How Much Does an Adult Circumcision Cost?
An adult circumcision, just like a circumcision performed at birth, will remove the foreskin — the looser skin that hangs over the tip of the penis.
Whether it’s for religious reasons or even for health-related reasons, adult men at any age can choose to go forward with the procedure if they choose to do so.
How much does an adult circumcision cost?
The costs of an adult circumcision will depend on a few factors, just like any other surgical procedure, including the facility where the procedure is performed, the type of anesthesia used, the surgeon you choose, your geographical location and your health insurance policy. Inside of a doctor’s office, without any health insurance coverage, the costs can range anywhere from $1,300 to more than $3,200, all greatly depending on the anesthesia as a local anesthesia will cost about 30 percent less than a general anesthesia. The costs could also increase if you were to have the procedure inside of a hospital rather than an ambulatory care center, for instance.
GentalCircumcision.com, for instance, notes most insurance plans will not cover the procedure, but since general anesthesia is not required, you may be able to have the procedure completed for as little as $1,600.
The Gentle Procedures Clinic, located in Plano, Texas, offers pricing information on its website, noting it will cost $1,600 for a procedure without any health insurance coverage. According to the website, however, they do offer a six-month interest-free payment plan for those who are interested.
Alex Shteynshlyuger, MD of the New York Urology Specialists also offered official pricing on his official website, noting the would charge $2,685 out of pocket for a circumcision under local anesthesia or $3,275 for a circumcision with general anesthesia. These totals would include the new office visit fee, facility fee, surgical assistant fee, supplies fee and three post-operative visits.
Will insurance cover it?
Most of the time, health insurance will not cover the procedure; however, there are exceptions to the rule. Generally, if the foreskin is causing problems, such as phimosis, paraphimosis, frequent UTI, masses/lesions, pain during intercourse and/or cancer, then your health insurance may cover the procedure. To know for certain, talk with both your doctor’s office and the health insurance provider to see what your restrictions are and what you would be responsible for.
The procedure – what to expect
According to EverydayHealth.com, your doctor will first administer either a local or general anesthesia to numb the area and this generally depends on either your preference and/or your doctor’s preference. GentalCircumcision.com notes the procedure is both painless and safe due to the power anesthetic that’s administered.
Next, after the area is number, your doctor will then retract the foreskin and trim it off. Once trimmed, small, absorbable sutures or a surgical glue will be used to help close the incision.
Almost all patients are then able to go home after the procedure and will be asked to place a dressing over the entire circumcised area, similar that to underwear, to help the healing process. The swelling typically subsides about 10 to 14 days later, but you may be advised to avoid using the area for up to six weeks.
Recovery – post circumcision care for adults
You may be able to shower 24 hours after the surgery, but when drying off, you must do so in a gentle way around the surgical area. You will want to avoid using a bathtub, hot tub and swimming pool for at least two weeks after the procedure.
All patients must avoid any sexual activity for at least six weeks as an erection can cause the incision to open, according to SaintLukesKC.org.
After, you may notice a crust of yellowish coating and/or blood around the tip but will often fall on its own. Other side effects may include swelling, pain with urination for a few days and/or a red and/or black and blue-ish color. Healing, in general, will take about 10 to 14 days, as mentioned, but pain medication, as prescribed, can help with the healing process.
Circumcision pros and cons in adults
- The procedure can decrease the risk of urinary tract infections
- Can decrease the risk of penile cancer
- Decreases the risk of STDs, including the transmission of HIV
- Prevents balanitis, balanoposthitis, paraphimosis, and phimosis as per Healthline.com
- Easier to maintain genital hygiene
- In some cases, it can cause pain, but safe and effective medication can be used to help
- Few immediate health benefits
- The procedure may cuase some rare complications such as cutting the foreskin too short and/or poor healing after the procedure
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