Does Circumcision Increase Penis Size? Understanding the Procedure and Outcomes

Understanding Circumcision and Size

Circumcision is a common procedure where the foreskin, the skin covering the head of the penis, is removed. It's typically performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. A common question that arises is whether circumcision affects the size or appearance of the penis.

Does Circumcision Make Your Penis Bigger?

There is a popular misconception that circumcision can increase the length or girth of the penis. However, this is just a myth. Removing the foreskin does not actually make the penis larger or smaller.

The size of a penis is dependent on genetics, nutrition, and testosterone levels - not whether the foreskin is intact or removed. During circumcision, no tissue or skin beyond the foreskin itself is cut away. As such, there is no impact to the actual size of the penile tissue or structure.

Changes in Appearance Only

While circumcision does not increase size, it does change the appearance of the penis. An uncircumcised penis has extra skin covering the glans (or head). This skin, called the foreskin, may fully or partially cover the glans even when the penis is erect.

In a circumcised penis, the glans is always exposed. Visually this may make the penis look slightly larger. However, no actual growth has occurred beyond the foreskin being removed.

The Function of the Foreskin

The foreskin serves important biological functions. It protects the glans from constant friction and abrasion from clothing. It also contains thousands of nerve endings and specialized cells that contribute to penile stimulation and sensation.

When the foreskin is removed during circumcision, exposure and friction against clothing can sometimes lead to a keratinization or callusing effect on the now exposed glans tissue. This may marginally decrease sensation over time for some men.

The Circumcision Procedure

Circumcision is usually conducted on newborns, though it can be performed on older children or adults as well. There are several techniques that may be used:

Newborn Circumcision Methods

For newborns, a device may be used to assist with removal of the foreskin. This helps avoid surgical instruments which could increase risk of certain complications. Two common techniques include:

• Gomco clamp - Uses a bell-shaped device and restraining plate to provide tension for removing the foreskin.
• Mogen clamp - Applies a specialized V-shaped clamp to crush the foreskin and enable its removal.

Child and Adult Circumcision

For older children or adult males, circumcision is often performed freehand, without specialized devices. The foreskin can be trimmed using sterile surgical instruments like scissors or a scalpel. Stitches may be required to close the skin.

With adults in particular, local anesthesia is used to numb the genitals before circumcision surgery. This helps minimize any pain or discomfort.

Healing and Recovery

Following the circumcision, proper wound care is important while healing occurs:

• Gently clean with warm water to prevent infection
• Use petroleum jelly and gauze pads to protect the sensitive skin
• Wear loose, breathable underwear while healing
• Avoid sex and masturbation during the initial healing period

Healing time varies from 1-2 weeks for newborns to around 6 weeks for adult circumcisions. Most men return to full, comfortable function after this period.

The Pros and Cons of Circumcision

Deciding on circumcision often revolves around weighing several key factors:

Potential Benefits

• Decreased risk of urinary tract infections
• Reduced chance of sexually transmitted infections like HIV or HPV
• Easier genital hygiene
• Minimized risk of inflammatory conditions like balanitis or phimosis

Potential Risks and Complications

• Pain, bleeding, infection from the surgery
• Insensitive glans tissue
• A cosmetically unpleasing result
• Rare side effects like adhesions or buried penis

The decision of whether or not to circumcise is highly personal. Most medical organizations view it as largely elective with reasonable arguments on both sides. Discussing concerns with your doctor can provide deeper insight.

Circumcision Results: What To Expect

While circumcision itself does not change penile size or length, men may still wonder what their penis will look like following recovery from the surgery.

Appearance and Sensitivity Changes

The head of the penis, called the glans, will become permanently exposed, rather than being covered by foreskin. Many men note increased sensitivity initially after the head is uncovered. However over weeks to months, decreased sensation may occur due to keratinization effects.

The circumcised penis may also appear slightly larger due simply to the visible glans. With the foreskin removed, more of the full penile shaft behind the head is exposed during an erection.

Impact on Sexual Function and Pleasure

Research on how circumcision impacts sexual performance or satisfaction is mixed. While the foreskin contains nerve endings, their role in overall sensitivity remains unclear.

Most men report minimal impacts to sexual pleasure or performance after circumcision. However, individual factors like age at procedure, surgical technique, and personal preference introduce variability in sexual outcomes as well.

Proper Wound Care for Optimal Healing

To support a positive circumcision result, proper cleaning and bandaging of the penis is essential during initial healing:

• Gently wipe and cleanse only using warm water or saline
• Allow healing without re-injury from friction or abrasion
• Use non-stick bandages and gentle ointments while recovery occurs

Following doctor's orders for wound care and avoiding sex or masturbation during healing enables the best cosmetic outcome and retains maximal sensation post-circumcision.

Weighing Your Options and Objectives

Deciding whether to get circumcised is dependent on personal, cultural, or medical considerations. Discussing the pros and cons openly with your doctor is advised to determine if it aligns with your goals and values.

While a common misperception is that circumcision can increase penile size, the procedure only impacts appearance, not actual length or girth. Properly managing expectations around this fact is important for men considering the surgery.

With appropriate wound care and healing time provided, most men can achieve positive outcomes from circumcision aligned to their initial objectives. Being informed on what the procedure can and cannot provide enables making the best decision for your situation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.