Circumcision
What is Circumcision?
Every baby boy is born with a covering (foreskin) over the sensitive end of the penis
(glans). In a circumcision operation, the skin covering is cut away and removed. This
leaves the end of the penis exposed.
Is Circumcision Necessary?
In the 1970s, both the American and Canadian Academies of Pediatrics and the Colleges
of Obstetrics and Gynecologist released a position statement stating “there is no valid
indication for circumcision in the newborn male.”
If Circumcisions are Not Necessary, Why are they Done?
Some Muslim and Jewish people practice circumcision for religious reasons, In many
parts of the world circumcision is almost never performed. The most common reason for
circumcision is that it might prevent future problems such as cancer and infections.
some believe that the penis is easier to clean. Scientific research and studies have
shown none of this to be true. Infections of the uncircumcised penis are rare, as is cancer
of the penis.
Many parents choose circumcision for social reasons. if the baby’s father is circumcised,
parents feel the need to have him look like his father. As circumcision rates are falling
(presently about 80% of male babies are not being circumcised), the circumcised male
will likely not “look” like his peers when growing up.
How are Newborn Circumcisions Done?
They are done during the first wee of life only to a healthy full term baby. parents are
required to sign a consent form giving authorization for circumcision.
The baby is placed on a board or molded tray to fit the infant’s body. He lies on his back
and his arms and legs are secured with restraints. The most common method of
circumcision involves clamping the foreskin and using a think probe to free up the normal
adhesions and tissue connections between the foreskin and the head of the penis. A
device, such as a metal bell or a plastic ring, is placed over the head of the penis for
protection. The foreskin is pulled over this device, clamped and cut away. The device
falls off by itself in 510 days. The area that was cut may be red and sore for several
days before it heals.
Does the baby feel the circumcision?
Topical and local anesthesia are often used. The effectiveness of this procedure varies
from infant to infant. Some physicians do not routinely use anesthetic for this procedure.
It is important that parents understand that babies doe have sensitive nerve endings and
can feel discomfort and pain. You may want to ask the physician if a local is part of their
practice. It may be reassuring for the infant for one or both parents to be with him during
the circumcision. Cuddling the baby immediately after may help reduce the baby’s
discomfort and stress.
Are There Complications With Circumcision?
Circumcision is surgery. With any surgery there are inherent risks. one large study found
that 2 out of 100 babies had complications following circumcision. The most common
problems are excessive bleeding, infection and injury to the penis.
How Do We Care for an Uncircumcised Penis?
The foreskin of a newborn is almost always adherent or stuck to the head of the penis
and the opening is like a pinhole. This is normal. It is important that no attempt be made
to retract or pull back the foreskin. Retracting the foreskin too early can cause the
formation of scar tissues or adhesions. It is not necessary to pull back the foreskin for
cleaning in infancy. Boys have natural secretions to clean the penis. Washing the
outside of the penal area with soap and water will clean the area. Separation of the
foreskin from the head of the penis may take several years. By normal exploration during
the toddler years, baby boys will retract the foreskin gradually. By about 3 years of age,
90% of boys will have fully retractable foreskins. The best advice in caring for an
uncircumcised penis is to leave it alone. As he grows up a baby boy’s foreskin will loosen
by itself.
What is Circumcision?
Every baby boy is born with a covering (foreskin) over the sensitive end of the penis
(glans). In a circumcision operation, the skin covering is cut away and removed. This
leaves the end of the penis exposed.
Is Circumcision Necessary?
In the 1970s, both the American and Canadian Academies of Pediatrics and the Colleges
of Obstetrics and Gynecologist released a position statement stating “there is no valid
indication for circumcision in the newborn male.”
If Circumcisions are Not Necessary, Why are they Done?
Some Muslim and Jewish people practice circumcision for religious reasons, In many
parts of the world circumcision is almost never performed. The most common reason for
circumcision is that it might prevent future problems such as cancer and infections.
some believe that the penis is easier to clean. Scientific research and studies have
shown none of this to be true. Infections of the uncircumcised penis are rare, as is cancer
of the penis.
Many parents choose circumcision for social reasons. if the baby’s father is circumcised,
parents feel the need to have him look like his father. As circumcision rates are falling
(presently about 80% of male babies are not being circumcised), the circumcised male
will likely not “look” like his peers when growing up.
How are Newborn Circumcisions Done?
They are done during the first wee of life only to a healthy full term baby. parents are
required to sign a consent form giving authorization for circumcision.
The baby is placed on a board or molded tray to fit the infant’s body. He lies on his back
and his arms and legs are secured with restraints. The most common method of
circumcision involves clamping the foreskin and using a think probe to free up the normal
adhesions and tissue connections between the foreskin and the head of the penis. A
device, such as a metal bell or a plastic ring, is placed over the head of the penis for
protection. The foreskin is pulled over this device, clamped and cut away. The device
falls off by itself in 510 days. The area that was cut may be red and sore for several
days before it heals.
Does the baby feel the circumcision?
Topical and local anesthesia are often used. The effectiveness of this procedure varies
from infant to infant. Some physicians do not routinely use anesthetic for this procedure.
It is important that parents understand that babies doe have sensitive nerve endings and
can feel discomfort and pain. You may want to ask the physician if a local is part of their
practice. It may be reassuring for the infant for one or both parents to be with him during
the circumcision. Cuddling the baby immediately after may help reduce the baby’s
discomfort and stress.
Are There Complications With Circumcision?
Circumcision is surgery. With any surgery there are inherent risks. one large study found
that 2 out of 100 babies had complications following circumcision. The most common
problems are excessive bleeding, infection and injury to the penis.
How Do We Care for an Uncircumcised Penis?
The foreskin of a newborn is almost always adherent or stuck to the head of the penis
and the opening is like a pinhole. This is normal. It is important that no attempt be made
to retract or pull back the foreskin. Retracting the foreskin too early can cause the
formation of scar tissues or adhesions. It is not necessary to pull back the foreskin for
cleaning in infancy. Boys have natural secretions to clean the penis. Washing the
outside of the penal area with soap and water will clean the area. Separation of the
foreskin from the head of the penis may take several years. By normal exploration during
the toddler years, baby boys will retract the foreskin gradually. By about 3 years of age,
90% of boys will have fully retractable foreskins. The best advice in caring for an
uncircumcised penis is to leave it alone. As he grows up a baby boy’s foreskin will loosen
by itself.