Concerns Following Circumcision
A 16-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 121.25 pounds, is on day six after undergoing circumcision. I've noticed an unusual yellow fluid oozing from the stitches, and it’s causing me a great deal of worry. The discharge thickens over time, yet my mother assures me that this is normal and that I shouldn’t worry too much. Despite her reassurances, my anxiety persists, and I seek clarity on whether this is a typical occurrence. (My upcoming clinic visit is scheduled for tomorrow.)
Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 9:01:27 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about your recovery after circumcision, especially when noticing unusual symptoms. Let's break down the situation:
Key Points:
- It is common to have some discharge after circumcision.
- Yellow fluid can sometimes be a sign of normal healing, but it could also indicate an infection.
Explanation:
After circumcision, it’s normal for the site to have some fluid, which can be yellowish due to the mixture of blood, tissue fluid, and possibly some discharge as part of the healing process. However, it’s important to differentiate between normal healing and signs of infection. If the discharge is becoming thicker or if you notice increasing redness, swelling, or have fever, these can be signs that you should not ignore.
Your mother's reassurance is well-intended, but your concerns are valid, and it's wise to pay attention to how your body is responding.
Next Steps:
-
Take Note of Changes: Before your clinic visit tomorrow, monitor the fluid closely. Note if it changes color, increases in amount, or if you develop symptoms like fever or increased pain.
-
Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the area clean and dry. Gently cleanse with mild soap and water as tolerated. Avoid any lotions or ointments unless prescribed.
-
Avoid Irritants: Refrain from activities that could cause irritation, such as tight clothing or sexual activity, until cleared by your doctor.
-
Stay Calm: While waiting for your appointment, try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to music to help manage your anxiety.
-
Communicate with Your Doctor: During your visit, be sure to share all details regarding the discharge and any other symptoms you might be experiencing. They'll provide you with the best guidance moving forward.
It's great that you have a clinic visit scheduled soon—this will help you get the clarity and care you need. Trust your instincts, and don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment. You are doing the right thing by seeking information!
Related Questions
Unexpected Mastoiditis: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone! I'm a 31-year-old woman, standing at 170 cm tall and weighing 65 kg. I've never smoked, consume no alcohol, and currently take no medications. Interestingly, I experienced idiopathic pancreatitis two months ago. Recently, I discovered a painful, firm lump behind my ear that appeared suddenly overnight. It was inflamed and tender upon contact. A visit to my general practitioner revealed that she suspected it might be mastoiditis. Oddly enough, I didn't suffer from any additional pain, fever, or other signs of illness. In fact, I felt perfectly fine, even managing to hit some personal records at the gym! The only notable thing I recalled was a small pimple near my ear that I had picked at several times, which had completely cleared up about a week prior to the onset of my symptoms. After starting antibiotics, I noticed almost immediate improvement, leading me to believe it may have indeed been a bacterial infection. I'm intrigued to know: how can mastoiditis arise in the absence of any other identifiable infection? I apologize if my English isn't perfect; it's not my first language.
Seeking Guidance on Ear Issues
I'm a 22-year-old male. Typically, I enjoy hot showers, and towards the end, I switch to cold water for about three to five minutes. However, I take my time drying off. For the past two days, I've been experiencing a persistent ringing in my ears. Additionally, I often listen to music at high volumes, which might contribute to the issue. At what point should I consult a healthcare professional, and when might it be advisable to simply wait and see if the ringing resolves itself?
Understanding Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Symptoms
Since I was in my twenties, I've noticed that while lying down or holding my breath, I can feel my heartbeat in my abdomen. After some research, I stumbled upon the term AAA, which stands for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The thought is unsettling, especially because my grandfather suffered from one. Generally, when I breathe normally and check my abdomen, I don’t feel a heartbeat, but I’ve experienced intermittent pain in the upper region of my stomach, near the xiphoid process, for several months now. Initially, I suspected it might be gastritis. I can't feel any distinct mass there, yet when I examine my chest and carefully move my hands downward, it seems like there's something layered beneath the surface. My guess is that it could be fat serving as a protective barrier for my organs, but I can't shake off my anxiety. What would you recommend? I recently had a CT scan of my chest, but I'm concerned that the imaging may not have extended low enough to properly visualize the entire aorta.
Managing a Calf Strain Before Your Orthopedic Appointment
It has been six days since I sustained a calf strain, and I have another six days until my orthopedic consultation. In the meantime, what measures can I take? Is it advisable to engage in stretching exercises? When I attempt to stretch, the sensation is more akin to tightness or delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) rather than a significant injury. I find that with consistent gentle stretching, I can maintain a position without discomfort. However, once I relax and allow some time to pass, returning to the stretch feels like starting from scratch. Is this typical for an injury of this nature? Background: 38 years old, 220 pounds, 5’9".
Unusual White Line Detected on Pelvis in Recent X-Ray
A 41-year-old man, who does not smoke but enjoys social drinking, weighs 210 pounds and stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall. He is not on any regular medication, aside from occasional use of paracetamol or ibuprofen as necessary. He has a medical history that includes kyphoscoliosis, which was corrected through spinal fusion using rods and screws. Additionally, he underwent an interbody fusion in the lumbar region between the L3 and L4 vertebrae. Recently, my husband underwent an X-ray on his lower back to confirm that the interbody fusion site remained stable and unchanged since the surgical procedure. He has been experiencing hip pain that the medical team suspects might be linked to a nerve issue related to the facet joints. During the examination, the physician observed an unexpected white line along the right side of his pelvic bone, which was previously unknown to us, and the doctor expressed uncertainty regarding its significance. If anyone has insights into what this might indicate, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you for your assistance!