Circumcision in menOverview

Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.


This page focuses on circumcision for medical reasons in men. Read about circumcision for medical reasons in boys.

Why circumcision is carried out in men

Circumcision may be carried out for a number of reasons.

Medical reasons



Non-medical reasons

Circumcision is a common practice in the Jewish and Islamic communities, and it's also practised by many African communities.

Most non-medical circumcisions are carried out on children.

HIV prevention

There's evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexual men acquiring HIV.

It's encouraged as part of HIV prevention programmes in some African countries with high rates of HIV.

Medical reasons for men to have a circumcision

In men, circumcision is sometimes considered a possible treatment option for the following conditions.

Tight foreskin (phimosis)


This can sometimes cause pain when the penis is erect and, in rare cases, passing urine may be difficult.

Recurrent balanitis

Balanitis is where the foreskin and head of the penis become inflamed and infected.



Immediate treatment is needed to avoid serious complications, such as restricted blood flow to the penis.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans

This condition causes phimosis and, in some cases, also affects the head of the penis, which can become scarred and inflamed.

Cancer of the penis

Cancer of the penis is a very rare type of cancer, where a red patch, wart-like growth or ulcer appears on the end of the penis or under the foreskin.

Other treatments



In paraphimosis, a healthcare professional may rub a local anaesthetic gel onto the glans to help reduce pain and inflammation.




The 3 main treatment options for penile cancer are:


HIV prevention


But it's unclear whether male circumcision can help prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).


The procedure

Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. This means you'll be admitted to hospital on the same day you have surgery and won't have to stay overnight.

You'll be asked not to eat and drink for 6 hours before surgery if you're having a general anaesthetic.






Read more about the different types of anaesthesia.


Any bleeding can be stopped using heat (cauterisation), and the remaining edges of skin will be stitched together using dissolvable stitches.


Recovering after male circumcision



You'll probably be advised to take at least 1 week off work to recover.

You don't need to tell the DVLA if you have had a routine circumcision and don't have any other medical conditions that affect your ability to drive.

But it's your responsibility to ensure you're fit to drive after having surgery.

You should avoid having sex for at least 4 weeks after your operation.



For 3 or 4 days after your operation, it's likely you'll experience some discomfort and swelling around the head of your penis.




Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing for 2 or 3 days after your operation will also help avoid irritation to your penis while it heals.


Risks of male circumcision


Apart from the initial swelling, bleeding and infection are the 2 most common problems associated with circumcision.


Other possible complications of circumcision can include:

  • tenderness around the scar
  • the need to remove stitches that haven't dissolved

Female circumcision (female genital mutilation)

Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there's no medical reason for this.


It's illegal in the UK and is child abuse.


Read more about FGM.

Page last reviewed: 04/11/2018
Next review due: 04/11/2021