Circumcision in baby boys is the surgical removal of the upper layer of skin covering the penis. This procedure might be done due to cultural, religious, or health perspectives. But there are certain risks and complications you should know about getting a circumcision for your baby boy. But the final decision on whether or not you want to move forward with getting it for your baby boy is a decision you have to make. Read on as we discuss circumcision, the procedure, the advantages, and the following complications.
What Is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the process of removing a section of foreskin covering the head (glans) of the penis. The penis is naturally covered by some skin for protection of the tissue beneath it. The removal of the foreskin leaves the tip of the penis uncovered. While circumcision is a choice, a considerable number of boys go through the procedure every year.
What Percentage Of Baby Boys Get Circumcised?
The number of boys getting circumcised varies depending on the region. According to experts, about 55-65% of baby boys get circumcised in the US every year. The practice is most prevalent in North America, The Middle East, and Africa. Circumcision is less common in parts of Asia, South America, and Europe, owing to the differences in religious orientations, culture, and traditions.
Why do parents choose circumcision?
Circumcision is done due to any of the following reasons:
Religious and cultural beliefs: Several parents choose to get their baby boy circumcised due to religious and cultural reasons. Health and hygiene beliefs: Some parents consider that circumcision is a way to prevent bacterial accumulation around the glans of the penis, and reduce the chances of urinary infections. Circumcision also brings down the risk of foreskin complications and infections.
Family tradition: Sometimes it could just be a tradition to get all the male members of the family circumcised.
These factors also determine when the child gets circumcised. But can the procedure be done at any time?
What Is The Right Age For Infant’s Circumcision?
Most newborn boys get a circumcision within a day or two after birth and at most within a week. In some cases, it may be delayed if the baby has a medical problem or when an immediate circumcision can pose a risk to the baby’s health.
Is Circumcision Painful For The Baby?
Yes, circumcision is painful for the baby, but the pain can be alleviated with medication suitable for babies. If the baby is circumcised within the first few days after birth, then pain medication may not be necessary. Your doctor can perform the procedure using only a numbing cream at the site of operation. However, if the circumcision is delayed by several weeks or even months, then it will be an elaborate surgical procedure with the use of local anesthesia. The wound will also require stitching, and the overall risk of the procedure is also higher (1). Therefore, if you want to circumcise your child, it’s good to do it soon after birth. It means that you decide before the baby is born. To help you make an informed decision, we look at the benefits of circumcision for a baby boy next.
Can Circumcision Benefit Your Baby?
Circumcision offers the following benefits to a baby boy:
Lower risk of UTIs: The American Academy of Pediatrics states that circumcised infants have a lower risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) when compared to baby boys who are not circumcised (2). Uncircumcised infants are ten times more likely to develop UTIs in the first year of their lives when compared to those who have undergone circumcision.
Reduced risk of foreskin complications: Since the foreskin is trimmed at the tip, there are fewer chances of complications of the foreskin. An example is the prevention of phimosis, which is a common medical condition where it is difficult to retract the foreskin. There is even a reduced risk of infection since urine, and other germs do not get trapped between the foreskin and the glans.
Easy to keep the penis clean: Parents may find it convenient to keep their baby’s penis clean because the tip is exposed and thus easier to clean.
Eventually, a circumcised man is at a lesser risk of contracting HIV and herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) through sexual intercourse (3). Of course, these are long-term benefits that the baby will enjoy when he grows up.
Are There Any Disadvantages Of Circumcision?
There are no disadvantages of circumcision as the penis will be the same, functioning as it should even in adulthood. However, there might be surgery-related risks involved. We talk about it later in the post.
How To Prepare For Circumcision?
The first step to getting your little boy circumcised is talking to the baby’s doctor. Your doctor can suggest the best time for the baby’s circumcision, depending on the health of the newborn. Once the date and time for the procedure are determined, the doctor might tell you not to feed the infant at least four to six hours before the surgery (4).
What Is The Procedure For An Infant’s Circumcision?
