2 weeks on circumcision

[Unknown6991]

Had a circumcision on the NHS on 9 December due to it being too tight when erect. It’s been 2 weeks now but feel my mental health is sliding down a worm hole with this recovery. I can get erections now without pain but assume that doesn’t mean stitches have gone. When flaccid the head only appears about 50-60% out but when erect it’s fully out. I saw my GP a few days after surgery who said he had no concerns but still can’t shift this thought it’s not gonna repair. Generally not too painful atm just discomfort and twinges as and when but I just want my normal life back day to day

[Man7Cut]

I think we've all been there. I know in my first few weeks I thought I might have made a mistake. You probably still have some stitches left so yes everything will feel really tight when you're erect. There's also still healing happening inside that you can't see. Every week things will get better although it probably doesn't feel like that now. Just have patience and know that you'll get past this

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Fab thank you for your response and glad, although bad people went through same thoughts, that it’s not just me thinking these things. I’m 28 so hopefully recovery isnt too long but every week feels like months atm

[Norwich1 Moderator in reply to Unknown6991]

You may be looking at at 2 or 3 months for a full recovery but as Man7Cut said you can only be patient. Not sure why you are worried about how much of your penis glans is covered when flaccid. Your problem when erect has now been sorted which was why you had the surgery.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Norwich1]

Thanks for replying and yeah think will be a few months. The recovery papers they gave me when left hospital say 6 weeks but that feels wholly optimistic. And that is a really good point that I hadn’t actually thought about, I was just thinking it looks weird being erect and seeing it out but yes that’s the whole reason it was done. Hopefully that tightness goes down as stitches dissolve and swelling decreases. I’m scared to do day to day stuff like walk far or go see mates as constantly on edge I’ll make it hurt or delay recovery further. I also panic when getting erections in day incase that’s causing issues, I’m trying to avoid of course but sometimes can’t be helped. I assume all good tho

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

You've probably still got some swelling which may be the reason for your glans being partially covered. Saying that mine still looks like that if it's a cold day or I'm really soft.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

I see, they never told me what cut I was getting or asked me so it might be how is meant to be. As long as won’t cause pain in future then hopefully will be alright

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

Same here it wasn't discussed beforehand but sounds like you could be cut like me, just below the glans rather than further down the shaft, which is like most of the cut cocks I've seen. Although the first couple of weeks there was no way to tell what the final result would be because of the swelling, but it all came good. Yours will too

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Fab thank you for the reassurance

[Man7Cut]

No problem. Keep asking if you have concerns because there are a lot of guys on here who have been through the same situation and will be happy to share their own experiences.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Amazing thank you, I’m sure things will arise as and when. I just want it over tbh but appreciate that takes time haha

[Man7Cut]

I was the same, I've got absolutely no patience but you'll get there. Getting rid of your tight foreskin will be a boost too. I couldn't believe the difference after years of discomfort

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Yeah that’s my issue, 0 patience. This was also my first surgery so all unknown which I think hasn’t helped me first few weeks. Yeah I’m still hoping few months I’ll look back and be super pleased was done but just right now it’s hard to get that mindset

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

We've all been there. When I saw mine for the first time after surgery it looked like it belonged to someone else and was so badly swollen because I had adhesions to be cut away as well. Every week things got better though and it's been 4 years now and a distant memory. Hang in there

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Yeah I try not to look to much as it still doesn’t look like mine and not like what I’m used to so makes me a little uneasy. But of course know that will change with time, like getting used to the sensitivity adjusting to underwear touching it as and when. Yeah it has improved these first 2 weeks which is good but of course no where near the finished article. Will keep holding in there, just have moments like this morning where it feels like Groundhog Day and just going on and on and on

[Arclight1979 in reply to Unknown6991]

That is EXACTLY how I felt. Groundhog Day. Like it would never end. It's very normal to feel that way. But, if you're seeing improvements, that means it's healing. You're on the right track.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Arclight1979]

Fab thank you, glad others felt the same! I’m trying to convince myself I’m on right track just have moments of wobbles

[Man7Cut]

Yes sometimes you think nothing has changed when you look at it every day. I started taking weekly photos to compare ( sad I know) but it did help to look back on the early ones and see how much things had improved. Yes there will be other stuff to get used to but one step at a time

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Yeah for sure, I’m seeing it quite often which is why I’m like well nothing seems to change but actually I’m sure it very much is week on week as you say. I’m trying to deal with the sensitivity now so already back in normal underwear and off painkillers so that seems promising signs. Think next hurdle I guess will be anything sexual but that I believe is still weeks away and when swellings gone down

