Post-Circumcision Care: Bathing, Healing, and Nocturnal Emissions

Concerns about soaking after circumcision and issues related to nocturnal emissions?

Hello, doctor: I underwent a circumcision procedure for the first time on February 16.
I returned for a follow-up on the 19th because the wound might have opened, and the doctor stitched it up again.
The doctor advised me to start soaking in water at home from February 25 (the doctor used absorbable sutures for my closure), and the educational material states to soak four times a day for 15 minutes each time.

1.
Since I am currently a student, it is not very convenient for me to soak four times a day (I might only be able to do it once or twice).
Will this slow down the absorption of the sutures? How long does it typically take for the sutures to dissolve completely?
2.
I do not have a bathtub at home, so sometimes I directly use a handheld showerhead to rinse the sutured area.
Is this acceptable? (I am concerned it might negatively affect the wound.)
3.
There is still swelling (or possibly a hematoma) around the area, and I notice some blood each time I change the dressing.
The base is still swollen (it feels like a bruise and is slightly painful when pressed).
How long will it take for these conditions to heal and for the swelling to subside? Are there any methods to expedite the reduction of swelling?
4.
During the recovery from circumcision, I am unable to masturbate, and erections are quite painful.
In this situation, is it still possible to experience nocturnal emissions? (I am worried that semen might come into contact with the wound and cause an infection.)
5.
During my follow-up on the 19th, the doctor told me I no longer needed to cover the wound with a dressing.
However, since the wound near the base still oozes slightly, and without the dressing, the sutures feel uncomfortable against the glans (not in a sensitive way), I continue to rinse with saline after soaking and apply antibiotic ointment before re-dressing.
Will this affect the healing process or slow down the absorption of the sutures? (I would like to wait until the sutures have completely dissolved before stopping the dressing.)
Lastly, I want to ask about nocturnal emissions.
I have never experienced them before, but my classmate mentioned he has them about once every two to three weeks (he does not masturbate often, while I do it about once or twice a week).
I have tried not to masturbate for two weeks, but still did not experience nocturnal emissions.
Could it be that my semen volume is low, which prevents me from having nocturnal emissions? (I have always been curious about the sensation of nocturnal emissions; is there any method to induce them? Haha.
Additionally, my classmate said he masturbated yesterday but still had a nocturnal emission the next day, so do nocturnal emissions depend on individual physiology?)

Xiao Zhi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/27

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

The stitches will come out in about two weeks.
There's actually no need for special soaking.
It might be more trouble than it's worth; it would be better to go back and have the stitches removed.
There is a possibility of nocturnal emissions, but that's okay.
It's written too complicated.
The doctor cannot make a judgment based on this alone.
It is recommended to see a urologist for an in-person examination to provide proper advice.

Reply Date: 2016/02/27

More Info

Post-circumcision care is crucial for ensuring proper healing and minimizing complications. Here’s a comprehensive guide addressing your questions and concerns regarding bathing, healing, and nocturnal emissions after circumcision.

1. Bathing and Wound Care
After circumcision, it is essential to keep the area clean to prevent infection. Your doctor has advised soaking in water for 15 minutes, four times a day. While this is ideal for optimal healing, it’s understandable that as a student, you may find it challenging to adhere to this schedule.
If you can manage to soak the area at least once or twice a day, it should still provide some benefit. The absorbable sutures typically dissolve within 1-3 weeks, depending on the type of material used and your body’s healing process. If you are unable to soak as recommended, it may take slightly longer for the sutures to dissolve, but this should not significantly impede healing if you maintain good hygiene.

Using a handheld showerhead to gently rinse the area can be acceptable, provided you are careful not to apply too much pressure directly on the wound. Avoid using hot water, as it can increase swelling and discomfort.

2. Swelling and Bruising
It is common to experience some swelling or bruising around the circumcision site. This can last for several days to a couple of weeks post-surgery. Applying a cold compress to the area can help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. If you notice persistent or increasing swelling, or if the area becomes increasingly painful, it’s important to consult your doctor to rule out any complications.

3. Nocturnal Emissions and Sexual Activity
Regarding your concerns about nocturnal emissions (commonly known as "wet dreams"), it is possible to experience these even after circumcision. The ability to have nocturnal emissions is influenced by various factors, including hormonal levels and individual physiology. If you are experiencing discomfort during erections, it is advisable to avoid any sexual activity, including masturbation, until you have fully healed.
The risk of infection from semen coming into contact with the healing wound is a valid concern. Therefore, it’s best to wait until your doctor confirms that the area has healed sufficiently before resuming sexual activities.

4. Dressing and Hygiene
If your doctor has advised you to stop using dressings but you are still experiencing some bleeding or discomfort, it’s reasonable to continue rinsing the area with saline solution and applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment as needed. However, excessive covering of the area may trap moisture and lead to infection. It’s essential to strike a balance between keeping the area clean and allowing it to breathe.

5. Dream Emissions and Personal Experience
As for your curiosity about nocturnal emissions, it varies greatly among individuals. Factors such as age, hormonal levels, and sexual activity frequency can influence whether someone experiences them. If you have not experienced them, it may simply be a matter of your body’s unique response.
If you are interested in experiencing nocturnal emissions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can support overall hormonal health. However, it’s important to remember that these experiences are natural and can vary widely from person to person.

Conclusion
In summary, post-circumcision care involves maintaining cleanliness, managing swelling, and allowing adequate time for healing. If you have any concerns about your recovery or experience unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Your health and comfort should always come first.

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