Am I Too Old for Circumcision? Adult Circumcision.

This article discusses the reasons why some adults choose to get circumcised in our clinics, the potential risks and complications, and how age can impact the procedure.

Traditionally circumcision is done at a young age. This is especially true for Jewish, and Muslim boys as it's more of a religious ritual or requirement, used to be more Christian too but nowadays,s circumcision is only famous in the US and Australia. So, when adult men have suggested the idea of adult circumcision, some may think they are too old to be circumcised. The truth is, there is no age limit or restrictions regarding circumcision. What’s more important is why you want to be circumcised and the method of circumcision.

Why Do Adult Men Get Circumcised?

Circumcision is a religious or cultural ritual for many Jewish and Islamic families and certain aboriginal tribes in Africa and Australia. Circumcision can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care.

Sometimes, there's a medical need for circumcision in Bangkok, Thailand, such as when the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back (retracted) over the glans. In other cases, particularly in parts of Africa, circumcision is recommended for older boys or men to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections.

Circumcision might have various health benefits, including:

1. Better Hygiene

1. Adult circumcision makes it easier to wash your penis, keeping the penis clean and dry. It also prevents the buildup of dead skin, which is called smegma. Smegma may cause itch, discomfort, and an unwanted smell. Some men opt for circumcision so they don’t have to worry about this anymore.

2. Tight foreskin

Occasionally, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis). This can lead to inflammation of the foreskin or the head of the penis. Tight foreskin or phimosis is a medical indication for adult circumcision in Bangkok. This usually happens when the foreskin is too tight such that it causes pain and discomfort for them, especially during intercourse. Men tend to have phimosis if they do not stretch or pull back their foreskin often enough, especially when they are younger. Some men may still want to try to stretch their foreskin to avoid circumcision. This is still possible of course but it may take a bit of time and effort to get it fully stretched. And if that still doesn’t work after 6 months it is unlikely to be effective and circumcision would be the best solution.

3. Reduces risk of HIV infection

Male circumcision can reduce a man's risk of acquiring HIV infection by 50 to 60 per cent during sex with HIV-infected female partners, according to data from three clinical trials.

4. Reduces risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Circumcised men compared with uncircumcised men have also been shown in clinical trials to be less likely to acquire new infections with
syphilis (by 42 per cent), genital ulcer disease (by 48 per cent), genital herpes (by 28 - 45 per cent), and high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated with cancer (by 24 - 47 per cent). 

5. Decreased risk of urinary tract infections & recurrent infection

Uncircumcised men have a higher risk of getting infections. These include balanitis (infection of the penis head that some time will come with penile discharge), posthitis (infection of the foreskin) and even urinary tract infection (UTI). Some men, end up getting infections several times a year. This can cause unnecessary stress and inconvenience for them as they need to keep taking antibiotics, affecting their normal activities. For these men, circumcision is also highly recommended as it will significantly reduce the risk of these infections. Here’s a Good Read on non-STDs cause of abnormal discharge of the penis.

6. Reduces risks of cancers

While male circumcision has not been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to female partners, it does reduce the risk that a female partner will acquire a new syphilis infection by 59 per cent. In observational studies, circumcision has been shown to lower the risk of penile cancer, cervical cancer in female sexual partners, and infant urinary tract infections in male infants. Although cancer of the penis is rare, it's less common in circumcised men. In addition, cervical cancer is less common in the female sexual partners of circumcised men.

7. Aesthetic reasons

A growing number of men are choosing to get cut because they or their partners are more attracted to the appearance of a circumcised penis. That’s the only reason; they just like the look of it.

Method of circumcision

Shang Ring Method in Thailand: Shang Ring circumcision is a safe and effective procedure which is quick, painless and switchless. Circulation can be performed within 5 min using a specially designed plastic device. Compared with the conventional method, Shang Ring has a shorter operation time, less blood loss, less pain score, a higher appearance satisfaction rate, and lower complication rates. We offer Shang Ring circumcision at our clinic. You can come in and get it done on the same day. Also Read: Is Circumcision Painful

Stapler Method in Thailand: Stapler circumcision eliminates the need for sutures or injections and can be completed in approximately 5 minutes. The stapler circumcision apparatus consists of two parts: the inner bell, which safeguards the glans, and the outer bell, which is designed for foreskin removal.

Stapler circumcision also referred to as surgical stapling, is a circumcision technique involving the utilization of a specialized tool called a circumcision stapler. This procedure is typically conducted by a trained healthcare provider, such as a physician or nurse, within a medical facility or clinic.

Do speak to our doctor if you are interested in adult circumcision, regardless of your age.

I Have a Chronic Medical Condition; Can I Still Get Circumcised?

Whether you have diabetes, or high blood pressure or any chronic medical condition, you can still get circumcised. The only contraindication that prevents you from getting circumcised is if you have abnormalities of the penis like abnormal curvature or abnormal position of the urinary tube etc. Do consult our doctor to find out if you are suitable for circumcision

Other Key Considerations

1. Stages of life

   Circumcision is more straightforward, safer and less expensive for newborns and infants than for adult males.
   Delaying circumcision until adolescence or adulthood enables the male to participate in -- or make -- the
   decision, but it could diminish the potential benefits related to sexual health and increase the risks. 

2. Health Risks

   Adult men who undergo circumcision generally report minimal or no change in sexual satisfaction or function. 

3. Informed Choice

   Male circumcision in Bangkok is a voluntary procedure. The decision regarding circumcision should be
   made in consultation with a health care provider, taking into account personal, cultural, religious and ethical
   beliefs. 

Do speak to our doctor in Bangkok, Malaysia and Singapore if you are interested in an adult circumcision clinic, regardless of your age.