Circumcision
A circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the skin which covers the glans or the head of the penis. This is usually done in the newborn period, usually around the second or third day of life.
The decision to circumcise is personal. Being informed can help new parents to be comfortable with the choice they make. We will try to sort out what is fact and what is fiction to help you make your decision.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the medical benefits of circumcision aren't sufficient to recommend that all infant boys have the procedure. You should weigh the risks and benefits of circumcision, and consider cultural and religious traditions when deciding whether to have your baby circumcised. If circumcision is performed, pain relief should be provided. To minimize complications, only healthy, full term babies with no medical problems and no family history of bleeding disorders can be circumcised.
Benefits
- May reduce urinary tract infections
- May reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted disease, including HIV
- May reduce the incidence of foreskin infections
- May reduce the incidence of cancer of the penis (a very rare type of cancer)
- Easier to clean
- May reduce risk of phimosis, a condition in which the foreskin adheres to the glans and cannot be pulled back
Risks
- Complications occur in .2 to .6 percent of cases, the most common being bleeding and infections
- Injury of the penis (although not common)
- Pain during the procedure--ask your practitioner about using a local anesthetic
Social Issues
- Parents wish to have a child look the same as others
- Religious beliefs
- Dad's and son's penises will look the same
- Some people believe that male circumcision is the equivalent of female genital mutilation, i.e. the surgical alteration of a child's body without his consent.
- The circumcision is usually done when your baby is one to two days old. It is performed by a doctor and may be done in the nursery. The procedure takes five to ten minutes, and your baby can return to your room after he's observed for 10-15 minutes. If the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, your baby will be observed for one hour before returning home. The cost of the circumcision is at least $150 and may not be covered by your insurance plan.You may want to check with your insurer about coverage for circumcisions.
- Taking care of the newly circumcised penis is easy. With each diaper change, wash the penis with soap and water. Then, apply a small amount of A&D ointment or Vaseline to the penis to help soothe it and to prevent it from sticking to the diaper. Avoid using disposable baby wipes until the circumcision has completely healed, because many wipes contain alcohol that may irritate the circumcision. If you notice increased swelling or drainage or if your baby isn't urinating, notify your practitioner immediately.
- Caring for an uncircumcised penis involves simple washing and rinsing. Don't pull the foreskin back. This can cause pain, bleeding and swelling. When your baby is about 2, the foreskin will separate from the glans on its own. Once the foreskin can be pulled back easily, you can thoroughly clean underneath and pull it up again over the glans. This easy, painless routine should be taught to the child when he is old enough to do it himself.