[Man7Cut]

Well done for being back in normal underwear man. Everybody's healing and pain threshold is different but I've heard of guys complaining about not being able to wear regular clothes after 6 weeks. The sooner you go back to normal the better as it helps decrease the sensitivity. You're right, don't even consider anything sexual till you're past the 6 weeks. I waited longer because of the adhesions but even then I went carefully till I was sure it was going to be ok. Good luck

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Thanks! Tbh I wasn’t really sure what to do leaving surgery so kinda just tried to wear normal clothing from the start and just stuck with it. Yeah I’m gonna try hold off as long as can, first week that was fine but it’s slowly getting harder and harder now into exactly 2 weeks, 6 seems a long time off haha but I’ll resist

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

Good man! Just keep your hands off as long as you can!

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

I’ll try!

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

👍😁

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Just to check, I’m sure it is, the slight itching feeling as and when assume is normal? Is that it healing?

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

Yes it's healing and things tighten up a bit as the cut heals

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Fab thanks

[twisterziggy]

Did you guys have any issues with walking/exercising when in flacid state? The glands are covered 60% like you guys so it stays moist under there. Things like friction and sweat are causing redness and swelling for me on the ridge of the glands and the corona part unfortunately.

Loose underwear is quite vague, any suggestions? Want to avoid as much friction as possible for now, They say silk is better than cotton for comfort?

Im at week 6 but feel like ive had a setback because i over exercised in week 5 and possibly caused a swelling. Maybe I should apply something between the corona and bottom of the glands like Vaseline before walking?

[Unknown6991 in reply to twisterziggy]

Hello! I’ve only done 2 1-hour walks since the surgery and can deffo feel friction when went for the walks. The second walk I deffo noticed the redness ring at the ridge of the glans but it went by next morning. I haven’t used Vaseline on either walk but I might start using it when going out going forward. Others may be able to advise better if that’s wise and works for them but think it might just be the friction/getting used to it?

[Arclight1979 in reply to Unknown6991]

I used vaseline and swabs to pad out my pants and reduce friction for a fair few weeks. I also used microfiber briefs to hold everything in place and reduce movement. I also made sure to lay about naked letting everything air whenever I could. When those stitches fall out and lose their tensile strength you'll find everything feels a lot better. Give it time, brother.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Arclight1979]

Again thanks! Yeah I might start using Vaseline, quite often now there is this pink ring at end of the flaccid foreskin before bed from friction in the day when walking around so it might stop that I hope. It’s not really painful tho just doesn’t look nice. I haven’t tried naked yet, my pants seem ok….I think. And yeah have been told by a few when stitches go it’s so much better, the letter they sent me home with say they should dissolve with 10-14 days but it’s been that and think that letter was very optimistic

[Arclight1979]

Welcome to the Circ Bros. You're allowed to be nervous about healing, it's a big deal this operation. Listen to your body and try not to fiddle or stare at it too much. You will heal, it will get better. Check out my posts on my profile and you'll see I felt exactly the same. Always here if you wanna DM or get some reassurance. You've already got loads of good advice on this post from good people. You got this. Please don't hesitate to reach out, this is a healing process.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Arclight1979]

Appreciate that, thank you!

[Arclight1979 in reply to Unknown6991]

Don't mention it. We're all here.

[Unknown6991]

should say the other weird symptom I get is it feels like pins and needles/vibrating down there at times. Like it’s not painful or uncomfortable just an odd situation, assume that’s it being sensitive or trying to heal but a strange one haha

[Unknown6991]

Sorry me overthinking again….ive been invited to Xmas eve drinks down the pub this eve. If I go I’ll stick to soft drinks and only be there for couple hours sitting quietly probs rather than standing. Is that wise so soon after do you think or best to stay home?

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

Hey definitely go, it will do you good to get out for a while. Maybe put a pad inside your pants so you don't accidentally knock things. Enjoy!

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Yeah I thought would do me good mentally but it was just that fear it would delay anything or hurt. Of course the toilet situation ain’t ideal either but guess can stick to cubicles. Not really sure what a pad is as haven’t used, I can put Vaseline on tho

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

Well I improvised with either a clean man's hankie, a lint dressing or a sports sock, just for a bit of protection. Yeah the toilet thing is fun. I peed everywhere for the first week or so and sat down most of the time.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Ah I see, I’ll look into if there’s anything I can use. Yeah it’s a weird one the toilet aha, I’m sitting down all the time atm

[Unknown6991 in reply to Unknown6991]

Hello! Sorry next thought, I’m doing all I can in day to try stay flaccid to help healing but as the weeks go on that’s getting more difficult. Obvs not touching anything but if happens is that a major issue or should I just sit through the tightness and wait to go down or try even harder not to do in first place?

