What are the risks of circumcision?

Like all surgeries, circumcision carries a small risk of complications during or after the procedure.

According to the UK’s National Health Service, complications from a routine circumcision are rare. Most men do not experience any problems.

If you have any concerns about your own circumcision you should speak to your doctor or surgeon who can give you more detailed information based on your particular procedure.

The risks of circumcision in adults

Whilst the drugs commonly used in surgeries are used for their effectiveness and rarely cause problems, some people can react negatively to local or general anaesthetics. Your anaesthetist should explain any potential side-effects to you.

The two most common side effects of circumcision in adults are bleeding and infection. These occur in 2% – 10% of cases and are mild and treatable, with no long-term impact.

Other complications can include:

  • stitches that won’t dissolve
  • improper healing including the formation of skin bridges
  • scarring
  • the removal of too little or too much skin

The risks of circumcision are low

Circumcision is an extremely common surgical procedure and is typically very low risk. The most common complications have no long-term effects and the vast majority of men make a full recovery.

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