Manual for Male Circumcision under Local Anaesthesia

Male circumcision under local anaesthesia
Version 3.1 (Dec09)
risk of HIV infection. This is correct. However, I must remind you
that male circumcision does not protect completely against HIV
infection – it only reduces the risk of becoming infected by about
one half. It is very important to continue using other ways of
reducing the risk of infection – using condoms the right way every
time you have sex, reducing the number of sexual partners,
delaying the start of sexual relations, avoiding penetrative sexual
intercourse, and avoiding unsafe injections.
• As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur after the
operation. However, in our clinic we do everything we can to
reduce this risk. Possible problems include pain, bleeding, swelling
of the penis caused by bleeding under the skin, infection of the
surgical wound, and increased sensitivity of the exposed head of
the penis (glans). On average, if we operate on 50 men or boys,
one will need to come back to the clinic for the treatment of a
complication. However, the problems usually settle down quickly
with additional treatment.
• Many men ask how soon after circumcision sex can be resumed. It
takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the wound to become strong enough
to withstand sex and about 3–4 months for the wound to heal
completely. We always advise clients to avoid sex or masturbation
for the first 4–6 weeks after circumcision, and to use a condom
during sex until the wound has completely healed (at least 6
months). It is always best to use a condom whenever there is any
risk of STI or HIV infection.
• At this clinic, we perform circumcision using local anaesthesia to
take away the pain of the procedure. Patients can go home the
same day but it is important that they come back for follow-up.
• Do any of you have any questions or concerns about male
circumcision I know that there are many myths about male
circumcision that circulate. For example, some people think that
circumcision can cause impotence (failure of erection) or reduce
sexual pleasure. Others think that circumcision will cure
impotence. Let me assure you that none of these is true.
If time permits, other sexual and reproductive health topics can be
covered (see Appendix 3.1).
Summary
We have talked about the different services that we offer in this clinic.
It is up to you to let us know what services are of interest to you. If you
are worried that you may be infected with an STI or HIV, or if you want
to be tested, counselling and testing services are available here. If you
want to register yourself or your son for circumcision, please let us
know. We will be very pleased to assist you in any way you wish.
Please take some of the information leaflets we have here. They may
answer other questions that you may have. Thank you for your
attention.
Educating and Counselling Clients and Obtaining Informed Consent Chapter 3-4