Circumcision is a surgery where the skin that covers the end of the penis
is removed.
Why does my child need this procedure? The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society do
not recommend routine infant circumcision. They recommend that parents decide
what is best for the child. Some reasons parents choose to have it done include:
Religious reasons: Some faiths practice circumcision.
Social reasons: Some parents fear that their son will be teased if he is
not circumcised.
Cultural reasons: Circumcision is generally accepted in many Western, English-speaking
countries. Some parents choose to have their son circumcised because other
men in the family are circumcised.
Medical reasons: Some parents and doctors believe there are medical benefits
to circumcision.
What are the benefits? The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society believe
there are potential benefits and risks. Benefits may include:
A lower risk of getting cancer of the penis. This cancer is very rare even
if the child is not circumcised.
A slightly lower risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
A lower risk of getting foreskin infections.
Easier to keep the penis clean.
Circumcision may be more risky if done later in life.
What are the risks? Doctors do not always agree on the risks and benefits of circumcision. The
following are reasons why some parents choose not to have the surgery done:
Any surgery has risks. Problems with the surgery are rare and usually very
minor. They may include bleeding, infection, not healing right, or cutting
the foreskin too long or too short.
After the surgery the tip of the penis may get irritated and the opening
may get too small. This can cause urination problems that may need surgery.
Some circumcised adult men report that the tip of the penis is less sensitive
to sexual pleasure.
Some parents believe that a decision that would permanently change their
son's body should be left to him to make when he is older.
Is it painful?
An anesthetic is used to numb the pain.
The shot stings at first but blocks pain during the surgery. Oral medicines
(by mouth) are also often given.
How do we prepare for this procedure?
Choose what you think is best for your child.
Think about the decision before the baby is born.
Take your time making your decision even after the baby is born.
Do not feel rushed or pressured if you are uncertain.
Read about circumcision and ask the doctor if you have questions.
How is it done?
The surgery usually takes place in the first few days of life.
The baby must be healthy to safely have the surgery.
It takes about 15 minutes.
The doctor will discuss the surgery with you and you will need to sign a
consent form.
Babies usually cry when undressed because they prefer to feel warm and cozy.
The baby's arms and legs are restrained on a tray used for the surgery.
The penis is cleaned.
An anesthetic is used to numb the pain.
The shot stings at first but blocks pain during the surgery. Oral medicines
(by mouth) are also often given.
The doctor usually uses a clamp to the cut the foreskin.
After the surgery the penis may look red and sore. It is wrapped in a bandage.
Ask your doctor for further instructions how to care for your child after
the surgery.
What care will my child need after the procedure?
There may be a little bleeding for a day or two.
The penis can be washed as it is healing.
After diaper changes, apply petroleum jelly to the penis.
What are the results?
Children can learn to feel comfortable with their bodies whether they are
circumcised or not.
Children often tease each other about anything that is different, such as
freckles, being chubby, or wearing glasses.
Tell your child that his body is normal and healthy and that he should not
be ashamed of it.
If needed, explain to him in simple terms why some boys are circumcised
and some aren't.
Both circumcised and uncircumcised boys can be taught how to keep the penis
clean and how to protect themselves against infections and STDs.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about circumcision.
Call the doctor if you think your son's penis shows signs of infection.
Quick Answers
Circumcision is a surgery where the skin that covers the end of the penis
is removed.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatric Society do
not recommend routine infant circumcision. They recommend that parents decide
what is best for their child. It is sometimes done for religious, social,
cultural, or medical reasons.
The surgery has both risks and benefits.
An anesthetic is used to numb the pain during the surgery.
Choose what you think is best for your child.
The surgery usually takes place in the first few days of life.
There may be a little bleeding for a day or two. The penis can be washed
as it is healing.
Children can learn to feel comfortable with their bodies whether they are
circumcised or not.
Call the doctor if you think your son's penis shows signs of infection.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Circumcision Information for Parents. Medem.
2001 (cited 2002 February 12). URL: http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr=/ZZZJZMEMH4C.shtml&soc=AAP&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH
American Academy of Pediatrics. Circumcision Policy Statement. Pediatrics
103:3. 1999 March (cited 2002 February 25).
Canadian Pediatric Society. Neonatal Circumcision Revisited. Canadian Medical
Association Journal 154:6. 1996 (cited 2002 February 25).
Faulk GT. Frequently Asked Questions about Infant Circumcision. Circumcision
Information and Resource Pages. (cited 2002 February 12). URL: http://www.cirp.org/pages/parents/FAQ/
Mayo Clinic. Baby basics: Circumcision. 2001 January 31 (cited 2002 February
12). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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