You may be familiar with the concept of circumcision. It is the surgical procedure for extracting the penis’ foreskin.

Circumcision is done for several reasons. You may already know about the circumcision practice in children. However, circumcision is also done on adults for certain reasons.

There are certain differences between adult circumcision and child circumcision. The factors, risks, and healing will be different in both circumcisions

Mykare Health is here to help you understand the differences between adult and child circumcision.

You need to understand the procedures, its benefits, risks, and other factors associated with it if you are considering circumcision.

Circumcision In Kids

Circumcision in infants or kids is quite common in some regions. It is mostly done as a cultural practice.

In some cases, the procedure is done a few days after the baby’s birth. It is mostly done before the child becomes an adolescent.

The procedure may have variations according to the child’s age. Laser circumcision, stapler circumcision, and open circumcision are the common procedures done on kids. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes.

Child Circumcision: Benefits

Child circumcision is primarily seen as a cultural or religious practice. There are certain benefits associated with child Circumcision.

• Reduces urinary tract infections (UTIs): The foreskin removal helps in preventing bacteria development. Circumcised children thus have a lower risk of getting urinary tract infections.

• Reduces sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Circumcision helps in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections in the future.

• Reduces chance of penile cancer: Foreskin removal helps the genital area less prone to penile cancer developing elements.

Other types of infections, inflammation, and irritation are less likely to occur if a child is circumcised. Healing Process

Proper post operative care is crucial for the child. Care is important for the child to recover completely after the procedure. It is common to experience mild pain or swelling after the surgery. It is a part of the normal healing process.

The wound will be completely healed within two weeks. The wound should be properly and gently cleaned. Comfortable clothing is suggested as tight clothing can cause infection.

Medications should be consumed as suggested by the surgeon. The child and parents should be cautious if there are any signs of infection.

Make sure to attend follow up consultations. It will help in analyzing the recovery progress of the child.

Read More About Cost of circumcision surgery

Risks and Complications

Along with benefits, child circumcision also includes certain risks and complications. Potential complications that can occur include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Swelling

• Abnormal healing

• Surgical issue

Circumcision In Adults

In adults, circumcision can be done for many reasons. It includes cultural or religious reasons and medical reasons. It can also be based on other personal reasons.

There is no age limit to undergo circumcision. Currently, many circumcision options are also available. So, more men are considering circumcision now.

Apart from traditional methods, there are other types of circumcision performed on males. It includes laser circumcision, stapler circumcision, plastibell circumcision, etc.

Adult circumcision usually takes about 20 minutes.

Adult Circumcision: Benefits

Lower risk of HIV, STIs, and UTIs: Circumcised adults have a lower risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The chances of getting urinary tract infections are also less.

• Lower risk of cancer: Adults who undergo circumcision have a lower risk of penile cancer.

• Better hygiene: It is said that circumcision provides better hygiene. But, circumcised and uncircumcised penis need to be cleaned properly to be hygienic.

• Prevention from phimosis and balanitis: Circumcision will help in preventing phimosis and balanitis. Both conditions cause swelling, irritation, and inflammation in the penis.

• Cosmetic benefit: Some adults may choose to get circumcision for a cosmetic appearance or personal preferences.

Healing Process

Proper care after the surgery is important for faster recovery. Slight pain and irritation may occur. It is normal but will have to consult the surgeon if the pain increases.

Gentle and thorough cleaning should be done. It prevents infection. Medications should be taken as prescribed and follow proper wound care procedures.

It is suggested that adults refrain from sexual activities until they are completely healed. The recovery takes two to three weeks.

Follow up consultations during the recovery period is important. It will help you to get an idea about your recovery progress.

Risks and Complications

Similar to child circumcision, adult circumcision also has risks and complications to it. Some of them are:

Bleeding

• Infection

• Complications in wound

• Surgical error

• Issues with anesthesia

• Swelling

• Pain and discomfort

• Delayed healing

Comparing Child and Adult Circumcision

By this analysis, you might have an idea about both types of circumcisions by now. Adult circumcision and child circumcision have its similarities. Along with that, both have their differences as well.

Child circumcision is mainly done for cultural reasons. Adult circumcision is also done for personal and medical reasons.

Both circumcisions have benefits such as prevention from UTIs, STDs, and penile cancer. However, in adult circumcision, there are more benefits. It includes prevention from certain medical conditions and getting a cosmetic appearance.

The healing process is kind of similar in both the circumcisions. Children who have had circumcision need more care during the recovery period. They are more likely to develop infection. Parents should be more cautious during this time.

Adult circumcision is observed to have some more risks and complications compared to child circumcision.

The anatomy and size are also different in children and adults. It also adds to the differences in the procedure in both cases.