What to Know Before and After Circumcision
An examination and the right preparation before circumcision, followed by simple but regular care afterwards, make the healing process easier.
In short
Before circumcision, the child's penis and testicles need to be examined and the child assessed for any bleeding tendency and for anaesthesia; in some conditions such as hypospadias, circumcision is postponed. In the first days after circumcision, swelling, mild tenderness and a yellowish crust are normal. Bleeding that will not stop, being unable to pass urine, fever or increasing redness mean you should see a doctor without waiting.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that is widely performed in Turkey and usually goes smoothly. Even so, because it is an operation, it needs a proper assessment beforehand and careful care afterwards. In this article we summarise the preparation and aftercare topics that families ask about most.
Why is an examination needed before circumcision?
Before deciding on circumcision, it is important for the safety of the procedure that the child is examined by a doctor. The examination looks for the following conditions:
- Hypospadias: The urinary opening is not in its normal place but on the underside of the penis. In these children, circumcision is not done or is postponed, because the foreskin may be used in a later repair operation.
- Undescended testicle, hernia or fluid around the testicle (hydrocele): If present, these can be planned in the same session as the circumcision or separately.
- Buried penis and other anatomical differences: The standard circumcision technique may not be suitable.
- Bleeding tendency: If the child or family has a history of easy bruising or prolonged bleeding, blood tests are requested before the procedure.
In addition, the child’s general health, any medicines and allergies are asked about. Circumcision is postponed during an illness with fever or an active infection.
How should you prepare for circumcision?
Preparation should cover both medical and psychological aspects:
- Anaesthetic assessment: If general anaesthesia or sedation is to be used, an anaesthetic assessment is carried out.
- Follow the fasting time: You will be told from what time your child must stop eating and drinking before the procedure; follow this carefully.
- Explain things in a way suited to your child’s age: Describe the procedure in simple, honest language. Never use circumcision as a threat or a punishment.
- Prepare comfortable clothing: Loose, soft bottoms and, if necessary, a loose gown or long shirt make things easier.
- Plan the first few days: Arrange a quiet place where your child can rest for a few days after the procedure.
Remember that large celebrations and long preparations can increase a child’s anxiety. If there is to be a celebration, it can be held after the procedure, once the child is comfortable.
What is normal in the first few hours after circumcision?
After anaesthesia, the child may be sleepy, restless or tearful for a while; this usually settles within a few hours. Once the doctor allows it, a little water can be given first, followed by light food. If the child feels sick, do not force them to eat.
The child is expected to pass urine within the first few hours after the procedure. Mild stinging with the first wee and a few drops of blood on the dressing are common. Encouraging the child to pass urine calmly, in a warm setting, makes this easier. Keep the written instructions you are given on discharge and the phone number you can call.
How should the wound be cared for after circumcision?
In the first few days, swelling, mild bruising and tenderness at the tip of the penis are expected. A yellowish, moist layer may form around the wound; this is usually a normal part of healing.
General care tips:
- Give the painkiller recommended by the doctor at the dose and intervals advised. The pain is usually most noticeable in the first few days and gradually eases.
- For dressings, creams or ointments, follow only the instructions you were given; do not try home-made mixtures.
- Choose loose, soft clothing; tight underwear can rub against the wound.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on when and how to bathe.
- It is important for the child to drink plenty and to pass urine comfortably. There may be mild burning with the first wee.
- Dissolvable stitches fall out within a few weeks; do not try to pull them out.
When can a child return to normal life after circumcision?
Most children can return to their daily activities within a few days. When to go back to school depends on the child’s comfort. It is recommended to avoid activities that put pressure on the wound or carry a risk of knocks, such as cycling, playing football or horse riding, until the wound has healed completely. Wait for the doctor’s approval before swimming in a pool or the sea.
Similar care rules apply to men circumcised in adulthood. In addition, adults need to avoid sex until the wound has healed. For details on when circumcision is medically necessary and how it is done, see the circumcision page.
Which signs after circumcision are dangerous?
In the following situations, contact the doctor who performed the procedure or the nearest healthcare facility without waiting:
- Bleeding that does not stop despite gentle pressure, or that keeps soaking the dressing
- Being unable to pass urine for hours, or very severe pain when passing urine
- Fever or shivering
- Redness and swelling that keep increasing and spreading, or a foul-smelling discharge
- Darkening, bluish discolouration or any colour change at the tip of the penis
- Pain that keeps getting worse and does not go away despite painkillers
In the long term, a narrowing of the urinary opening can develop. If you notice that the urine stream is very thin, sprays or changes direction, be sure to mention this at the follow-up examination. For other urological problems in children, see also the paediatric urology page.
When should you see a urologist?
It is recommended that every child for whom circumcision is planned is examined before the procedure. See a urologist if you have noticed an anatomical difference at the tip of the penis, if one of the testicles cannot be felt in the scrotum, or if after a previous circumcision there is a change in shape, a thinner urine stream or recurrent wound problems.
Op. Dr. Mücahit Kabar sees patients in Bursa (Nilüfer), Turkey, at Özel Medicabil Nilüfer Hastanesi (weekdays 08:30–12:00, +90 444 8 112) and Özel Jimer Hastanesi (weekdays 13:00–17:00, +90 444 45 67). Appointments are booked through the hospitals’ online booking pages or appointment lines. Consultations are held in English or Turkish; the hospitals’ international patient departments can arrange interpreters for other languages. Families travelling from abroad can send questions by WhatsApp to +90 541 622 54 82 before their visit. Further details are on the contact page.
Dr. Kabar discussed this topic on a TV programme
Olay Sağlık: Sünnet · Olay TV
Frequently asked questions
At what age should circumcision be done?
From a medical point of view, there is no single age for circumcision that applies to everyone. What matters is that an examination is carried out beforehand and that the procedure is performed under sterile conditions with suitable anaesthesia. The decision on age is made by the family and the doctor together.
Is the yellow layer on the wound after circumcision an infection?
The yellowish, moist layer that forms around the wound in the first days is usually a normal part of healing and does not mean infection. If there is a bad smell, increasing discharge, spreading redness or fever, you should see a doctor to check for infection.
When can my child have a bath after circumcision?
The timing depends on the method used and the dressing. Short, lukewarm showers are usually allowed after the first few days; sitting in a bath for a long time is not recommended until the wound has closed. It is best to follow the instructions given by the doctor who performed the procedure.
Do the stitches have to be removed?
Dissolvable stitches are mostly used in circumcision. These stitches fall out on their own within a few weeks and do not need to be removed. Do not try to pull them out.
This page was prepared by Op. Dr. Mücahit Kabar for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. The right diagnosis and treatment for you are decided after examination and tests.