Infant circumcision is one thing -- it is almost always safe, rapidly-healing and non-traumatic (particularly if anesthetic is used). Adult circumcision is a more involved matter -- healing is much slower and can be complicated by erections. Adult circumcision typically requires abstinence from masturbation or intercourse for between 4 and 6 weeks. Still, circumcision protects against some diseases-- and I believe that adult circumcision may be medically warranted in populations at very high risk for the diseases (i.e. human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) it is known to protect for. It is also advisable in cases of painful or dysfunctional phimosis (inability of the foreskin to retract from the head of the penis) or other, rarer, problems related to the foreskin.
Men's Sexual & Reproductive Health
A man's sexual and reproductive health can be affected by many factors, and it changes over time. As young men grow, they may have concerns about sexual function and healthy sperm and fertility if they're trying to have children with their partner. Older men may have questions about erectile dysfunction (ED), maintaining an erection, impotence and treatments that can enable them to have a healthy sex life at any age. Find out more about men's sexual health concerns with expert advice from Sharecare.
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In the United States, doctors generally don't do adult circumcisions with clamps. They tend to use a freehand, or sleeve, technique: A sleeve of foreskin is removed and the edges are sewn back together.
Whether an adult or a child, the procedure is done in the operating room. For adult males, it can be done under a local anesthesia, which numbs the penis. -
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After adult circumcision the care is generally the same as for children. Bacitracin ointment can be applied along the suture line for a good three to four weeks after the procedure, and then switch to Vaseline until all the stitches dissolve. Doctors use absorbable sutures, so it is good to keep the stitches moist and apply Vaseline until they all dissolve. No further direct care is required after the stitches have dissolved, other than normal cleaning.
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There can be no intercourse or masturbation for at least four weeks after circumcision. In terms of everyday activity, start with a couple days of light activity to keep the risk of bleeding down; regular activity can resume shortly thereafter.
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Dr. Erik T. Goluboff, MD , Urology, answered
Healthy sexual function in men means being able to have sexual intercourse as often as a you and your partner want, says Erik Goluboff, MD, a urologist at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. In this video, he explains.
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Radiation therapy may damage nerves, impair blood flow, or decrease testosterone levels. Depending on a man's individual situation, he may be eligible for newer types of nerve-sparing surgery or more targeted or lower doses of radiation. It is also extremely important to follow all of the post-surgery recommendations for therapy to increase blood flow and increases the chances of preserving erectile functioning. -
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Dr. Lionel M. Bissoon, MD , Sports Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersAll naturally occurring foods will help to increase sperm production. Most foods don't have a direct influence on sperm production. The role of food in sperm production is mostly supportive by producing essential minerals, vitamins and anti oxidants.
The brain produces a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone. This hormone directly stimulates the testicle to produce sperm. Healthy sperm will depend on good nutrition which is why eating organic foods is essential.
The Peruvian Herb, Maca has been shown to increase testosterone and sperm production. Oysters (if you can stand the taste) have high zinc content. Zinc is important for sperm production and motility. The amino acid L-Arginine is abundant in chocolate, it will increase nitric oxide and in so doing, it will increase blood flow to the penis and testicles which will help with sperm production. No wonder some ancient culture used chocolate as an aphrodisiac.
From a fertility point of view, fish has mercury and arsenic; both of these compounds will decrease sperm production. If you are in the family planning mode limit your intake of tuna and swordfish.
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RealAge answeredA sperm bank is a place where a fertile man can store a sample of his sperm for future use in inseminating an egg through in vitro fertilization or other artificial insemination method. Until it is used, the sperm is kept frozen in liquid nitrogen. Men who are about to undergo treatment that may cause infertility, as for some forms of cancer, may wish to bank their sperm for future use.
When choosing a sperm bank to find a sperm donor, Resolve/The National Infertility Association, recommends asking questions, including:- What is the minimum and maximum age of the donors?
- What information about the donor's background does the sperm bank keep in records and what information will I be provided about the donor?
- Does the sperm bank keep a medical history of the donor? How long do they keep a donor's medical records?
- Are donors screened or tested for diseases and what is the sperm bank's policy if sexually transmitted diseases or certain inheritable diseases are detected?
- Does the sperm bank screen donors for drug use?
- Does the sperm bank offer a service for adult children conceived with the donated sperm to gain access to the donor's medical records, if necessary?
- Will the sperm bank continue to store a donor's frozen sperm so that a couple can use the same donor for a second child?
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See All 2 AnswersCircumcision is not necessary for everyone with phimosis. When boys are younger, there is often a condition called physiologic phimosis. This occurs when there is a narrowed opening to the foreskin which is not causing any problems. Sometimes this does not resolve until closer to puberty.
Unless there are recurrent urinary tract infections, chronic inflammation or conditions such as balanitis, circumcision is not needed for medical reasons.
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Dr. Kevin J. Soden, MD , Family Medicine, answeredMen get erections because of what they think (called psychogenic erections) and because of physical stimulation of the penis. As men age, they will notice that they have fewer psychogenic erections and that it takes more physical stimulation to get and maintain an erection. Men will also notice that their orgasms may not be as strong and that it takes longer to have an erection once they have ejaculated. All these changes are a normal part of aging.
According to the International Journal of Impotence Research, studies indicate that up to 20 percent of men between ages forty and seventy will have some erectile problems. It’s one reason we see so many ads for erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs on television today. These drugs can help, but consult your doctor so that he or she can determine what your particular problem is and what the best treatment is for you.