Male Medical Circumcisions
At our facility, we offer free male circumcisions for individuals aged 15 and above, in partnership with Right to Care and the Department of Health, with funding from the CDC through the PEPFAR program.
For boys aged 14 and under, circumcision services are available on a cash or medical aid basis. We proudly accept all medical aids, ensuring accessible, professional care for all our patients.
Your health and comfort are our priorities.
Benefits of Male Circumcision
- Reduced Risk of Infections: Lowers the chances of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
- Improved Hygiene: Easier to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of infections.
- Prevention of Medical Conditions: Decreases the likelihood of conditions such as balanitis, phimosis, and penile cancer.
- Partner Health: Reduces the risk of cervical cancer and some STIs in female partners.
- Cultural and Religious Significance: Aligns with traditional, cultural, or religious practices for many.
Overview
Male medical circumcision is the surgical resection of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis, the covering of the glans of the penis.
Circumcision is carried out on males as a result of the following medical conditions:
Phimosis (extremely tight foreskin)
In those with phimosis, the foreskin is often too tight to retract over the glans. As a result, phimosis causes pain when the penis becomes erect and maybe even more challenging for urine to pass smoothly.
Chronic Balanitis
Chronic balanitis occurs when the penis head and foreskin become infected and inflamed.
Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis develops when the foreskin is unable to return to its original state after being retracted. As a result, the penis head becomes swollen and painful. Unfortunately, this condition may become dire, increasing the risk of limited blood flow to the penis.
Penile Cancer
Circumcision lowers the likelihood of penile cancer.
Penile cancer presents itself as ulcers or wart-like formations on the tip of the penis or beneath the foreskin. As a result, this may cause discharge, bleeding or significant alterations in the foreskin or skin of the penis.
How do you perform male circumcision?
Circumcision is a simple, straightforward medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the foreskin using surgical scissors or a scalpel. The remaining ends of the skin are joined (stitched) utilising dissolvable stitches. By using heat (cauterisation), the surgeon can stop or manage excessive bleeding.
What’s recovery like?
As soon as you are discharged from the hospital, Dr Thafeni will advise you on what to anticipate during recovery and provide detailed wound care instructions to prevent infection and effectively enhance the recovery process.
Dr Thafeni will also advise when to attend a follow-up appointment to check on the surgical area and determine how well you are recovering from the procedure.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgery, possible risks include infection, bleeding, and swelling. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact Dr Thafeni immediately. Dr Thafeni demonstrates great surgical care and precision, ensuring risks are kept at a minimum.
FAQ
Healing after circumcision typically takes 7 to 10 days for most individuals. However, complete healing and full recovery may take up to 4 to 6 weeks, depending on age, overall health, and post-procedure care.
Key points about the healing process:
- Initial Recovery: Swelling, redness, and mild discomfort are normal during the first few days.
- Resumption of Activities: Avoid strenuous activities and sexual activity for at least 4 weeks.
- Wound Care: Keep the area clean and follow aftercare instructions to prevent infection and promote healing.
Always consult us if you notice severe pain, increased swelling, or signs of infection.