Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.


This page focuses on circumcision for medical reasons in men and covers:

Read about circumcision for medical reasons in boys.

Why circumcision is carried out in men

Circumcision may be carried out for:

  • medical reasons – in men, circumcision is most commonly carried out when the foreskin is tight and won't pull back (retract), which is known as phimosis; however, alternative treatments, such as topical steroids, are sometimes preferred
  • religious and cultural reasons – circumcision is a common practice in the Jewish and Islamic communities, and it's also practised by many African communities; most cultural circumcisions are carried out on children
  • HIV prevention – there's evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexual men acquiring HIV, and it's encouraged as part of HIV prevention programmes in some African countries with high rates of HIV 

Medical reasons for men to have a circumcision

In men, circumcision is sometimes considered a possible treatment option for the following conditions:

  • tight foreskin (phimosis) – where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans); this can sometimes cause pain when the penis is erect and, in rare cases, passing urine may be difficult
  • recurrent balanitis – where the foreskin and head of the penis become inflamed and infected
  • paraphimosis – where the foreskin can't be returned to its original position after being pulled back, causing the head of the penis to become swollen and painful; immediate treatment is needed to avoid serious complications, such as restricted blood flow to the penis
  • balanitis xerotica obliterans – a condition that causes phimosis and, in some cases, also affects the head of the penis, which can become scarred and inflamed
  • cancer of the penis – a very rare type of cancer that can occur in men, where a red patch, wart-like growth or ulcer appears on the end of the penis or under the foreskin



In paraphimosis, a healthcare professional may rub a local anaesthetic gel on to the glans to help reduce pain and inflammation. They may then apply pressure to the head of the penis while pushing the foreskin forward.



The three main treatment options for penile cancer are:


HIV prevention


However, it's unclear whether male circumcision can help prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).


The procedure

Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. This means you'll be admitted to hospital on the same day you have surgery and you won't have to stay overnight.

You'll be asked not to eat and drink for six hours before surgery if you're having a general anaesthetic.


This is a good opportunity to discuss any concerns you have and ask questions about anything you're not sure about. You'll be asked to sign a consent form to confirm you agree to the surgery.



Read more about the different types of anaesthesia.


Any bleeding can be stopped using heat (cauterised), and the remaining edges of skin will be stitched together using dissolvable stitches.


Recovering after male circumcision


It usually takes at least 10 days for your penis to heal after circumcision. You'll probably be advised to take at least one week off work to recover.

You don't need to tell the DVLA if you've had a routine circumcision and don't have any other medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. However, it's your responsibility to ensure you're fit to drive after having surgery.

You should avoid having sex for at least four weeks after your operation.

Your care team will give you a contact number to call in case you experience any problems or have any concerns. You should also be given details about your follow-up appointment, which may be at the hospital or with your GP.

For three or four days after your operation, it's likely you'll experience some discomfort and swelling around the head of your penis. Before leaving hospital, you'll be given painkilling medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help ease this.


Applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the tip of your penis will stop it sticking to your underwear. Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing for two or three days after your operation will also help avoid irritation to your penis while it heals.


Risks of male circumcision


Apart from the initial swelling, bleeding and infection are the two most common problems associated with circumcision. There's between a 1 in 10 and a 1 in 50 chance that you'll experience bleeding or infection.

Other possible complications of circumcision can include:

  • tenderness around the scar
  • the need to remove stitches that haven't dissolved

Female circumcision (female genital mutilation)

Female circumcision – also known as female genital mutilation (FGM) – is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but where there's no medical reason for this.



Read more about FGM.

Page last reviewed: 22/01/2016

Next review due: 01/01/2019