Patient Advice Following a Circumcision

You have had an operation to cut away the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is the sleeve of loose skin that covers the end of the penis.

Pain

You may experience some discomfort. You should take some pain relief as necessary and follow the instructions on the packet. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Erections may also be painful initially.

Wound

It is advisable to keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours to promote healing and minimise the risk of infection. You can then shower as normal but avoid soaking the wound.

The wound may be covered initially with a lubricated gauze dressing which usually falls off on its own. If it does not fall off within 24 hours, you can gently remove it in the shower. To minimise the risk of irritation to the wound, avoid using scented soaps and talcum powder. The area must also be dried gently but thoroughly.

There may be some swelling, bleeding or weeping from the wound. This is normal and should gradually subside over the next few weeks.

Observe the wound for signs of excessive inflammation, swelling, pain, bleeding or difficulty in passing urine. If you have any concerns please contact your GP or out of hours doctor.

Stitches

The wound has been closed with dissolvable sutures that do not need to be removed. These will gradually dissolve approximately 14-21 days after the operation.

Activity

It is normal to feel tired following sedation or a general anaesthetic. Take it easy for the first 24 hours. Take regular short walks to help the circulation in your legs.

It is advisable to avoid sexual intercourse for four weeks after surgery and until the area has healed and you feel comfortable.

You must not drive for 24 hours following a general anaesthetic. This is a requirement of the Road Traffic Act.

Your own circumstances will determine when you return to work. You can self-certificate for one week; contact your GP for a certificate if further time off is required

Contact information

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following:

GP or out of hours GP
NHS Direct: 111
Dorchester Day Surgery Unit: 01305 254501 (day of procedure only)
Urology nurse specialist: 01305 255415

Consultant Urological Surgeons
Mr N Afzal – 01305 255468
Mr R David – 01305 255274
Miss F New –  01305 255470
Mr R Blegay – 01305 255468
Mr M Bajwa – 01305 255274
Mr Q Choudry – 01305 255274

About this leaflet

Author: Laura Gower, Staff Nurse
Written: March 2014
Updated and approved: Kayleigh Fairchild, Deputy Sister June 2025
Review date: June 2028
Edition: v3

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk