The short answer
Most men are sore and swollen for the first few days after adult circumcision, then improve steadily, with the wound largely healed in about two to three weeks. Many men return to desk work within a few days, but most surgeons advise waiting around four to six weeks before sex or masturbation so the wound does not split. Night-time erections are uncomfortable in the first week and are normal.
Book circumcision, from ₦56,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Why men have circumcision as adults
Most Nigerian boys are circumcised as babies, but some men were not, and some had a circumcision that left too much skin or a tight scar. Adults usually choose circumcision for one of these reasons:
- A tight foreskin that will not pull back (phimosis), making sex or cleaning painful
- Repeated infection or inflammation of the head of the penis
- A foreskin that got stuck behind the head (paraphimosis) in the past
- Religious, cultural or marriage reasons
- Revision of a previous circumcision
The operation itself
The foreskin is removed and the edges joined with dissolving stitches. It is done under local anaesthetic, a nerve block, or a general anaesthetic, as a day case, and usually takes under an hour. If you have a general anaesthetic, someone must take you home and you should not drive for at least a day. Tell the surgeon if you have diabetes, a bleeding problem or take blood thinners.
The first week
The penis will be swollen, bruised and tender. This looks alarming but is expected and settles over a week or two.
- Take regular pain relief as advised, especially for the first two or three days
- Wear soft, close-fitting underwear that holds the penis up against the belly; loose boxers let it rub
- Keep the dressing on for as long as your surgeon says, then shower normally and pat dry
- A little petroleum jelly on the wound stops it sticking to underwear
- Night-time erections can wake you with pain. Getting up, passing urine and a cold pack wrapped in cloth help them settle
- Avoid tight trousers, cycling and long periods of driving in Lagos traffic until it is comfortable
Weeks two to six
The stitches usually dissolve and fall out within about two to three weeks. A yellowish film on the wound while it heals is normal healing tissue, not pus. The new skin is sensitive at first and becomes less so over the following weeks.
Most men return to office work within a few days and to physical work after one to two weeks. Avoid heavy exercise until the wound has healed. Most surgeons advise no sex or masturbation for about four to six weeks. Your surgeon's own advice wins over this guide.
See a doctor if
Contact your surgeon or go to a hospital if:
- Bleeding soaks through the dressing and does not stop with ten minutes of firm pressure
- You cannot pass urine
- Redness spreads, the wound smells bad or leaks pus, or you develop a fever
- Pain gets worse after the first few days instead of better
What it costs on Mezo
Older child or adult, under local anaesthetic.
Common questions
Will circumcision change how sex feels?
Some men notice a change in sensation and many notice none. Experiences differ, and no surgeon can promise how it will feel. If sex was painful because of a tight foreskin, it is usually more comfortable once healed.
Does circumcision protect me from HIV?
Medical male circumcision reduces the risk of a man catching HIV from a female partner, but it does not prevent it. You still need condoms and testing.
Can I go to work the next day?
Some men with desk jobs do, but most prefer two or three days at home. Avoid heavy lifting and physical work for one to two weeks.
What does adult circumcision cost on Mezo?
Circumcision on Mezo is from ₦56,000. An adult operation is quoted in writing after your assessment, and payment is online.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Circumcision. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.