Men undergo medical circumcision for various reasons, such as culture, health or hygiene. But whatever the reason, they are all glad they have done it.
Four men who recently underwent medical circumcision at the Bophelo Pele male circumcision clinic in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, spoke publicly about their experience. I've been wishing to do this a long time ago already," said Teboho (34), of Sebokeng. He said he had chosen to undergo medical circumcision, in hygienic surgical conditions, for health reasons.
"You've got plenty of disease out there," he said. "It's very important to do this thing, and not contract disease."
He said he was "feeling all right" only two days after his surgery, and while he had experienced a little pain on the evening after the operation, it had since subsided.
Vusi (31), of Zakaria Park, said he had decided to be circumcised for cultural reasons, as he wanted to "follow tradition". But he was not prepared to go through initiation and have a traditional circumcision.
"Going to the mountain takes two months - but this takes one day. It's also too painful (as part of initiation). This is much easier," he said.
Hygiene was also important to him, said Vusi, and being circumcised meant that he was able to keep himself clean more easily.
"After the operation it was painful, but not that painful that I couldn't walk. Now there's no pain at all," said Simon (35), of Sebokeng, only two days after his procedure.
Simon underwent initiation in 1995, but was not circumcised as his family could not afford a traditional circumcision. Things had turned out well, however, as he preferred to have undergone medical circumcision. "It's been my wish since I was young (to be circumcised)," said a pleased Simon.
Katiso (16), of Evaton, said he chose to be circumcised for health reasons: "There are many diseases, and I want to be protected."
He said his parents had wanted him to go to initiation school, "but I told them I didn't want to do that. I said I wanted to go to the clinic, and they agreed".
His procedure had been painless, he said, although he had experienced a little discomfort on the evening after his operation, once the anaesthetic had worn off.
Four days after his operation, Katiso had only this to say of his experience: "I'm glad."