The Health Benefits of Circumcision You Should Know

Although often considered part of a tradition or religious obligation, circumcision also has other benefits, you know, from reasons of cleanliness and health to aesthetic considerations.

Many parents perform circumcision on their children from an early age, but some also choose to postpone it until the child is mature enough to make their own decisions.

Benefits of circumcision

Circumcision is more than just a cultural or religious practice—it also has many health benefits to be gained from this procedure.

One of the most important is maintaining cleanliness. The skin that covers the head of the penis (prepuce) can be a place where dirt, urine, sweat, and smegma—a white substance made up of dead skin cells and natural oils—can accumulate.

If not cleaned properly, it can cause odor and become a breeding ground for bacteria.

There are several health benefits to be gained after undergoing circumcision:

• It is easier to maintain genital hygiene.
• Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Prevents the occurrence of diseases of the prepuce.
• Reduces the risk of penile cancer. Although rare, penile cancer is more common in uncircumcised men, especially those with phimosis or chronic HPV infection.
• Reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Circumcision is linked to a lower risk of HIV, genital herpes (HSV-2), and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Circumcision reduces the risk of micro-injuries during sexual intercourse, which can be a gateway for viruses.

Some children or adults undergo circumcision because of certain diseases of the prepuce, such as:

• Phimosis, which is a condition where the prepuce is too narrow so that it cannot be pulled back to expose the head of the penis. This can cause pain, and in more severe cases, urination can be difficult because the prepuce hole is very narrow.
  
  
• Paraphimosis occurs when the prepuce that has been pulled back cannot be returned to its original position and ends up trapping the head of the penis. As a result, the head of the penis swells and feels very painful.
  
  
• Balanitis, which is inflammation of the head of the penis and prepuce, has symptoms of redness, swelling, pain, itching, or discharge from the penis tip. If it occurs repeatedly (recurrent balanitis), it can cause scarring and worsen phimosis.
  

Circumcision methods

When having circumcision, the patient's general condition will be checked, including a history of allergies, comorbidities, and skin conditions in the genital area.

The patient or parent will be explained the process, benefits, and risks of circumcision, then asked to sign a medical consent form.

In Indonesia, there are several circumcision methods available, from traditional to modern. Here are some standard circumcision methods:

1. Conventional (manual) circumcision

The procedure is performed by cutting the prepuce using a scalpel or scissors, then manually suturing the wound. The benefits of this procedure are that it is relatively cheaper and can be applied to all ages. However, this method usually takes longer to heal and has a higher risk of bleeding than modern methods.

2. Laser circumcision (electrocautery)

This method uses an electric heating device (not a laser beam) to cut the prepuce. The process is quick, with minimum bleeding and minor wounds.

However, this procedure still requires stitches at the end to tidy up the circumcision results, and not all healthcare facilities provide this option.

3. Clamp circumcision

This method uses a special tool, such as a plastic tube or metal clamp, to clamp the prepuce.

The benefits include a quick, painless, and bloodless procedure without stitches. However, the cost of this method tends to be higher than that of conventional methods.

4. Stapler circumcision

This method uses a bell-shaped tool that protects the head of the penis during the procedure. This tool cuts the prepuce and simultaneously staples the wound using a stapler, eliminating the need for manual stitches.

This procedure is quick, with minimal bleeding and neat results. However, this method is more expensive and not suitable for many children.

Tips after circumcision

• Keep the wound clean.
• Wear loose, soft underwear or shorts to avoid rubbing on the wound.
• Avoid heavy activity during healing.
• Take medication as directed.
• Do re-examinations as scheduled to monitor the healing process.

The doctor chooses the circumcision method based on patient preference and clinical considerations. These considerations include the patient's age, genital anatomy, medical history, and risk of complications.

The doctor will adjust the choice of method so that the procedure is safe, effective, and according to each individual's medical needs.

GWS Medika Kalibata Clinic, a health clinic in Jakarta, provides circumcision services using manual and stapler methods that are safe, fast, and handled by professional medical personnel. We are ready to help you or your child undergo circumcision comfortably and calmly.