Circumcision
Circumcision of male newborns is an operation performed since the beginning of recorded history. The removal of the foreskin has its roots in religion cultural heritage. Once recommended for all males, it may not be necessary for all. Some conditions require circumcision for treatment. A narrowing at the tip (phimosis), infections (posthitis), or irritation are easily remedied with the procedre. Circumcision is recommended for boys with any underlying kidney abnormality or if he suffers from urinary tract infections (UTI’s).
Uncircumcised penis care
Do not pull back on the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis (glans penis). The foreskin will eventually separate from the tip of the penis. In future years, erections and old skin particles between the inner foreskin and the glans naturally complete the process by age 5 or 6. Is should not be necessary for daily hygiene until he reaches puberty.
Why circumcise?
Medical reasons may require circumcision. Vesicoureteral reflux, kidney or bladder infections, posthitis (inflamed foreskin), or true phimosis (a narrowing of the foreskin). Parents for family, cultural, or religious reasons may request circumcision. The procedure is usually done shortly after birth. It may be delayed if the newborn infant is too ill, or if the infant has an abnormality of the penis such as hypospadias or chordee. The foreskin is left in place for use in later reconstructive surgery.
In very young babies circumcision can be performed in our office with local anesthesia and a clamp. In older infants and children general anesthesia is preferable and would require a hospital stay.
Circumcised penis care
Vaseline is applied to the diaper with each change. Starting 24 hours after the circumcision, the skin should be pushed back each day to prevent adhesions.
Circumcision:
is a surgical procedure that is not essential to a child's health. Parents must weigh the benefits and risks.
Benefits of circumcision
- A lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A circumcised infant boy has about a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life; an uncircumcised infant boy has about a 1 in 100 chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life.
- A lower risk of getting cancer of the penis. However, this type of cancer is very rare in both circumcised and uncircumcised males.
- A slightly lower risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Includes HIV, the AIDS virus.
- Prevention of foreskin infections.
- Prevention of phimosis. A condition in uncircumcised males that makes foreskin retraction impossible.
- Easier genital hygiene.
Risks of circumcision
- Complications from circumcision are rare and usually minor. They may include bleeding, infection, cutting the foreskin too short or too long, and improper healing.
- The belief that the foreskin is necessary to protect the tip of the penis. When removed, the tip of the penis may become irritated and cause the opening of the penis to become too small. Rarely, this can cause urination problems that may need to be surgically corrected.
Some people believe that circumcision makes the tip of the penis less sensitive, causing a decrease in sexual pleasure later in life. This has not been proven by any medical or psychological study.
Almost all uncircumcised boys can be taught proper hygiene that can lower their chances of getting infections, cancer of the penis, and sexually transmitted diseases.