Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Circumcision

NP Ariane Araquel-Lacamiento
3 min readJun 29, 2024

--

Here are some of the most common questions asked regarding our Circumcision procedure.

What are the benefits of circumcision?

The following are the benefits of having a circumcision done:

  • Easier hygiene
  • Reduced risk of childhood UTIs
  • Prevention of balanitis and posthitis
  • Prevention of scar tissue, phimosis, and paraphimosis
  • Lower risk of STIs, including HIV
  • Reduced risk of penile and cervical cancer
  • Prevention of balanitis and posthitis
  • Prevention of scar tissue, phimosis, and paraphimosis
  • Lower risk of STIs, including HIV
  • Reduced risk of penile and cervical cancer

Do you do circumcision for cultural/religious reasons?

Yes, we do circumcisions for cultural/religious reasons other than for medical indications.

Do you do circumcisions for infants/babies?

At the moment, we are only offering circumcision for children aged 10 years and above and not for children below that age.

The Paediatrics & Child Health Division of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians believes that newborn baby boys and young infants do not need to be circumcised unless there is a medical reason. As a parent, you have a choice about whether to circumcise your son or not.

If you wish your child to be circumcised who is less than 10 years old, we will refer you to a specialist to do the circumcision for your child.

I am taking blood thinning medications/ herbal supplements. Do I need to stop taking it before circumcision?

Some blood thinning medications may need to be stopped before your circumcision. Please refer to the table below:

Can I drive after the procedure?

  • Yes. This procedure is under local anaesthetic. You may also arrange for a designated driver to bring you home if you are unsure that you can safely drive yourself.

I have diabetes / I am pre-diabetic. Do I need to do anything?

It is advisable that your blood sugar levels are well controlled or managed by your GP before undergoing circumcision or any other surgery. Uncontrolled blood sugar level increases your risk for complications such as infection and delayed wound healing.

After the surgery, if you have diabetes or you are pre-diabetic, you will be given a prescription for an antibiotic course.

When can I have sex after circumcision?

Patients must follow our post-circumcision instructions to minimise or avoid the risks/complications of this procedure.

You should abstain from sexual intercourse or masturbation for 6 weeks after circumcision.

Can I wear boxer shorts after my circumcision?

We advise patients to wear supported underwear after the procedure to avoid premature dressing removal and provide penile support while recovering from circumcision. Refer to our main circumcision article for reference of what underwear you can wear after surgery.

I was given a tube of Chlorsig Ointment after circumcision. How often should I apply this to the wound and until when?

You should apply the ointment twice a day until the tube is consumed. Chlorsig is an antibacterial ointment that will help in healing the circumcision site and prevent adhesions from forming (skin sticking together forming an abnormal scar).

--

--

NP Ariane Araquel-Lacamiento

Nurse Practitioner in Aotearoa (New Zealand) 🇳🇿 Specialising in Adult Urology and General Practice