Expert Advice for Caring for Your Surgical Site After Penile Lesion Removal
Last Friday, I underwent a vasectomy along with the removal of a penile lesion. Thus far, the recovery from the vasectomy appears to be progressing well. However, the area affected by the lesion is located at the point where my foreskin extends, and as someone who hasn’t been circumcised, I find it particularly challenging. Unfortunately, my physician did not provide much guidance on maintaining cleanliness in that area. Since I have an outdoor job in Florida, I’ve been showering twice daily and ensuring I gently pat the area dry after using the restroom. Today, I noticed a small trace of blood while drying off, which is concerning. I’m eager to receive any recommendations for properly caring for this area to encourage swift healing, as the presence of this dissolvable stitch is quite bothersome.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 7:01:23 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that your recovery from the vasectomy is going well. Caring for the area after the removal of a penile lesion can be a bit more challenging, especially in a sensitive location like you described. It’s understandable that you are concerned about any unexpected bleeding and want to ensure proper healing.
Key Points:
- It's important to keep the area clean and dry.
- Monitor for signs of infection and excessive bleeding.
- Take steps to reduce discomfort while the stitch dissolves.
Explanation:
After a surgical procedure, especially in such a sensitive area, maintaining cleanliness while being cautious about irritation is vital. The bleeding you noticed could be part of normal healing, especially with activity or if the stitch has started to dissolve, but it's essential to keep an eye on it.
Next Steps:
-
Gentle Cleaning: Continue to shower twice daily using mild soap. Avoid scrubbing the area; instead, let water rinse over it, and use your hands to gently cleanse.
-
Drying Carefully: After washing, pat the area dry gently with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as it can cause irritation and further bleeding.
-
Moisture Control: Since you have an outdoor job in Florida, consider wearing breathable, loose-fitting underwear to minimize irritation from sweating and friction. If possible, take breaks in a shaded area to help keep the area cooler.
-
Monitor for Changes: Keep a close watch for signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus) or if the bleeding worsens. If you see significant bleeding or feel increased pain, it may be worth addressing that promptly.
-
Stitch Care: Since dissolvable stitches can sometimes be bothersome, ensure you don't tug at them. If they become more irritating, a follow-up with your healthcare provider for advice may be prudent.
If the small amount of blood continues or worsens, or if you have any other concerning symptoms, consider documenting these changes and discussing them with your physician for tailored advice.
Take care, and remember that healing can vary, so give your body the time it needs to recover!
Related Questions
Concerns About Persistent Cough: Is It Cardiac Related?
Greetings everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male weighing 320 pounds, which qualifies as overweight. Having dealt with asthma for the majority of my life—although it’s generally mild—I typically rely on a nebulizer during occasions of typical chest colds. For some context, I came down with a cold around January 9th. Being on a college campus frequently means exposure to a variety of illnesses, and I suspect I contracted bronchitis, given the lasting cough and breathlessness I experienced for a couple of weeks afterward. However, I believed I had fully recuperated and moved on. Recently, since about Monday, I have noticed a return of my breathlessness along with a persistent cough and a sensation of fluid in my chest and throat. I find myself coughing as I attempt to clear my throat. This comes and goes, but it tends to intensify in the mornings right after I wake up and at night when I try to sleep. Additionally, I spend time with friends who smoke on occasion, and I initially thought that secondhand smoke might be a contributing factor. My concern has grown, and I’m unsure what to think. So, I’m reaching out for guidance: could this be residual effects from my cold in January, or should I be concerned that this might indicate a more serious issue related to my heart?
Hernia Diagnosis Without Follow-Up: A Conflicting Situation
A 22-year-old male recently visited the emergency room due to discomfort in his lower abdomen. Upon examination, the medical team was indecisive about whether he was experiencing an oblique muscle problem or a hernia. Surprisingly, they opted against performing a CT scan or ultrasound and did not schedule any follow-up appointments. To the best of my knowledge, hernias typically do not resolve themselves with merely the use of ace bandages or over-the-counter pain medication; surgical intervention is usually necessary for proper treatment. Is there a specific rationale behind their reluctance to pursue further diagnostic testing or surgery?
Experiencing Wheezing During Deep Breaths
Greetings, everyone! I'm seeking your insights on a particular issue I'm facing: I experience a wheezing sound only when inhaling deeply. Interestingly, it's noticeable on one side, and it's audible to others as well. I've never used tobacco or any other substances, nor do I consume alcohol. My weight falls within a healthy range, and I do not have asthma. Additionally, my oxygen levels are normal, and I don’t struggle with breathing; this situation is more of an irritation than a serious problem. I’ve recorded the noise, but I’m unable to share it here; it honestly resembles the sound of a rubber chicken. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions! Thank you in advance!
Unexplained Episodes of Abdominal Discomfort
Age: 28 Gender: Female Weight: 194 lbs Height: 5’7" Current Medications: Vitamin D, Fish Oil, B Complex Vitamins, Birth Control Pills, Vyvanse 30 mg Health Background: Asthma, Eczema, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Since August 2025, I've experienced three occurrences of intense abdominal discomfort that necessitated visits to the emergency room for pain management. These episodes usually strike at night, escalating to unbearable levels within around 30 minutes. None of the sitting positions seem to provide relief, and gastrointestinal medications have proven largely ineffective. Only strong pain relievers seem to alleviate the suffering. After the peak of the pain subsides, my abdomen remains sensitive for more than three days. I can accurately identify the location of the discomfort, which appears to be between the midepigastric area and near the gallbladder. The pain is difficult to articulate, yet it presents as a severe burning and aching sensation. Interestingly, there does not seem to be any specific food intake related to these pain episodes. I underwent an H. Pylori breath test that returned negative results. Additionally, I had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Although the biopsies were also negative for H. Pylori, they did reveal residual liquid in my stomach and a small section of intestinal metaplasia. My complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) results were normal, except for elevated LDL levels, which I’m already aware of. My gastroenterologist has recommended a gastric emptying study (GES) to evaluate the functionality of my stomach. If results indicate no issues, we will then investigate the gallbladder. Are there alternative explanations for my symptoms? Should I be worried about autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG)? While I have been diagnosed with GERD, this pain feels distinctly different from the GERD-related discomfort. I am not entirely sure it is gastroparesis, even though I occasionally regurgitate if I eat too quickly; I do not experience nausea or malnutrition. I have researched extensively, and my symptoms align with biliary colic. However, I am anxious about the possibility of gallstones not appearing in the ultrasound. My gastroenterologist is not particularly concerned about the intestinal metaplasia, but being only 28 years old, I find this worrying. As a medical student, these painful episodes significantly hinder my studies and academic progress.
Understanding Lymph Node Sensitivity
A 32-year-old female with a BMI of 28 poses a concern about potential lymph node activity. Over the past three months, she has noticed tender areas coinciding with her menstrual cycle. She has detected slight lumps, but is careful not to press deeply into the tissue to avoid further discomfort. Initially, in December, the sensitivity was localized to the left side of her breast. In January, she observed similar tenderness in her inner left thigh, and by February, both areas and the region above her armpit were affected. Additionally, she has been experiencing fluctuations in her hormonal balance lately. The discomfort in her left breast has persisted for most of this time since December. She wonders whether this is a typical response from lymph nodes due to hormonal changes or if it would be advisable to consult her general practitioner for further evaluation.