Supplementary file
to Advice on Circumcision
POSSIBLE COMPLAINTS FROM CIRCUMCISION
AS ADULT
A few words of practical caution are necessary about adult operations
on childhood conditions. When the glans has never previously been exposed,
this obviously requires a different form of treatment to that used
by adults who wish circumcision from free choice.
There is another danger which the patient must unfortunately be
warned about.
Whereas with frenoplasty one can guarantee the operator will perform
a cut which is worthy of modern surgical perfectionism, circumcision,
is all too often performed thoughtlessly. Pro circumcision sources
(i.e. those who are well informed about and positively inclined towards
circumcision) recommend the "Tara Clamp" and other modern gadgets for
performing circumcision as being safer and better cosmetically than
a free hand cut.
Even with an expert operator or refined technique, one cannot avoid
the resultant hyper sensitivity of the glans and the lack of mobility
from a full circumcision. These are the practical reasons why a partial
circumcision or a minimal dorsal slit may be preferable. (without
a competent operator dorsal slit is always preferable because of
the minimal risk of mistakes).
Mobility and Lubrication
One very practical point is that a full circumcision leaves little
mobility of the foreskin and thus a need for lubrication, this is common
to full circumcision at any age. I asked a renowned pro-circumcision
doctor about this.
>During intercourse it is the female that has much lubrication
>provided when stimulated by the male. Since masturbation
>is an "artificial" use of the organ then certainly substitute
>lubricants might be expected to be used!
This is a very interesting answer, some may agree that little boys
(and big ones) shouldn't masturbate, but it is undeniable that
with our cultures present ideology that if something inhibits or restricts
a boys natural inclinations then this is unhealthy - therefore this
is in fact an argument against circumcision.
Hyper-Sensitivity of the Glans
The most commonly reported ill effect of a late operation is a
burning sensation from the newly exposed glans for the first month
or two afterwards. This is normal, and unfortunately there is no recognised
treatment for this, - men frequently ask (on the Forum)
how to relieve it. - one must specifically ask the operating doctor
for an anaesthetic cream. An alternative (experiment) may be using
oil of cloves, possibly diluted with olive oil
It is worth mentioning that childhood circumcision is frequently
reported to leave the glans desensitivised - and in such cases we may
imagine the glans and the nervous system has over compensated, resulting
in a a numbness of the glans. ... If this is generally true, it would
indicate the infant after being circumcised suffers considerable pain
from his burning naked and wounded penis.
Allergies
The newly exposed glans can occasionally develop allergies. One man
had an allergy which lasted for three years after his late operation
before he discovered a cure by wearing undyed cotton underpants. In
the meantime he was first advised it was psychosomatic, and then was
sent to specialists, where a small histological probe was taken from
the glans. This left a sore point on the glans which still caused pain
by sex some 15 years after the operation.
How is it possible for a sufferer to make a new start, when he is
exposed to such side effects? Is this all necessary as part of being
a man in the modern world?
Partial Circumcision
From partial circumcision the hyper sensitivity and need for lubrication will be minimalised.
For the first ten days after the operation the stitches will be very
uncomfortable as they dig in to the glans - in addition it will be
advisable to retract or examine the scar every day to prevent skin
bridges from forming.
Hard Lumps and Stiff Scars Hard lumps are sometimes reported
under the scar, presumably this is where the operator has tucked skin
in, these lumps usually disappear within two weeks to two months. The
scar may sometimes be uncomfortably hard and scratch against the glans.
These factors must depend on stitching techniques and the thread used
etc. This is usually hopefully only a beginners problem and after a
few months any remaining hardness will usually soften up. - I have
no more information on this.
Loose Circumcision Confusion exists with
the terminology between loose circumcision and partial circumcision
or "overhang removal". Both leave a similar cosmetic appearance,
however with a loose circumcision the sensitive inner foreskin is
removed and the outer skin is turned over facing the glans - This
should be avoided because it may leave a hard scar line near the
coronal ridge of the glans and probably even more disturbingly because
the outer skin is facing the glans (imagine turning the bark of a
tree inside out and the effect this has on the trees transpiration)
... it seems this can effect the personal smell with a need to change
washing habits.
I would always advise that any adult who has never previously exposed
the glans, first attempt stretching, creams, and then at all costs attempt to find a surgeon who will perform minimal surgery (a dorsal
slit or partial circumcision). I feel it is essential for a successful
operation that you find a doctor who truly understands why it is so
necessary for him to perform an operation which leaves some protection
for the previously unexposed glans.
From a dorsal slit, I have never heard and cant imagine any uncomfortable
after effects, except that it is rumoured that this gives an unpleasing
cosmetic effect. However this would largely ocurr only when the slit
is excessively long, a
minimal slit is almost invisible.
Please see Partial
Circumcision |