Male Circumcision has been in practice for over 5,000 years and is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world. The benefits of Circumcision include: elimination of tight foreskin (phimosis), easier personal hygiene, easier urination, improved sexual pleasure and better cosmetic appearance. 

The Shang Ring procedure is a fantastic option if you are considering undergoing a Circumcision procedure. The procedure requires a device consisting of two concentric plastic rings: the inner ring and the outer ring. Essentially the rings act as a clamp against the redundant foreskin, before it is removed by surgical scissors.

Compared to conventional (or traditional) Circumcision, the Shang Ring technique is quick, effective and elegant. The surgery time is reduced from about 1 hour using the conventional method, to 10-15 minutes. It is a sutureless procedure, so the final scar looks cosmetically better as there will not be any suture marks present. There is minimal to no bleeding, and very low risk of postoperative complications compared to the conventional technique. Finally, the patient satisfaction rate is extremely high.

Nevertheless, many men remain hesitant and doubtful about going under the knife, and understandably so. After all, it is to do with a man’s most intimate body part. These are some of the usual misconceptions and concerns I come across:

Thinking that Circumcision requires general anaesthesia and staying overnight in the hospital

• Circumcision is a procedure that can be performed in a GP clinic setting. General anaesthesia is not necessary at all.

Fear of pain during and/or after the procedure

• A topical anaesthetic cream is applied and left on the skin for 30 minutes and that is all that is required to fully numb the area. The patient is not expected to feel any pain sensation throughout the procedure. Anaesthetic injection is almost never needed.

• Post op, most patients actually do pretty well in terms of pain. Majority of my patients feedback that they only need to take paracetamol to relieve their pain. Also, they mainly experience pain only during involuntary night and morning erections, and the pain goes away shortly after the erection subsides.

Worried about downtime

• Some downtime after the procedure is to be expected. I usually advise my patients to take at least 2 to 3 days to fully rest at home after undergoing the Shang Ring procedure. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity, excessive sweating and swimming for at least 4 weeks or until the wound is fully healed. Sex and masturbation should also be strictly avoided during this time. 

• However, you are still able to walk around and do light activities. If your job is not physically demanding, you are still able to go to work as per normal.

Whether able to pass urine normally after procedure

• You will not encounter any issue with passing urine after the Shang Ring procedure. I normally advise my patients to fold a piece of toilet paper and place it just under the urethral opening to prevent urine seepage onto the ring and the wound.

Whether able to shower after procedure

• You may shower normally even on the same day after doing the Shang Ring procedure. All you need to take note of is not to apply strong water pressure directly onto the wound area.

Worried about glans sensitivity

• In an uncircumcised male, the foreskin has been covering the glans for decades, and suddenly after a Circumcision the glans gets fully exposed to the open environment. Thus, it is expected that there will be some initial glans sensitivity, especially when it comes into contact with your clothing or skin. This is not permanent. It takes around 3 to 4 weeks for the sensitivity to reduce as the glans gets accustomed to being fully exposed.

Thinking of getting the Shang Ring Circumcision done?

The Shang Ring Circumcision is available at RMDY Clinic. If you have been sitting on the fence for awhile and unsure if you should go ahead, we hope that this article has helped to clear some uncertainties and concerns. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch to arrange a consultation with our doctor.

More information about Circumcision here.