Can I get circumcised for free on the NHS?

The NHS only funds therapeutic circumcisions. This means there must be a medical need to qualify such as foreskin problems. The NHS does not fund non-therapeutic circumcisions which are carried out for religious or cultural reasons.

Which conditions qualify for NHS circumcision?

You must have a chronic foreskin problem such as the following:

· Phimosis – inability to retract the foreskin

· Paraphimosis – inability to return foreskin to normal position after retraction

· Balanitis – inflammation of the head of the penis (glans)

· Balanoposthitis – inflammation of the glans and foreskin

How to get an NHS circumcision?

You will need to visit your GP in the first instance to be assessed. If your GP thinks you may need a circumcision, they will refer you to the urology department in the hospital for assessment and circumcision if needed.

Is there a long waiting list?

Usually there is a long waiting list of several months and from our experience, most patients notice their condition getting worse whilst on the waiting list and opt for a quicker private circumcision.