What is circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. In the United States, it is often seen as a routine procedure for babies: according to the CDC, approximately 58% of newborns are circumcised soon after birth.
However, an adult circumcision typically takes a bit longer to do and will require extra precautions to manage pain and prevent infection. Nevertheless, this surgical procedure takes less than 30 minutes, requires no hospital stay, and has no lasting effects on fertility or sexual pleasure.
Whether it’s for spiritual, aesthetic, or medical reasons, at Tower Urology, we often see adults come for a circumcision consultation. Our board-certified urologists specialize in performing this procedure with care and precision, minimizing post-op pain and infection risk.
Why are adult circumcisions performed?
Urologists may perform an adult circumcision for various reasons, including:
- As a medical treatment for some urgent or chronic urologic conditions.
- To simplify routine hygiene practices.
- For aesthetic reasons, as some people seem to prefer the look of a circumcised penis.
- To comply with cultural or religious customs, or to adopt new ones.
What conditions does it treat?
Adult circumcision can effectively treat:
- Phimosis, a condition where the foreskin is too tight to retract over the glans.
- Paraphimosis, a medical emergency when the retracted foreskin becomes stuck over the head of the penis and restricts blood flow.
- Recurrent infections in the glans penis or foreskin, such as balanitis or balanoposthitis.
- Lichen sclerosus, a skin condition that causes painful scarring and inflammation in the foreskin and penis.
What are the extra health benefits of circumcision?
Several studies show that circumcised adults generally experience:
- Lower rates of penile cancer and prostate cancer.
- A lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Fewer chances of contracting or transmitting HIV and HPV.
In addition, the long-term partners of circumcised men also have lower rates of cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
With that said, there’s a big gap between “decreased risk” and “complete protection,” which is why we encourage patients to see these benefits as a bonus perk of circumcision, rather than the main reason for it.
Who is the ideal candidate for adult circumcision?
Circumcisions are relatively quick and safe procedures, so most adult men who didn’t get one as children are eligible for one. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the only contraindications are:
- Bleeding disorders.
- An active infection.
- Suspected squamous cell carcinoma.
How is adult circumcision performed?
Adult circumcision is simple enough that we can perform it in our office, without the need for general anesthesia.
Before the procedure, we typically ask patients to:
- Trim, but do not shave, their pubic hair.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks a couple of days in advance.
- Wash their penis carefully at home.
The actual procedure takes about 30 minutes and will involve:
- Cleaning and numbing the area with a local anesthetic.
- Extending and holding the prepuce above the tip of the penis with special forceps.
- Using a scalpel, cutting the prepuce near the base.
- Placing a line of sutures to close the wound.
- Applying a sterile bandage to protect the site and promote healing.
What is recovery like after an adult circumcision?
Recovery from adult circumcision is typically straightforward. Patients can expect to heal fully within 4-6 weeks.
After the local anesthesia wears off, most patients will experience some mild to moderate discomfort. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
While the wound heals, there’s also a small risk of infection or scarring. The best way to prevent this is to follow our team’s instructions carefully right after the procedure and on the first follow-up appointment.
Finally, most patients will have to avoid strenuous activities, sexual activity, and swimming for at least 4 weeks.
Why trust Tower Urology in Los Angeles with your adult circumcision procedure?
We encourage patients to approach circumcision with confidence, understanding that it is a safe and effective solution for many conditions. While the recovery process requires patience, the long-term benefits of comfort, hygiene, and health are well worth it. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
At Tower Urology, we take a personalized, evidence-based approach to male infertility. All our professionals at Tower Urology are committed to giving you expert care. We take the time to understand you so that we can personalize your treatment plan to your specific needs.
We invite you to establish care with Tower Urology.
Tower Urology is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Burbank, Glendale, and Downtown Los Angeles.
At Tower Urology, we treat a wide range of men’s health conditions, including premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, vasectomy and vasectomy reversal, penile implants, shockwave therapy, male infertility, and support for men undergoing or recovering from prostate cancer treatment. Our specialists are committed to helping you regain control, confidence, and satisfaction.
Adult Circumcision FAQs
Adult circumcision in the U.S. typically costs $1,500 to $5,500. Prices vary by location, facility, and whether general anesthesia is used. Some clinics may offer it for as low as $800, but hospital procedures can be more expensive. Insurance may cover costs if it’s medically necessary. Always confirm what’s included in the quoted price.
Adult circumcision is usually not very painful. The procedure is done with anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Afterward, most men experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days, which is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Pain typically decreases significantly within a week and is usually gone by three weeks. Severe pain is rare and usually signals a complication. Following your doctor’s care instructions helps minimize discomfort.
