Patient information · Surgical aftercare
Circumcision aftercare
what is normal, and what is not
Healing after circumcision takes around two to four weeks in adults and rather less in young children. Swelling, bruising and yellow film over the wound all look alarming and are all normal. This leaflet sets out what to expect, and the small number of signs that mean you should contact us.
Contact us immediately, or go to an emergency department, if there is
- bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm, continuous pressure
- inability to pass urine
- fever, shivering, or spreading redness up the shaft
- increasing pain after the third day, rather than easing
- the glans becoming dusky, blue or cold
- foul-smelling discharge, or the wound edges separating widely
Some ooze and spotting in the first 24 to 48 hours is expected. Bleeding that soaks through dressings repeatedly is not. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR, and bring this leaflet.
What is normal
- Swelling and bruising, sometimes marked, particularly at the front of the shaft. It gets worse before it gets better.
- A yellow or white film over the healing edge. This is normal healing tissue, not pus. Do not try to clean it off.
- Spots of blood on the dressing or underwear in the first day or two.
- Stitches that dissolve on their own over one to three weeks, sometimes with small knots working loose.
- Increased sensitivity of the glans for several weeks, which settles.
- Night-time erections, which are uncomfortable. This is unavoidable and does not cause harm.
Looking after it
- Pain relief — paracetamol and ibuprofen taken regularly for the first three to five days, at the doses on the packet. Take a dose before bed.
- Bathe daily from 48 hours in warm water, or shower. No soap, bubble bath or antiseptic on the wound; plain water is best.
- Pat dry gently, or use a hairdryer on a cool setting at a distance.
- Apply the ointment you have been given, if any, to stop the wound sticking to underwear.
- Wear supportive underwear rather than loose boxers — support reduces swelling and discomfort.
- Rest for the first 48 hours with the area elevated where you can.
For a child
- Give pain relief regularly for the first few days rather than waiting for distress.
- Petroleum jelly on the nappy or on the wound prevents sticking. Change nappies frequently.
- Bathe daily; do not pull anything back or attempt to clean the wound.
- Quiet activities for a week — no straddling toys, bikes or trampolines.
- A child who is inconsolable, feverish, or not passing urine should be seen the same day.
Returning to normal
Do not resume sexual activity until healing is complete and comfortable — usually four to six weeks in adults. Resuming early risks the wound reopening. Sensation typically settles over three to six months, and most men report no lasting change in sensitivity.
Why come back to us. Every circumcision we perform includes review appointments, and you can contact us directly rather than going through a call centre if something worries you. We are open seven days a week, 9am–7pm, so a wound concern on a Saturday does not mean waiting until Monday or sitting in an emergency department. If you had your procedure elsewhere and are worried about healing, we will see and assess you too.
Worried about healing? Seen the same day
Open seven days a week, including weekends, on Whitechapel Road.
Tower Bridge Hospital London
97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT
WhatsApp 07903 284 189
info@mhwclinic.co.uk
Open Mon–Sat, 9am–7pm (closed Sundays until September)
In an emergency
Call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.
When we are closed and it is not an emergency
Call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk.