What is the best age to have circumcision surgery?

The best age for circumcision surgery is usually between 5 and 7 years old or after puberty. The specific timing of surgery needs to be comprehensively evaluated based on the severity of phimosis, frequency of recurrent infections, and difficulty in urinating.

The foreskin and glans of children aged 5-7 years may have physiological adhesion, and may naturally separate as they age. At this time, if there is no difficulty in urination, foreskin incarceration or recurrent infection, surgical observation can be postponed. For children with obvious phimosis that causes foreskin to bulge when urinating, weak urine lines, or recurrent balanitis, it is recommended to complete the surgery before school age. This age group recovers faster after surgery, has higher nursing cooperation, and can reduce the risk of urinary system infection in school-age children. The main surgical methods are traditional circumcision or stapler surgery, which can be completed under local anesthesia and can be basically recovered 5-7 days after the operation.

Penile development after puberty may improve some cases of phimosis, but those who have pathological phimosis still require surgical intervention. Indications for surgery in adult patients include recurrent infections, painful intercourse, or risk of partner HPV infection. At this time, the impact of erection on the wound needs to be considered during surgery. Analgesic drugs and nighttime erection suppression measures must be taken after the operation. The recovery period is about 7-10 days. People with underlying diseases such as diabetes need to control their blood sugar before undergoing surgery. Regardless of the age at which surgery is chosen, anatomical characteristics such as penile development status, foreskin elasticity, and frenulum length need to be evaluated by a urologist.

After surgery, you need to keep the perineum clean and dry, and wear loose cotton underwear to avoid rubbing the wound. Disinfect with iodophor 1-2 times a day, and wipe dry in time after urination to prevent urine soaking. Avoid strenuous exercise for 3 days after surgery, and prohibit sexual intercourse or masturbation for 1 month. Eat a light diet, consume more high-quality protein such as fish, eggs, and milk to promote wound healing, and supplement with appropriate amounts of vitamin C to enhance immunity. If the wound oozes blood, becomes red, swollen, or has a fever exceeding 38°C, you need to return to the hospital immediately for treatment.