Circumcision
What is Circumcision ?
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Why do you need Circumcision ?
Circumcision is indicated for:
- Medical reasons:
- Phimosis: Tight foreskin that cannot retract, causing pain or infections.
- Balanitis: Recurrent infections or inflammation of the foreskin/glans.
- Paraphimosis: Foreskin trapped behind the glans, causing swelling (emergency).
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Recurrent UTIs in children (circumcision reduces risk).
- Cultural/Religious reasons:
- Common in Muslim and Jewish communities; often performed in infancy or childhood.
- Preventive health:
- Reduces risk of penile cancer (rare), HIV transmission (by 50–60%, per WHO), and some STIs.
- Cosmetic/Personal preference:
- Some opt for aesthetic or hygiene reasons.
The procedure aims to remove the foreskin, improve hygiene, reduce infection risk, and address medical issues while maintaining penile function and sensitivity.
Why Do Circumcision Costs Vary in Philippines?
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Circumcision Procedure
- Before Surgery Evaluation:
- Diagnosis:
- Physical exam: Assesses foreskin tightness, infections, or abnormalities.
- Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile (esp. for adults or under general anesthesia).
- Urine test: Rules out active infection.
- Consent: Risks, including bleeding, are explained.
- Diagnosis:
- Surgical Techniques:
- Circumcision:
- Performed under local anesthesia (newborns/children) or general anesthesia (adults/older children), lasting 15–30 minutes.
- Foreskin removal:
- Foreskin measured and marked for removal.
- Techniques:
- Conventional surgery: Foreskin cut with scalpel/scissors; bleeding controlled with cautery.
- Plastibell (newborns): Plastic ring placed over glans, foreskin tied and cut; ring falls off in 5–10 days.
- Laser circumcision: Uses laser for precision and less bleeding (used in advanced centers).
- Closure: Absorbable sutures close the incision; dressing applied.
- Intraoperative Tools:
- Scalpel/laser: Removes foreskin.
- Cautery: Controls bleeding.
- Plastibell device: Used in newborns for bloodless circumcision.
- Circumcision:
- After Surgery:
- Hospital stay: Same-day discharge (outpatient).
- Care: Keep area clean and dry; apply antibiotic ointment (e.g., petroleum jelly) for 5–7 days.
- Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days; managed with acetaminophen.
- Instructions: Avoid tight clothing; no swimming or heavy activity for 2 weeks.
Recovery After Circumcision
- Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge.
- Post-Surgery Care:
- Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain and swelling for 2–5 days; resolves in 1–2 weeks.
- Hygiene: Clean with warm water daily; apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
- Activity: Rest for 1–2 days; avoid sports or heavy activity for 2 weeks (adults: 4–6 weeks for sexual activity).
- Healing: Initial redness and swelling subside in 1–2 weeks; full healing in 4–6 weeks.
- Dressing: Removed after 1–2 days; Plastibell (if used) falls off in 5–10 days.
- Follow-Up:
- Visit at 1 week to check healing.
- Additional visit at 1 month if issues persist (e.g., swelling, infection).
Most resume normal activities in 2–3 days (children) or 5–7 days (adults); full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 98–99% achieve desired outcome with no functional issues; complications are rare with proper care.
Risks and Complications
- Surgical Risks:
- Bleeding (1–3%): Minor bleeding common; severe bleeding (<1%) may need stitches or cauterization.
- Infection (1–2%): Redness or pus at incision site; treated with antibiotics.
- Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to anesthesia; rare in healthy patients.
- Post-Surgery:
- Painful erections (adults, 2–5%): Temporary (1–2 weeks); managed with pain relief.
- Adhesions (1–2%): Skin sticking to glans; may need minor revision.
- Meatal stenosis (<1%): Narrowing of urethral opening; may need dilation.
- Poor cosmetic outcome (1–2%): Excess/insufficient skin removal; may need revision.
- Long-Term:
- Decreased sensitivity (1–2%): Minimal impact on sexual function; debated in studies.
- Keloid scarring (rare): Excessive scar tissue; more common in prone individuals.
Report heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, or signs of infection (e.g., pus, swelling) promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes the need for circumcision?
Medical: Phimosis, balanitis, or recurrent UTIs; also cultural/religious traditions or preventive health benefits.
Can I avoid circumcision?
Yes, if no medical need: Hygiene practices or steroids (for mild phimosis); surgery is for significant issues.
Is circumcision painful?
Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days, managed with medication; newborns feel minimal discomfort with local anesthesia.
How soon can I resume activities?
Children: 2–3 days; adults: 5–7 days; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid sexual activity for 4–6 weeks (adults).
Is circumcision covered by insurance in India?
Yes, for medical necessity; usually not for cultural/religious reasons—confirm with your provider.
Signs of complications?
Heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, or signs of infection.
Will circumcision affect sexual function?
No significant impact; sensitivity may slightly decrease (1–2%), but sexual satisfaction remains largely unchanged.
Lifestyle changes post-surgery?
Keep area clean, avoid tight clothing, refrain from heavy activity for 2 weeks, and attend follow-ups.
Conclusion
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Looking for Best Hospitals for Circumcision
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₱) | Maximum Price (₱) |
|---|---|---|
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Angeles City |
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Antipolo |
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Bacolod |
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Bacoor |
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Baguio |
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Butuan |
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Cagayan de Oro |
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Caloocan |
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Cebu City |
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Dasmariñas |
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Davao City |
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General Santos |
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General Trias |
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Iligan |
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Iloilo City |
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Las Piñas |
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Makati |
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Malolos |
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Manila |
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Muntinlupa |
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Parañaque |
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Pasay |
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Pasig |
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Puerto Princesa |
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Quezon City |
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San Fernando |
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San Jose del Monte |
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Taguig |
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Valenzuela |
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Zamboanga City |
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Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.
What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin, the skin covering the tip of the penis, typically performed for medical reasons (e.g., phimosis), cultural practices, or religious traditions (common in Muslim and Christian communities in the Philippines). It is done on newborns, children, or adults, depending on the indication. In the Philippines, circumcision is conducted in urology, pediatric surgery, or general surgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), often at affordable costs. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is essential for patients and caregivers.
Why Do You Need Circumcision?
Circumcision is indicated for:
Medical Reasons:
Phimosis (10–15%): Tight foreskin that cannot retract, causing pain, difficulty urinating, or recurrent infections.
Balanitis/Balanoposthitis (5–10%): Recurrent inflammation or infection of the foreskin/glans, often due to poor hygiene or diabetes.
Paraphimosis (<1%): Foreskin trapped behind the glans, causing swelling; an emergency requiring urgent circumcision.
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs, 1–2%): In children, circumcision reduces UTI risk by 80–90% (per studies).
Cultural/Religious Reasons (70–80%): Common in the Philippines, where circumcision (“tuli”) is a cultural rite of passage for boys (aged 8–12 years) and part of Muslim and some Christian traditions.
Preventive Health:
Reduces risk of penile cancer (rare, <0.1%), HIV transmission (50–60% reduction, per WHO), and certain STIs (e.g., HPV, herpes).
Improves hygiene by reducing smegma buildup and infection risk.
Cosmetic/Personal Preference (5–10%): For aesthetic reasons or to align with cultural norms.
Prevalence in the Philippines: Circumcision is nearly universal among males (~90% by adolescence), with ~500,000–1,000,000 procedures annually, especially during summer (“tuli season,” March–May). Medical circumcisions are less common but increasing due to better healthcare access.
Timing: Newborns (for religious/cultural reasons), pre-adolescence (8–12 years for “tuli”), or adulthood (for medical or personal reasons).
The procedure aims to remove the foreskin, improve hygiene, reduce infection risk, and address medical or cultural needs while maintaining penile function and sensitivity.
Why Do Circumcision Costs Vary in the Philippines?
Costs range from ₱5,000 to ₱50,000, influenced by:
Procedure Type:
Newborn circumcision (e.g., Plastibell): ₱5,000–₱15,000.
Child circumcision (local anesthesia): ₱10,000–₱25,000.
Adult/laser circumcision (general or local anesthesia): ₱20,000–₱50,000.
Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila private hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱20,000–₱50,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱5,000–₱15,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or PCSO medical assistance) or community health centers during “tuli” campaigns (₱1,000–₱5,000).
Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced urologists or pediatric surgeons charge higher fees than general practitioners.
Additional Costs:
Diagnostics: Blood tests (₱1,000–₱3,000, for adults or general anesthesia), urine test (₱500–₱1,000).
Anesthesia: Local (included), general (₱5,000–₱15,000).
Hospital/Clinic Fee: ₱2,000–₱10,000.
Medications (e.g., antibiotics, analgesics): ₱500–₱3,000.
