Circumcision, the removal of the foreskin of the penis, has been practiced for centuries. While commonly performed for religious or cultural reasons, circumcision has historically also been recommended as a form of preventative care. It can be done at any age, but is most often done in newborns.
If you’re wondering whether you should circumcise your newborn baby, it’s important to understand the big picture. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the benefits of circumcision outweigh the low risks of the procedure. However, these benefits can also be achieved with thorough hygiene. Unless certain health factors exist, doctors generally leave the decision up to parents.
To help you make the best decision for your newborn, read on to learn the benefits and risks of circumcision, what the procedure entails, and tips on caring for circumcised and uncircumcised babies.
Benefits of circumcision include easier hygiene and infection control
The inside of the foreskin can create a protected environment where bacteria and viruses can grow if not cleaned regularly. Removing the foreskin through circumcision makes it easier to clean the penis, and as a result, circumcision has been linked to a lower risk of:
- Urinary tract infections, particularly in the first year of life.
- sexually transmitted diseases
- Other infections
- Irritation and inflammation
- penile cancer
It is important to note that your baby’s risk of these conditions can equally be reduced by cleaning his foreskin during bathing and teaching him how to keep it clean once he is able to take care of his own hygiene.
The potential risks of circumcision are related to the procedure.
Circumcision has been shown to have no effect on future penile sensitivity or function. This means that the main risks of circumcision are associated with the procedure itself. However, circumcision is an extremely common and well-understood procedure, so these risks are very low. But like other minor surgeries, it carries the possibility of:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring or healing problems
- Remove too much or too little skin
- Pain during the procedure.
To help you make an informed decision, your child’s doctor will explain these risks and talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have.
How a circumcision procedure is performed
Newborn circumcision is usually performed within 10 days of birth, often in the first 48 hours. It is usually done by clamping and removing the foreskin, but in some cases, a plastic ring may be placed around the penis to stop blood flow to the foreskin. Both the ring and the foreskin come off on their own after a few days, without the need for stitches.
Does circumcision hurt?
Circumcision can be painful, but there are several things you and your care team can do to keep your baby comfortable. Before the procedure, your care team will use an anesthetic in the form of a cream or injection to numb your penis. Then, during the procedure, you may be offered a pacifier dipped in sugar water or a sugar-free sweetener solution. You may also be given acetaminophen (Tylenol). If your baby is still uncomfortable, you can help by swaddling him or her after the procedure is complete.
Your doctor will give you additional recommendations to care for him during his recovery, such as using Vaseline or bacitracin to reduce friction in his diapers.
How long does circumcision take to heal?
A circumcision usually takes 7 to 10 days to heal, and slight swelling, redness, or bruising is normal during this process. You may also notice scabs and a small amount of blood or yellow fluid on your baby’s penis or in his diaper; These are typical parts of recovery and will go away on their own.
Caring for a circumcised or uncircumcised baby
Whether you decide to circumcise your baby or not, you will have to take care of his hygiene and take care of the health of his penis. Taking care of your baby’s hygiene will be a little more complicated after circumcision, but it will be easier to keep him clean once he heals. Leaving your baby uncircumcised means that you will be responsible for cleaning his penis periodically until he is able to do so.
How to care for a circumcised baby
After circumcision, it is important to follow your care team’s instructions to ensure your baby heals properly. You may be told to avoid washing your penis for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After this period, gently wash the area with warm water during bathing. If there is a bandage on the penis, change it every time you change the diaper. If you are given antibiotic ointment, reapply it at the same time. Applying Vaseline to the head of the penis and keeping diapers loose can also help keep your baby comfortable.
Call your baby’s doctor if your baby:
- You do not urinate within 12 hours after the procedure.
- Develops a fever
- You have swelling, redness, or bleeding that does not improve or worsens after a few days.
How to care for an uncircumcised baby
Gently wash an uncircumcised penis with non-irritating soap and water. It is not necessary to use any special hygiene products. While bathing your baby, do not try to pull back the foreskin unless it has retracted on its own.
Once the foreskin can retract, pull it back, clean it with soap and water, rinse it well, and then pull it back over the head of the penis. The foreskin can take anywhere from months to years to retract, so it may not happen until your son is old enough to bathe himself. As your son learns to clean himself, it is important to teach him to clean his penis and foreskin regularly as part of his general hygiene.
Circumcision is your decision, but talk to a doctor if you want more information.
As a parent of a newborn, the decision to circumcise your baby is yours. If you want to understand the full scope of what it could mean for your child, talk to your doctor. They will be able to analyze your child’s case and help you make the right decision for your family.
