Boys are born with a hood of skin that covers the head of their penis called the foreskin. Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin. Routine circumcision of a newborn baby boy takes about 5 to 10 minutes. It is a very common daycare procedure done in hospitals (the patient is discharged the same day of the surgery).
Circumcision has many health benefits.
Circumcision does not affect fertility.
Parents should talk with their pediatric surgeon/ pedicatrician about the benefits and risks of the procedure before making a decision regarding circumcision of a male child.
The most common complications associated with circumcision are bleeding and infection. Side effects related to anesthesia are possible as well.
It should always be done in a hospital environment under general anaesthesia by a pediatric surgeon.
Following circumcision, it is important to keep the area as clean as possible. Gently clean with warm water — do not use diaper wipes. It usually takes between 7 to 10 days for a penis to heal. Initially the tip may appear slightly swollen and red and you may notice a small amount of blood on the diaper. You also may notice a slight yellow discharge or crust after a couple of days. This is part of the normal healing process.
If you notice any of the following problems, contact your doctor right away:
However, with quick intervention, almost all circumcision-related problems are easily treated.
Parents should learn the facts about circumcision and weigh the pros and cons. In addition to considering the medical factors, religious and cultural beliefs might play a role. If these are important to you, they deserve to be seriously considered.
Talk to a pediatric surgeon to help you make the choice that’s right for your son.