Circumcision is a common procedure performed in many male infants. It involves removing the foreskin covering the tip of the penis. There are benefits and risks to circumcision. It’s a good idea to discuss them with your pediatrician or obstetrician and your partner before your baby is born.
While circumcision is not routinely recommended for all male newborns, there may be cultural, religious, medical, and other reasons you may decide that it is right for your child. The choice to circumcise or not to circumcise is completely that of the parent, as circumcision is not necessary to have a healthy child. However, research shows that the medical benefits at least balance and may outweigh the risks.
When is circumcision typically done?
Circumcision usually is done in the hospital prior to discharge. Sometimes, though, it is done during the first weeks afterward. Ritual circumcisions for religious reasons are usually performed in the second week.
After the procedure, a light dressing with petroleum jelly may be placed over the head of the penis. Some pediatricians recommend keeping a clean dressing over the area until the penis is fully healed, while others advise leaving it off. The important thing is to keep the area clean. If stool gets on the penis, wipe it gently with soap and water.
Potential risks & benefits of circumcision
The tip of the penis may look red for the first few days, and you may notice a yellow secretion. Both indicate that the area is healing normally. The redness and secretion disappear gradually within a week. If the redness continues, or there is swelling or crusted yellow sores, there may be an infection. This does not happen often, but if you suspect an infection, consult your pediatrician.
After the circumcision has healed, usually the penis requires no additional care. Sometimes, a small piece of foreskin remains. You can pull back this skin gently each time the child is bathed so long as it retracts easily. Examine the groove around the head of the penis and make sure it’s clean.
What if you wait to circumcise your child?
If circumcision is done after the newborn period, general anesthesia is often used. Later circumcision is a more complicated surgical procedure with a higher risk of bleeding and the need to suture (stitch) skin edges.
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