Circumcision is a minor surgery to remove the part of the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. The surgery itself can be done any time, but is usually recommended soon after birth. It is considered a very safe procedure. Parents usually base this personal decision on religious or cultural beliefs.
Some people base their choice on tradition. More than half of all American boys are circumcised. If the father is circumcised, the son is usually circumcised. Some think a boy may feel different from his peers if he is uncircumcised.
Circumcision may slightly decrease the chance of infection under the foreskin, penile cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, and, during the first year of life, urinary tract infections. Most of these can also be prevented by keeping the penis clean. These slight advantages need to be considered along with possible complications, pain, and cost of the procedure. Talk with your health care provider about the potential benefits and the risks involved.
Before the procedure, parents must sign a consent form. A local anesthetic may be used to keep the baby from feeling any pain. The incision where the foreskin is removed is initially red and tender. The scab at the incision line comes off in 7 to 10 days to complete the healing.
Care includes frequent diaper changes and gently cleaning the area with water 3 times a day or whenever it becomes soiled. Using soap is usually not necessary. Petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment should be put on the incision line after cleaning. This will keep the tissue soft during healing. If there is a bandage on the penis, it will need to be changed with every diaper change.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIA File CHL3712F.HTM Release 9.0/2006
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