Plastibell device (newborns): ₱1,000–₱3,000.
Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱5,000–₱10,000) for medical necessity (e.g., phimosis, balanitis); private insurance may cover if documented as medically necessary. Cultural/religious circumcisions are typically not covered. PCSO medical assistance or free “tuli” programs (e.g., Operation Tuli) may reduce costs for indigent patients. Confirm with your provider.
Circumcision Procedure
Before Surgery Evaluation:
Diagnosis:
Physical Exam: Assesses foreskin tightness (phimosis), inflammation (balanitis), or abnormalities (e.g., adhesions, paraphimosis).
Blood Tests (adults/children under general anesthesia): Checks blood sugar, clotting profile (e.g., INR, platelets) to minimize bleeding risk.
Urine Test: Rules out active UTI before surgery.
Preparation:
Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe; antibiotics (e.g., cefalexin) may be given pre-op for infection.
Fasting: 4–6 hours for general anesthesia (adults/older children); not needed for local anesthesia (newborns/children).
Consent: Includes risks like bleeding, infection, or cosmetic issues.
Multidisciplinary Team: Involves urologist, pediatric surgeon, or general surgeon; anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia).
Surgical Techniques:
Conventional Circumcision (70–80%):
Performed under local anesthesia (newborns/children, lidocaine injection) or general anesthesia (adults/older children), lasting 15–30 minutes.
Process:
Penis cleaned with antiseptic (e.g., povidone-iodine).
Foreskin measured and marked for removal.
Foreskin cut with scalpel or scissors; bleeding controlled with electrocautery or sutures.
Incision closed with absorbable sutures (e.g., chromic catgut).
Sterile dressing (e.g., petroleum jelly, gauze) applied.
Tools: Scalpel, scissors, electrocautery, sutures.
Plastibell Circumcision (newborns/young children, 15–20%):
Performed under local anesthesia, lasting 10–15 minutes.
Process:
A plastic ring (Plastibell) is placed over the glans, under the foreskin.
Foreskin tied around the ring with a suture, cutting off blood supply.
Excess foreskin trimmed; ring falls off naturally in 5–10 days.
Minimal suturing needed; dressing applied.
Tools: Plastibell device, suture, scissors.
Laser Circumcision (5–10%, urban centers):
Performed under local or general anesthesia, lasting 15–30 minutes.
Process: Similar to conventional, but laser used for cutting and cauterizing, reducing bleeding and pain.
Tools: CO2 or diode laser, sutures.
Intraoperative Considerations:
Sterile technique to minimize infection risk.
Blood loss: Minimal (<10 mL); significant bleeding rare.
Dorsal penile nerve block: Common for local anesthesia to reduce pain.
After Surgery:
Monitoring: Observation for 1–2 hours to check for bleeding or anesthesia effects; same-day discharge (outpatient).
Care:
Pain management: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild to moderate pain (2–5 days).
Antibiotics: Topical (e.g., mupirocin) or oral (e.g., cefalexin) for 5–7 days if infection risk high.
Hygiene: Apply antibiotic ointment (e.g., petroleum jelly) and keep area clean/dry.
Instructions:
Avoid tight clothing or diapers (newborns) to prevent irritation.
No swimming, sports, or heavy activity for 2 weeks; adults avoid sexual activity for 4–6 weeks.
Monitor for signs of complications (e.g., bleeding, pus).
Recovery After Circumcision
Hospital Stay: Same-day discharge (100% outpatient).
Post-Surgery Care:
Pain: Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days; managed with oral analgesics (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen); newborns experience minimal discomfort.
Swelling/Redness: Peaks at 2–3 days, resolves in 1–2 weeks; cold compresses help initially.
Hygiene: Clean with warm water and mild soap daily; apply antibiotic ointment (e.g., petroleum jelly, mupirocin) for 5–7 days to prevent infection.
Dressing: Removed after 1–2 days (conventional/laser); Plastibell falls off in 5–10 days.
Activity:
Children: Resume school/light activities in 2–3 days; avoid sports or rough play for 2 weeks.
Adults: Resume work in 5–7 days; avoid sexual activity or strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks.
Healing: Initial healing in 1–2 weeks; full healing (no redness/swelling) in 4–6 weeks.
Follow-Up:
Visit at 1 week to check healing, remove sutures (if non-absorbable), or confirm Plastibell detachment.
Additional visit at 1 month if issues (e.g., swelling, adhesions).
