Do men have to be circumcised?

Men are not required to undergo circumcision, and whether or not to have surgery needs to be comprehensively evaluated based on individual circumstances. Surgical intervention is recommended when excessive foreskin or phimosis may cause recurring infections, difficulty urinating and other problems. If there are no symptoms and the patient can remain clean, there is no need for forced treatment.

Indications for circumcision include phimosis and pathological foreskin. Phimosis refers to the inability of the foreskin to evert out to expose the glans, which may affect urination or increase the risk of smegma accumulation. It can easily induce balanitis or even penile cancer in the long term. Pathological prepuce is often accompanied by recurrent urinary tract infections, sexual intercourse pain, or partner's gynecological inflammation. In this case, surgery can significantly improve the quality of life. During the postoperative recovery period, the wound needs to be kept dry and strenuous exercise should be avoided. It usually heals in 1-2 weeks.

People who have physiological foreskin but can clean it normally can maintain their health through daily care. During daily cleaning, you need to gently turn up the foreskin to remove secretions, and choose breathable cotton underwear to reduce local moisture. In childhood, the foreskin and glans are often physiologically adherent and may naturally separate as they grow. Premature surgery is not recommended before puberty if there are no complications. People with underlying diseases such as diabetes need to carefully evaluate the timing of surgery. Poor blood sugar control may affect wound healing.

Circumcision is an elective surgery, and the risks and benefits should be fully understood before surgery. Short-term edema, pain, or bleeding may occur after surgery, and in rare cases, wound infection or scarring may occur. Maintaining a balanced diet can help with wound repair, properly supplement high-quality protein such as fish and soy products, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Sexual intercourse and masturbation should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery, and healing should be reviewed regularly to evaluate the condition. The final decision should combine the professional advice of your urologist with your personal needs.