Should You Get Circumcised As An Adult?

Circumcision is the process by which the skin covering the head of the penis is removed. It is a fairly common procedure done around the world, especially in the United States, according to Mayo Clinic. However, it's primarily done on newborn males rather than adults. While the rate of circumcisions has declined over time, the majority of newborn males are still circumcised in the hospital at a rate of 58.3% as of the year 2010, explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite the growing controversy surrounding circumcision, the practice is considered the oldest human surgical procedure. Researchers believe circumcision dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians around the 23rd century BCE, according to the Israel Medical Association Journal. For some, circumcision is simply about hygiene while for others the procedure is done based on religious beliefs. 

But what about adults who want to get circumcised? Should they undergo the procedure if they want or should it be avoided in adulthood?

It should immediately be stated that adults can get circumcised. However, the procedure is slightly more involved compared to if it was done as a newborn. As a newborn male, circumcision is a very quick procedure. As an adult, the surgery can be 30 minutes to an hour and an anesthesiologist will provide medication for sedation. The skin is cauterized or stitched back to the shaft of the penis, according to Healthline. Most men go home on the day of the surgery.

There are risks associated with the procedure, although they are similar to other surgeries. Problems like bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, and wound complications can occur after the surgery (via Healthline). Be aware that circumcision may not be possible if you have a blood-clotting disorder, explains Mayo Clinic. If you want to be circumcised due to a medical problem, it's also possible that you may not need to be circumcised to fix the problem. Your primary care physician can tell you more.