Recovery timeline: Most resume normal activities in 2–3 days (children) or 5–7 days (adults); full recovery in 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 98–99% achieve desired medical or cosmetic outcome with no functional issues; complications are rare with proper care.
Risks and Complications
Surgical Risks:
Bleeding (1–3%): Minor oozing common; severe bleeding (<1%) may require sutures or cauterization.
Infection (1–2%): Redness, pus, or swelling at incision; treated with topical/oral antibiotics.
Anesthesia Reactions (<1%): Rare in healthy patients; local anesthesia safer than general.
Post-Surgery:
Painful Erections (adults, 2–5%): Temporary (1–2 weeks); managed with analgesics or cold compresses.
Adhesions (1–2%): Skin sticking to glans; may resolve naturally or need minor revision.
Meatal Stenosis (<1%): Narrowing of urethral opening; may require dilation (₱10,000–₱30,000).
Poor Cosmetic Outcome (1–2%): Excess or insufficient skin removal; may need revision surgery (₱20,000–₱50,000).
Long-Term:
Decreased Sensitivity (1–2%): Minimal impact on sexual function; debated in studies, with most reporting no significant change.
Keloid Scarring (<1%): Excessive scar tissue in prone individuals; treated with steroid injections or revision.
Report heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, pus, or swelling persisting beyond 1 week promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes the need for circumcision?
Medical: Phimosis, balanitis, paraphimosis, or recurrent UTIs; cultural/religious: Traditional rite (“tuli”) in the Philippines; preventive: Reduced risk of infections, HIV, or penile cancer.
Can I avoid circumcision?
Yes, for non-medical reasons: Improved hygiene or topical steroids (e.g., betamethasone for mild phimosis) may suffice; surgery needed for significant medical issues (e.g., severe phimosis, paraphimosis).
Is circumcision painful?
Mild to moderate pain for 2–5 days, managed with analgesics; newborns feel minimal discomfort with local anesthesia.
How soon can I resume activities?
Children: School/light activities in 2–3 days; adults: Work in 5–7 days; full recovery (including sports/sexual activity) in 4–6 weeks.
Is circumcision covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱5,000–₱10,000) for medical necessity (e.g., phimosis, balanitis); private insurance may cover if medically indicated. Cultural/religious circumcisions typically not covered. PCSO or free “tuli” programs may apply. Confirm with your provider.
What are the signs of complications post-procedure?
Heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, pus, swelling, or difficulty urinating require immediate medical attention.
Will circumcision affect sexual function?
No significant impact; slight decrease in sensitivity (1–2%) possible but rarely affects sexual satisfaction (per studies).
What lifestyle changes are needed post-procedure?
Keep area clean with warm water and antibiotic ointment, wear loose clothing, avoid heavy activity or sexual activity for 2–6 weeks, and attend follow-ups to monitor healing.
Conclusion
Circumcision is a safe, effective procedure to address medical issues (e.g., phimosis, balanitis), fulfill cultural/religious traditions (“tuli”), or improve hygiene, with a high success rate (98–99%) and quick recovery. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) and community “tuli” programs provide affordable care, with costs ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱50,000, often partially covered by PhilHealth for medical necessity. Understanding the procedure, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients and caregivers to approach circumcision confidently. For concerns like foreskin tightness, recurrent infections, or cultural needs, consult a board-certified urologist, pediatric surgeon, or general surgeon for personalized guidance and optimal outcomes.
Looking for Best Hospitals for Circumcision
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₱) | Maximum Price (₱) |
|---|---|---|
|
Angeles City |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Antipolo |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Bacolod |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Bacoor |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Baguio |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Butuan |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Cagayan de Oro |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Caloocan |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Cebu City |
3,000 |
20,000 |
|
Dasmariñas |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Davao City |
3,000 |
20,000 |
|
General Santos |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
General Trias |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Iligan |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Iloilo City |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Las Piñas |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Makati |
3,000 |
20,000 |
|
Malolos |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Manila |
3,000 |
20,000 |
|
Muntinlupa |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Parañaque |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Pasay |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Pasig |
3,000 |
20,000 |
|
Puerto Princesa |
2,000 |
15,000 |
|
Quezon City |
3,000 |
20,000 |
|
San Fernando |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
San Jose del Monte |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Taguig |
3,000 |
20,000 |
|
Valenzuela |
2,000 |
10,000 |
|
Zamboanga City |
2,000 |
15,000 |
Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.