Every new parent of a baby boy is faced with the difficult and personal decision of whether or not to have their son circumcised. It’s a topic that is not widely discussed and leaves many parents in the dark when it comes time to make a decision. Most parents base their decision on cultural, religious or personal reasons, and while there is no right or wrong decision, it is important to consider all aspects.
Circumcision is a quick, elective surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin located at the head of the penis. In most cases, there is no medical need for a circumcision; however, some studies have shown medical benefits associated with the procedure. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), boys who have been circumcised are at a lower risk for foreskin infections, urinary tract infections, penile cancer, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and Phimosis, a condition in uncircumcised males that makes foreskin retraction impossible.
Your baby may cry both during and for a short period after the procedure. Local anesthesia may greatly reduce your baby’s discomfort. Talk with your child’s physician about the various anesthesia options available. Additionally, a newborn must be stable and healthy in order to be circumcised.
Complications associated with circumcision are extremely rare, but as with every surgery, there are risks involved. The most frequent complications include minor bleeding and local infection, both of which can be easily treated by your child’s doctor. If your baby does not urinate normally within 6 – 8 hours after the procedure, experiences persistent bleeding, or if there is increased redness around the head of the penis after 3 – 5 days, call your pediatrician immediately.
Should you choose to forego circumcision for your newborn, it is extremely important to keep the uncircumcised area clean. Gently wash the genital area while bathing your baby. Special cleansing, such as using cotton swabs or an antiseptic, is not necessary. It is important to note that the foreskin does not fully retract until around 3 years of age and should never be forced. At this time, boys should be taught how to wash underneath the foreskin every day to help prevent infection. The steps to proper cleansing include gently pulling back the foreskin; rinsing the head of the penis and inside the folds of the foreskin with soap and water; and pulling the foreskin back over the head of the penis.
Whether or not to have your child circumcised is an important decision that should be made prior to the birth of your baby. It is recommended that the procedure take place within the first two days of life. Circumcision conducted later in the child’s life may be come with added risk. Please address any questions or concerns regarding circumcision with your physician during pregnancy in order to allow yourself plenty of time to make an informed decision. If you are an expecting parent and do not have a family physician, please call Eskenazi Health Center at 317-554-5555 to make an appointment at a location near you.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health