Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin from the penis. Whether or not to undergo circumcision is a personal choice that many people have strong opinions on. Sometimes certain medical conditions also demand circumcision. In fact, it is a safe and effective procedure that can help improve urinary, anal, and penile health. So, circumcision may just be the right option for certain individuals.
Below you can Learn more about five medical conditions that typically require circumcision and how they affect an individual.
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Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis is a painful medical condition in which an individual’s foreskin gets stuck behind the penis head. Normally, after urinating, the foreskin should be pulled back from the head of the penis to prevent it from sticking. In some cases, however, it becomes hard for the individual to pull back his foreskin. The trapped foreskin swells and cuts off blood flow causing severe pain. Paraphimosis that does not get treated may cause serious health problems like permanent damage to penile skin and increasing chances of developing infections and inflammation.
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Balanoposthitis and balanitis
Balanoposthitis and balanitis are medical conditions that typically require circumcision. The swelling and inflammation of the foreskin result in itchy skin and painful red, raw, sores. In extreme cases, balanoposthitis may lead to scabs or ulcers.
Balanoposthitis can occur due to infections like bacterial or fungal infection, eczema, or even psoriasis. Fungal infection is also a common cause of balanoposthitis that occurs in uncircumcised men compared to circumcised men. In rare cases, balanoposthitis can occur due to repeated exposure of the skin to irritating materials like soap and hot water.
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Phimosis
Phimosis is a medical condition that requires circumcision. It occurs when the foreskin tightens and becomes too narrow to be pulled back over the head of the penis, i.e., it sticks after urination. A tight foreskin may also cause a person pain during sexual intercourse or masturbation because it obstructs the opening of his penis.
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Penile cancer
Penile cancer is not a common condition. It occurs when the cells of the penis start to grow uncontrollably. It is more common in uncircumcised men than in circumcised men. The reason behind this fact is that uncircumcised men are more prone to developing human papillomavirus (HPV), which can result in penile cancer if left untreated for a long time.
