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Anatomical illustration showing the foreskin

Circumcision Recovery and Risks

Healing after circumcision takes time, and your surgeon will give you instructions tailored to your procedure. Some swelling, bruising, tenderness and increased sensitivity can occur during early recovery.

Recovery

Keep the area clean and follow your surgeon's wound-care instructions. Healing commonly takes several weeks; avoid strenuous activity and sexual activity for the period advised by your surgeon. Do not start or stop medicines or apply products to the wound unless your care team recommends them.

Possible risks

Possible complications include bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, scarring, or changes in sensation. Your clinician will explain risks that apply to you and what to expect during healing.

When to seek medical advice

Contact your care team promptly for bleeding that does not stop, increasing redness or swelling, discharge, fever, worsening pain, wound separation, or difficulty passing urine. If you cannot pass urine or have severe bleeding, seek urgent medical care.