Q20. What are the risks of circumcision?

A20. There is a small amount of risk with circumcision as there is with any form of surgery. Circumcision is safe and has been performed over many years so is a ‘tried and tested’ procedure. There are side effects and complications which are rare but do happen so it is as well to be aware of these before you make a decision.

There are side effects to having general anaesthesia which include nausea, vomiting and tiredness. These can take a day or two to wear off.

Complications of circumcision include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Abnormal scar tissue
• Blood poisoning
• Loss of sensation
• Damage to the urethra and/or glans (very rare)

These will be explained to you by the surgeon beforehand.

FAQS Index : A guide to Vasectomy

---

Circumcision FAQs

1. What is circumcision?
2. Can men be circumcised?
3. Is circumcision only performed for religious reasons?
4. Is circumcision painful?
5. Are only boys and men circumcised?
6. What is female circumcision?
7. Should I have my son circumcised?
8. Will having a circumcision affect my sex life?
9. How safe is circumcision?
10. Does circumcision mean that the penis is easier to clean?
11. Is circumcision needed?
12. Is circumcision needed if my son’s foreskin doesn’t retract?

13. Does circumcision protect you against disease?
14. What is ‘frenulum breve?’
15. What is ‘phimosis?’
16. What is ‘paraphimosis?
17. What is ‘balanitis?’
18. What does the surgery involve?
19. How long does circumcision take?
20. What are the risks of circumcision?
21. How long does the recovery take?
22. Will I have to take time off work?
23. When can my son return to school following his circumcision?
24. Can a circumcision be reversed?
25. Why is circumcision so controversial?

---