Circumcision Skip To Content

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin for medial reasons.

Circumcision is a relatively simple procedure that is usually carried out as a day case procedure. 

Several conditions can lead to you having to consider circumcision.

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis. In children, the foreskin most likely will not retract before the age of five. Injury to the penis or infection can cause the foreskin to tighten. Phimosis can interfere with the passing of urine.

In adults, problems associated with phimosis will become obvious when you get an erection and during sexual intercourse.

Recurrent infection under the foreskin can also lead to treatment such as circumcision.

Another condition is acute balanoposthitis which is caused by an infection under the foreskin and can lead to the area becoming red and inflamed.

How do you treat phimosis?

Phimosis can be treated using steroid creams which will soften the foreskin when used every day for 4-8 weeks. Your doctor will also show you how to massage the foreskin which will stretch it in a controlled way.

Surgical treatments are also available. These include:

-    Circumcision
-    Preputioplasty. This is plastic surgery to reduce the foreskin on the penis, several incisions are made in the tip of the penis to expose the head (glands). This treatment is most effective in children with congenital tightening and is ineffective in those with a very tight foreskin.

It is important to note that stretching of a foreskin is not recommended as treatment, this can lead to scarring and tearing which may worsen phimosis. 

What does the circumcision involve?

We understand that surgery can be daunting, but don’t worry, our specialised medical staff will be there to answer any questions or worries you may have.

The procedure usually takes around 30-60 minutes.

Your consultant will use medical instruments such as a scalpel, scissors and surgical clamps, to make a small incision behind the head of your penis. They will then use these instruments to remove the entire foreskin leaving the glands exposed.

When the foreskin has been removed, your consultant will use dissolvable stitches to re-attach the remaining edges of the skin.

The wound will be covered with a dressing that can be removed the following day.

You should be able to return to normal activities a week after the surgery.

You will experience pain in your penis after surgery which can be eased with pain relief.

Loose clothing is recommended for the first-week post-surgery as it will stop irritation and possible infection.

It is best to avoid sexual activity until the wound has fully healed.

Most adults recover after 4-6 weeks post-surgery.

As with any surgery, there are risks involved. For circumcision, these include:

●    Infection in the surgical area.
●    Urethra damage.
●    Decreased sexual sensitivity.

Pricing

Initial consultation From: £150
Treatment £2,170
Pre-assessment Included
Main treatment Included
Post-discharge care Included
Guide price £2,460

*The above prices are guide prices only and subject to change at any given time. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not part of the guide price. The guide price indicates the starting price for the treatment.

The cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed with any tests, scans, consultations, or treatment. Please read our terms and conditions. If you have private medical insurance please follow the guidance here.