Adult Circumcision: What to Expect at Home

Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.

Try to walk each day. Start by walking a little more than you did the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk.

You may shower when you no longer have a bandage on your penis. Pat the cut (incision) dry.

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 2 weeks or until your doctor says it is okay.

You can return to work and normal activities, including driving, when you are comfortable doing them.

You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.

Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).

Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.

If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.

Take pain medicines exactly as directed.

• If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.

• If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.

If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:

• Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).

• Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

Remove the bandage when your doctor says it is time. Wear underwear that is comfortable for you. Some people prefer a snug fit for support, while others prefer loose-fitting briefs.

Put ice or a cold pack on your groin for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the first day. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.

Position your penis so that your underwear keeps it upright.

Do not have intercourse or masturbate for 6 weeks, or until your doctor says it is okay. You will probably have a few erections. They aren't harmful as long as you leave them alone. Do not stimulate the penis.

You passed out (lost consciousness).

You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.

You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.

Your have loose stitches or your incision comes open.

Bright red blood soaks through the bandage.

You have signs of infection, such as:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

• Red streaks leading from the area.

• Pus draining from the area.

• A fever.

You cannot urinate.

You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:

• Pain or burning when you urinate.

• A frequent need to urinate without being able to pass much urine.

• Pain in the flank, which is just below the rib cage and above the waist on either side of the back.

• Blood in your urine.

• A fever.

You are sick to your stomach or cannot drink fluids.

You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:

• Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.

• Redness or swelling in your leg.