Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin, the loose fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. You may have a condition that requires circumcision. Or you may want to be circumcised for personal reasons. Either way, you'll want to know what to expect. Read on to learn more about adult circumcision and how it's done.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take and any allergies you have. Cream to numb the skin of the penis may be applied 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure. There will be some swelling and soreness after the procedure, so arrange for an adult family member or friend to drive you home.

• The penis and nearby area are cleaned and prepared for the procedure.
• An I.V. (intravenous) line is placed in your hand or arm. It supplies fluids and medicine. This may include medicine (anesthesia) to prevent pain. Depending on what type of anesthesia you get, you may be awake, drowsy, or asleep during the procedure. The skin of the penis may also be numbed with injections of local anesthesia.
• Once the penis is numb or you are drowsy or asleep, cuts (incisions) are made in the foreskin. The foreskin is then removed.
• The incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue.
• The incision is covered with ointment. A bandage is put on the penis.

You will be taken to the postanesthesia care uni (PACU)t to be monitored as you awake from the anesthesia. Nurses will check your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. They can also give you pain medicine if needed. Your doctor will tell you when it's okay for you to go home. This will be the same day. When you dress to go home, wear snug-fitting, brief-style underwear. This will help hold your bandage in place. You'll also be given care instructions for when you return home.

• You'll likely see a crust of blood or yellowish coating around the head of the penis. Don't remove scabs. It's okay if they fall off on their own.
• The penis will swell. It may bleed a little around the incision.
• The head of the penis will be red or black and blue.
• You may have pain when you urinate for the first few days.
• Take pain medicine as instructed by your doctor.
• Healing takes about 2 weeks. The stitches should dissolve on their own.

• You may shower 24 hours after surgery. When drying off, gently pat the penis dry.
• Don't take a bath or use a hot tub, or swimming pool for 2 weeks after surgery or as advised by your doctor.
• Avoid strenuous activity as advised.
• Follow your doctor's instructions for bandage care. Change or remove the bandage only when told to do so by your doctor. This will likely be the day after surgery.
• Don't have any kind of sexual activity for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. An erection can cause the incisions to open. Ask your doctor what you can do to help stop erections.

Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor, or as advised.

Contact the doctor or seek medical care right away if you have any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4° F ( 38°C ) or higher, or as directed by your doctor
• More redness, bruising, or swelling of the penis
• Discharge that is heavy, a greenish color, or lasts more than a week
• Bleeding that isn't controlled by applying gentle pressure
• Inability to urinate
• Open incisions