Adult Sheath Removal - Benefits, Risks and What to Expect from the Procedure
The
vast majority of males who are cut undergo the procedure in infancy or childhood.
However, because of recent research that points to certain health benefits,
adults are increasingly opting for surgical ablation of the sheath. This is a
decision that men should make based on accurate information and the
recommendations of a qualified urologist. Understanding the why’s and how’s of
sheath removal may help men to decide whether the surgery is for them, as well
as how to plan for male organ care after the operation and in the future.
Reasons
for sheath removal
- Phimosis/paraphimosis – When the sheath is so
tight that it will not retract easily over the male organ (phimosis) or
when it becomes trapped behind the head of the male organ (paraphimosis),
complications can occur, including painful relations and/or loss of
circulation. While there are other means to treat this problem, men with
ongoing issues may opt to simply have the sheath removed.
- Cancer of
the manhood – Due to
evidence that a sheath increases the risk for cancer of the male organ,
men who are in high-risk categories for the disease, or who have already
developed cancerous cells on the sheath, may undergo sheath removal as a
medical necessity.
- Partner-transmitted
infections – The
sheath offers a great deal more surface area, as well as a warm, moist
environment, that is ideal for incubating disease-causing organisms. Men
who are uncut may be more prone to partner-transmitted infections than men
who have been cut.
- Autoimmune
disease – Research
in Africa has shown that sheath removal reduces the risk of contracting
the autoimmune virus by 50% - a fact which in itself makes the procedure
worth considering in at-risk populations. However, sheath removal alone
cannot offer complete protection, so men who have it done will still need
to take appropriate precautions.
- Cosmetic
preference – Finally,
there are men who choose to be cut just because they think it looks
better, or because they are concerned that the loose skin and the tendency
to accumulate material underneath it may be off-putting to potential
partners.
What
to expect during the procedure
Before
men undergo sheath removal, they should make sure they are fully informed about
what to expect, both beforehand and after surgery. Here are the general
procedures that will be followed:
- He will have a full physical examination to
ensure that he is healthy enough to withstand surgery and can tolerate the
anesthesia;
- An anesthesiologist will
administer either a local or general anesthetic;
- The surgeon will pull the
sheath down over the head of the male organ fully and remove it with a
specialized tool;
- Dissolvable sutures will
be applied to close
the incision;
- A dressing will be applied
to the area to keep it clean;
- Following a recovery period,
the patient will be able to go home.
- Some bruising, swelling and
male organ pain may occur and may be controlled with prescription or
over-the-counter pain relievers (if bleeding, fever, or extreme pain
occur, the patient should seek medical attention;
- The patient will be advised
on how to clean the area and should follow these procedures as directed.
Maintaining
long-term male organ health
Once
the sutures have healed and the swelling and bruising have gone down, a man can
begin to enjoy his new, sleeker look, as well as easing his way back into
activities like self-stimulation and coupling. In some cases, men may find that
their male organ is not quite as sensitive as it used to be. While most studies
have found little difference in sensitivity between a cut and uncut male organ,
this problem is mostly in the eye of the beholder, so taking steps to make sure
that the newly exposed skin is healthy and responsive is an important concern.
While
cleaning the male organ will now be easier, keeping the head moisturized and
supple may be a different story. As a result, adding a moisturizer that is
appropriate for use on the male organ can be a good idea. A vitamin-rich male
organ nutrient creme (health
professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that
contains natural plant oils such as Shea butter or jojoba is a simple and
effective way to nourish the skin of the entire male organ, as well as locking
in moisture and supporting optimum cellular function.
Visit
www.man1health.com for more information
about treating common male organ health problems, including soreness, redness
and loss of male organ sensation. John Dugan is a professional writer who
specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to
numerous online web sites.