Adult Circumcision: Reasons, Recovery, Cost | Dr. Theodore Cisu

The short answer: Adult circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin, the skin that covers the head of the penis. Men usually choose it for repeated infections, a tight foreskin that won't pull back, a past episode of a stuck foreskin, or personal or religious reasons. Most men heal well over several weeks.

Written by Theodore Cisu, MD, board-certified urologist. There is no AUA guideline specific to adult circumcision, so this article is based on general urologic practice and patient information from the Urology Care Foundation (the foundation of the American Urological Association). Last reviewed November 2026.

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Why adult men choose circumcision

Every man's reason is his own. The most common ones are:

• Recurrent infections (balanitis): Redness, soreness and discharge under the foreskin that keep coming back. High blood sugar from diabetes can make these infections more likely.
• Tight foreskin (phimosis): The foreskin won't pull back over the head of the penis, or it pulls back painfully. This can make hygiene, erections or sex uncomfortable.
• A history of paraphimosis: The foreskin got stuck behind the head of the penis and couldn't be brought forward. Men who have had this once often want to keep it from happening again.
• Splitting or scarring: Small tears in the foreskin that keep reopening.
• Personal, cultural or religious preference: Some men simply prefer to be circumcised. That is a valid reason too.

If your foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis right now and you can't bring it forward, go to the emergency room. That is paraphimosis, and it needs prompt care.

Are there options besides surgery?

Sometimes. For a mildly tight foreskin or a first infection, treatment may start with gentle hygiene, a steroid cream or medicine for the infection. If problems keep coming back, or the foreskin is scarred, circumcision is often the lasting fix. Dr. Cisu will go over what makes sense for you.

What the procedure involves

In general terms, the foreskin is removed and the skin edges are closed with dissolvable stitches. The stitches fall out on their own as you heal, so there's nothing to remove later.

The type of anesthesia, and where the procedure is done, depends on the plan you make with Dr. Cisu. He'll talk with you about your health, your preferences and what fits your situation, and you'll get clear instructions for the day.

Recovery

• Swelling and bruising are normal and can take a few weeks to settle.
• Soreness usually improves within the first several days.
• Loose, supportive clothing and keeping the area clean help with comfort.
• Erections during the first days, especially at night, can be uncomfortable. This is common and improves as you heal.
• Sexual activity, including masturbation, is avoided for several weeks while the skin heals. Follow your instructions on timing.

Many men return to desk work within a few days. Your own instructions come first.

Risks

Adult circumcision is a common procedure, and most men heal without problems. As with any surgery, there are possible risks:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Cosmetic concerns, such as an uneven look or more or less skin removed than expected
• Changes in sensation
• Rarely, the need for another procedure

Circumcision doesn't cause erectile dysfunction. If you're dealing with erection problems, read Erectile dysfunction: causes, evaluation and treatment. If you have a curve in the penis as well, see Peyronie's disease.

Does insurance cover adult circumcision?

Coverage varies by plan. When circumcision is done for a medical reason, such as phimosis or recurrent infections, insurance often covers it. When it's purely elective, it may not be. Our office can help you understand what to ask your insurance company before you schedule.

Questions to ask before you decide

• Is there anything worth trying before surgery in my case?
• What kind of anesthesia do you recommend for me, and why?
• How long should I plan to be off work or away from exercise?
• When can I have sex again?
• What will it look like as it heals, and what is normal?
• Will my insurance likely cover it?

Frequently asked questions

Is adult circumcision painful?

You'll be numb or asleep during the procedure, depending on your plan. Soreness afterward is common and usually improves within the first several days.

How long does it take to heal?

Most of the healing happens over a few weeks. Swelling can take a little longer to fully settle.

When can I have sex after circumcision?

Plan to avoid sexual activity for several weeks. Dr. Cisu will tell you when it's safe based on how you're healing.

Do the stitches need to be removed?

No. The stitches are dissolvable and fall out on their own.

Will circumcision change sexual function?

Circumcision doesn't cause erectile dysfunction. Some men notice a change in sensation, which is worth discussing before you decide.

Sources

• Urology Care Foundation (the official foundation of the American Urological Association). Patient information.

This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for medical advice. If your foreskin is stuck behind the head of the penis and won't come forward, go to the nearest emergency room.