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

Don't fight it because it's bound to happen. If it's happening during the night, I found that lying on your side and adopting the foetal position made it easier, or you could get up and put your feet on the cold bathroom floor till it goes away. During the day try and think of something else or as a last resort put a bag of frozen peas on your lap. The erections are part of the healing process, your penis sorting itself out after the manhandling it's had.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Ah fairs thanks, the night ones I don’t mind, they used to hurt but now I wake up and they just feel tight but go straight away and I go back to sleep. The ones in the day worry me, I try to think of other things but they seem to linger. If isn’t an issue don’t mind but just don’t wanna be damaging stitches or healing skin

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

No you'll be fine at this stage. I don't think you can avoid them tbh, at your age you're bound to get hard especially since you can't do anything about it. Things will feel a lot better once your stitches have all come out and you can use some vitamin E oil or coconut oil to improve skin elasticity and help the scar disappear.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Ah fab and yeah that’s the issue as you say the easy way of helping the situation I can’t do which makes it harder as the days go on 😂. Thanks for replying tho, appreciate is a strange question/topic to ask to a stranger in sense haha. Counting down to that 6-8 week period when stitches are out and can sort of move on and try get the scarring down. The NHS recovery paper they gave me says return to sexual intercourse after 4 weeks, again think they are very optimistic on these things

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

It's no problem man. I hadn't found this site till ages after mine was done and would have welcomed it at the time. Don't worry about asking stuff because on here is a safe place to ask anything because we've all been through it, so no question is strange. Yes I think the hospital is being optimistic at 4 weeks. My surgeon was quite clear on 6 weeks minimum and I waited till 8 because I wasn't convinced I was 100% healed up. I started with a gentle bit of masturbating first to see how it went before going for intercourse

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

yeah I’m pleased I found this site, I’d of proper struggled without it. And yeah gonna deffo try wait for 6 weeks, although I’m sure nerves will hit closer to the time and that may end up being longer. But yeah will deffo start by self rather than intercourse. Atm even still going for pee scares me so as much as want to I think the other will concern more

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

It's okay the first time as long as you're careful, although after so long you really just want to get a bit of release. If you're worried wear a condom or at least plenty of lube. Give me a shout nearer the time if you want.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

Fab thanks and yeah think condom will be likely, even if nothing else to stop it going everywhere after 6 weeks of not doing without trying to be graphic. But yeah my GP said more lube will be likely going forward so yeah will deffo use that. It’s just things used to take for granted now all change 😂. And thanks, I’m sure we’ll speak plenty over the next weeks, I’m a panicker and impatient sadly lol

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

Hey same here. I've no patience and overthink stuff. Yeah lube will be your best friend going forward so buy a big tube lolYes don't hesitate to ask going forward someone here will have the answer. If it's something you don't want to share, you can DM me I don't mind at all

[Unknown6991 in reply to Man7Cut]

I’ll get some ordered for few weeks/months time lol and fab thank you, really do appreciate it

[Man7Cut in reply to Unknown6991]

No problem man you're welcome

[Sailorbob]

I had mine done 12 months ago and don’t regret it one bit. Indeed I wish I’d had it done years ago! When flaccid your surgeon has left a small cuff which is the best solution. Recovery takes a few months for stitches to dissolve and scar tissue to fully heal and after 3 months you’ll be back to normal and won’t give it a second thought other than to wish you’d done it sooner. Good luck.

[Unknown6991 in reply to Sailorbob]

Ah I really hope so and that seems to be the general consensus from most which is reassuring, thanks for responding 😄

[Soontobesnipped]

can I ask how long you waited on NHS? Just been referred for one you see Hope the healing is going well for you all

[Unknown6991 in reply to Soontobesnipped]

So I saw a GP December 2022 about the tight was who referred me, a year on so December 2023 had a phone consultation with the surgeon and then they originally offered April 2024 to do it but sadly I couldn’t make that date work due to something. They said I’d need to wait until July but I never heard anything so chased in November and that’s when they offered December 9th and had it done then. I think waiting lists might be coming down tho and guess depends where in UK you are. Healing is going well atjoigh I’d say don’t underestimate the mental side first few weeks like I did