite swollen, which can affect urination.
Typically, things will gradually return to normal after about three days.
3.
Before the circumcision, you may not have seen your glans, but after 7-8 days post-surgery, you noticed that your glans seems slightly off to the right.
When erect, it does not appear as straight as in adult films, and there is a slight leftward curvature of the penis.
This curvature is not aligned with the way you stand, as the frenulum appears to be angled to the left.
Prior to the circumcision, you felt that your penis was straight when erect, but now that the glans is exposed, you can see the frenulum, and the glans and shaft appear slightly curved to the left.
Is this a result of the surgery? Could it be a suturing issue? A slight leftward bend during erection is quite common and does not typically indicate a problem.
In our department, we often observe that very few men have a completely straight erection; it is normal for there to be some degree of curvature.
The surgery itself does not affect the degree of curvature, which is usually caused by uneven expansion of the erectile tissue.
About 99.9% of men experience some degree of curvature when erect, so there is no need for concern.
4.
For those who naturally retract their foreskin, during masturbation, the foreskin acts as a piston.
Some online information suggests that individuals who have undergone circumcision may still have some foreskin covering part of the glans when not erect, indicating that the foreskin is not sutured to the shaft.
In your case, it is sutured to the penile tissue, making it difficult to masturbate as you did before the circumcision.
Some surgeons leave a bit of foreskin covering the glans, while others may completely remove it, depending on their practice.
Regardless of the approach, it should not affect erection.
5.
Is the frenulum below the glans aligned with the dark line that runs from the shaft to the scrotum? Do circumcision surgeons typically align the sutures with that line? Not necessarily; sometimes, considerations for the aesthetic appearance and healing of the wound must be taken into account.
However, unless there are special circumstances, we generally aim to align the dark line as closely as possible.
Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taitung Hospital, Urology Department, Director Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2007/08/24

More Info


After undergoing circumcision, it is common for patients to have concerns regarding pain, healing, and changes in the appearance or function of the penis. Let's address your questions one by one, providing insights based on medical knowledge and experience.

1. Swelling and Pain at the Suture Site: It is not unusual to experience some swelling and tenderness around the suture line after circumcision, especially if it has been only 40 days since the procedure. The area may feel sensitive to touch, and slight pain can be expected as the tissues heal. However, if the swelling is significant or accompanied by increased pain, redness, or discharge, it may indicate an infection or other complications, and you should consult your healthcare provider.

2. Discomfort During Urination: Experiencing discomfort while urinating, particularly during morning erections, is common in the days following circumcision. The initial bleeding you experienced could have been due to irritation or minor trauma to the surgical site, which is often considered normal. As long as your urination has returned to normal and you are not experiencing ongoing pain or bleeding, this is generally a positive sign. However, if you have any concerns, particularly if bleeding recurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

3. Curvature of the Penis: It is not uncommon for the penis to appear slightly curved after circumcision, especially if the frenulum (the band of tissue on the underside of the penis) was altered during the procedure. The perception of a curve may also be influenced by the way the skin heals and the position of the sutures. If the curvature does not cause pain or functional issues, it is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice significant changes or if the curvature affects sexual function, it would be wise to discuss this with your surgeon.

4. Differences in Sensation and Function: After circumcision, many men report changes in sensation and the way they experience sexual activities. The absence of the foreskin can alter the mechanics of masturbation and sexual intercourse. While some men may retain some skin covering the glans (head of the penis) when flaccid, this varies depending on the surgical technique used. If you find that your ability to masturbate has changed significantly and it causes discomfort, you may want to explore different techniques or consult a healthcare provider for advice.

5. Frenulum and Surgical Technique: The frenulum is indeed an important anatomical structure, and surgeons typically aim to preserve it during circumcision to maintain some degree of sensitivity and function. The alignment of the frenulum with the darker line on the shaft of the penis is often considered during the procedure. If you have concerns about how the frenulum was handled during your surgery, or if you notice any irregularities, it is best to discuss these with your surgeon for clarification.

In summary, while some discomfort and changes in appearance are normal after circumcision, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if you experience significant pain, swelling, or functional issues. Healing can take time, and your healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your specific situation. Remember to prioritize your health and well-being, especially during your exam preparations.

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