Scrotal, Penile & Fertility
Circumcision
A safe, routine surgical procedure to remove the foreskin for medical, hygiene, or personal reasons. Modern techniques offer high cosmetic satisfaction and a permanent solution to recurring infections or tightness.
Key takeaways
- A safe, routine surgical procedure to remove the foreskin for medical, hygiene, or personal reasons. Modern techniques offer high cosmetic satisfaction and a permanent solution to recurring infections or tightness.
- Specialty: Scrotal, Penile & Fertility
Day case
Usually general or local anaesthetic
2
Majority of sensitivity usually settlesweeks
Permanent
Usually resolves tightness & infections
Treatment Overview
About Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin—the sleeve of skin that covers the head (glans) of the penis. While many people choose it for personal or cultural reasons, it is often recommended as a permanent solution for medical issues like phimosis (a foreskin that is too tight to pull back) or balanitis (recurring irritation and infection).
In the UK, we use several established methods depending on your age. For infants, gentle device-assisted methods like the Plastibell are common. For adults, modern "stapler" devices (ISDs) have become increasingly popular because they are quick, precise, and often lead to a neater cosmetic result with less downtime.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The primary benefit is the permanent resolution of painful tightness or frustrating infections. Medical evidence shows that circumcision significantly reduces the lifetime risk of penile cancer and, in infants, can reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs) by up to 90%.
It also makes daily hygiene much simpler and has been proven to lower the risk of catching certain sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV and genital herpes.
02
Risks
Circumcision is one of the most common and safest procedures performed globally. Major complications are very rare. The most common minor risks include a small amount of bleeding after the operation or a minor infection that can be easily treated with a short course of antibiotics.
In some cases, the remaining skin might stick slightly to the head of the penis as it heals (adhesions), which is usually simple to resolve. Some patients may also notice a slight narrowing of the urinary opening over time (meatal stenosis), though this is more common in infants than adults.
03
Side Effects
For the first 3 to 7 days, it is normal for the penis to look swollen, bruised, or red. Because the head of the penis is now exposed, it will feel very sensitive for the first 2 weeks as it adjusts—most patients find this feeling settles quickly as the skin toughens.
You might feel a slight stinging when you first pass urine. For adults, having an erection during the first 14 days can be uncomfortable because of the tension on the fresh healing line, but this is a temporary part of the recovery process.
What We Treat
How Circumcision Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Circumcision journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
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Before Procedure
Before the procedure, a specialist will perform a physical check to ensure circumcision is the right choice for you or your child.
Infants: We recommend timing feeds so the baby is calm but not too full.
Adults: You’ll have a standard health check (pre-op assessment). You may need to gently shave the area at the base of the penis.
Anaesthesia: If you are having a general anaesthetic (where you are asleep), you must not eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure.
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During Procedure
The procedure is quick, usually taking between 15 and 30 minutes.
Comfort: Infants receive a local numbing block and often a sugar pacifier for comfort. Adults can choose between a local numbing block (staying awake) or a general anaesthetic.
Technique: The surgeon removes the excess foreskin using a precision clamp, a modern stapler device, or a scalpel.
Closing: The skin edges are closed using either very fine dissolvable stitches or special surgical glue, both of which disappear on their own.
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After Procedure
Keeping the area clean is the most important part of healing.
Hygiene: Wash the area gently with warm water and pat it dry—do not rub.
Protection: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to the tip for the first week to stop it from sticking to your clothes or a nappy.
Healing time: Babies usually heal within 7 days, while adults typically take 2 to 3 weeks.
Adult Advice: You must avoid sexual activity and masturbation for a full 6 weeks. This ensures the internal scar tissue has regained its full strength and won't be damaged.
Specialists
Specialists for Circumcision
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Mr. James ArmitageConsultant Urologist
Mr. Nimish ShahConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor Christof KastnerAssociate Professor & Consultant Urologist
Mr. Kasra Saeb-ParsyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Oliver WisemanConsultant Urologist
Mr. David ThurtleConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor John KellyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Laurian DragosConsultant Urologist
Mr. Tev AhoConsultant UrologistOur Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Trusted Resources
Trusted Patient Resources
For your insurer
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
This is a common concern, but large-scale medical studies in 2026 show no evidence that circumcision significantly reduces sexual pleasure or sensitivity for most men. While the glans 'toughens' slightly over time, most men and their partners report high satisfaction levels. It does not affect libido, the ability to have an erection, or fertility
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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This is a device-assisted method where a small plastic ring is placed under the foreskin and tied with a suture. The excess skin is trimmed, and the ring stays in place, eventually falling off on its own within 5 to 10 days as the area heals. It is popular because it provides a very clean, symmetrical cosmetic result and requires no stitches.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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While some redness and yellow 'crusting' (serous fluid) are normal parts of healing, you should contact your doctor if you see active, bright red bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure, if the penis becomes extremely swollen or blue, if there is foul-smelling discharge, or if a child hasn't urinated within 12 hours of the procedure.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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