The entire circumcision procedure takes about 15-20 minutes with the following steps:
- Numbing the region:
The doctor would use a numbing cream to anesthetize the tip of the penis and the entire foreskin. The cream takes about an hour to show effect (5). Most newborns only need numbing cream for pain relief during circumcision. Older infants undergoing circumcision would require anesthesia, which is injected at the base of the penis.
- Cutting the foreskin: There are three methods of circumcision viz. the Gomco Clamp, Mogen Clamp, and Plastibell Technique. In any method, the first step is to separate the foreskin from the glans using a probe. It makes it easier to cut the foreskin and prevents injuries to the head of the penis.
The Gomco Clamp method uses a hollow tube that attaches to the tip of the penis after foreskin separation. The foreskin rolls over the tube. A clamp on the tube moves to the point where the foreskin is to be removed. It helps constrict blood supply to the foreskin thus minimizing bleeding. The doctor uses a scalpel to cut the foreskin around the edge of the clamp to complete the circumcision procedure.
In the Mogen Clamp method, the foreskin passes through a metal clamp that closes and separates the section of the foreskin to be removed. A scalpel is used to cut the foreskin. The clamp is left at its place for a few seconds to reduce the blood supply to the region and reduce the chances of bleeding.
In the Plastibell Technique, the tip of the penis is made to pass through a small ring. The foreskin then runs over the plastic ring. A line below the plastic ring is tied with a suture to cut away the blood supply. The doctor then uses a scalpel to cut away the foreskin above the suture. The stitches are removed, but the plastic ring remains at its place for about eight days after which it falls off on its own.
- Completing the circumcision
The doctor will apply a medicated ointment to the region and dress it with a gauze bandage. In the case of Plastibell technique, there is no need of dressing. Your doctor will give instructions and prescribe medicines to dress the area. You are allowed to take your baby home right after the discussion.
Usually, the procedure is completed smoothly and the child recovers from the surgery soon.
How Long Does It Take For A Circumcised Penis To Heal?
A circumcised penis completely heals in 7-10 days (6). In the case of Plastibell Technique, the plastic ring will fall off on its own in about a week once the foreskin is completely dry and healed. But sometimes, complications could arise during or after the surgery.
What Are The Risks Of The Circumcision Procedure?
Circumcision is like any other surgical procedure and poses the following risks to the baby: Medical experts state that infections and complications after circumcision are rare. But you must know how to spot something wrong.
When To Take The Baby To A Doctor?
The following are the signs of infection at the site of circumcision. Take your baby to the doctor in the following scenarios:
The baby does not urinate six to eight hours after the procedure. Cries every time he urinates, indicating meatitis – an infection of the tip of the penis that can occur after circumcision (7). Redness around the tip of the penis that continues even after five days. Drainage of pus from the wound even after a week. Excessive inflammation of the foreskin and the tip of the penis. Chronic colic; a baby cries a lot thus indicating excessive pain. Fever. Presence of pus-filled blisters on the penis. Foul smell from the genitals.
You can prevent an infection of the penis by taking proper post-surgical care of the baby.
How Can Parents Care For The Baby’s Circumcised Penis?
Proper care of your baby’s circumcised penis is essential for smooth healing and prevention of infection. Here is what you should do: Once your baby’s penis heals, it does not require any special care. If any loose remnants of foreskin remain, then let it dry naturally and shed on its own.
When Not To Have Circumcision?
Circumcision may not be an ideal choice if the baby suffers from the following conditions:
Premature birth: Circumcision is delayed if the baby is born prematurely. The baby should have stable health with significant growth before he is ready for circumcision. Blood disorders: If the baby has blood disorders that can cause excessive bleeding during surgery, then circumcision may not be the right thing for him. Do note that the presence of these disorders could be determined through gene sequencing right after birth or if the condition runs in the family. Abnormalities in urinary system: Sometimes, the baby could have congenital urinary tract problems. like hypospadias. It makes circumcision risky and unnecessary for the baby. Overall poor health at birth: The doctor may not recommend circumcision if the baby is born underweight or with some congenital disease. Pediatricians state that circumcision is ideal only in completely healthy infants.
Next, we answer a few questions that parents often have about circumcision.
