What should I do if my glans is sensitive after circumcision?

Sensitivity of the glans after circumcision can be relieved by wearing loose underwear, avoiding friction and irritation, washing with warm water, diverting attention, and using topical drugs. Glans sensitivity may be related to local nerve exposure, incomplete postoperative wound healing, psychological factors, inflammatory response, individual differences and other factors.

1. Wear loose underwear

Choosing pure cotton loose underwear after surgery can help reduce friction and irritation of the glans from clothing. Avoid wearing tight pants or chemical fiber underwear to prevent local sweating and moisture from aggravating discomfort. You can temporarily not wear underwear during daily activities to keep the perineum ventilated and dry.

2. Avoid friction and irritation

Reduce activities that put pressure on the perineum, such as sitting for long periods of time, riding bicycles, etc., and sleep in a supine position to prevent friction with bedding. Sexual life and masturbation are prohibited within 1 month after the operation, and recovery will be gradual after the wound has completely healed. Avoid scrubbing the glans area vigorously when bathing.

3. Wash with warm water

Gently rinse the glans with warm water at 35-37°C every day to remove secretions and promote blood circulation. Wipe dry immediately after cleaning without using soap or shower gel. If there are sutures that have not fallen off, you need to use a disinfectant such as benzalkonium chloride solution for care as directed by your doctor.

4. Divert attention

Distract attention from glans abnormalities by reading, exercising, etc. Psychological tension may amplify sensitive experiences, so you can try deep breathing relaxation training. The sensitivity will gradually decrease as the wound heals within 1-2 weeks after surgery, so there is no need to be overly anxious.

5. Use topical drugs

If the burning pain persists, you can apply lidocaine cream as directed by your doctor to temporarily reduce nerve sensitivity. When redness and swelling occur, erythromycin ointment should be used to prevent infection. It is forbidden to use hormone ointments by yourself. If necessary, take ibuprofen sustained-release capsules to relieve pain.

You should keep a light diet after surgery and avoid spicy food. Drink no less than 1500ml of water every day to promote metabolism. Avoid strenuous exercise within 2 weeks after surgery, and gradually resume swimming and other water activities after 1 month. If persistent effusion, fever or severe pain occurs, timely reexamination is required to rule out infection. Most patients' glans sensitivity can naturally return to normal levels 3-6 months after surgery.