Circumcision: What You Need to Know
Circumcision: What You Need to KnowPage 1 of 2NarratorWhether or not to circumcise your baby boy is an important and individual decision.Surgically removing the foreskin of a boy’s penis – called circumcision – is usually done before ababy leaves the hospital, although some religious rituals perform the procedure when a baby is 8days old.Parents should weigh the pros and cons, consider cultural and religious beliefs, and talk with theirdoctor before deciding if circumcision is right for their child.While the procedure is not medically necessary, the American Academy of Pediatrics says there arebenefits to circumcision, such as less risk of urinary infections in babies, and later in life a lower riskof penile cancer and some sexually transmitted diseases.While circumcision is a fairly simple procedure, complications such as excessive bleeding, infectionand problems with anesthesia, can occur – as with any surgery.There are a few techniques used in newborn circumcision. The most common type involves anincision, or surgical cut of the foreskin. Most doctors use local pain relief for the baby, but if you’reconsidering circumcision, that’s something you’ll want to verify with your doctor. Your baby’s doctorshould also explain what circumcision technique he will use, and how to care for your babyafterwards.Whichever decision you make about circumcision, keeping your baby’s penis clean is a necessarypart of healthy hygiene.The circumcised penis may look red for the first few days and a gauze with petroleum jelly might beapplied after the procedure.Again, follow the doctor’s specific instructions for care, which may include replacing the dressing onthe wound for a few days.Washing the penis with warm water is fine. Using petroleum jelly on the area for several days will helpthe diaper not stick to the wound.A scab may appear, but don’t worry, it should go away on its own in about a week.Call your baby’s doctor if you see any signs of infection, including: significant redness or bleeding,swelling or a yellow discharge that doesn’t go away.If you decide not to circumcise your son, there is no special care needed for newborns with anuncircumcised penis. General washing with soap and water should be all you need to keep it clean.Just remember to be gentle with the foreskin and do not try to pull it back.The decision whether or not to have your baby boy circumcised is a personal one. Doctors say thebest time to make this decision is before the baby is born, since circumcision is safest if done as anewborn.Educating yourself on circumcision and considering all the factors will help you make the bestdecision for your little boy.© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
© The Wellness Network
