Circumcision
How do I choose circumcision?
Decide to have your newborn son circumcised can be difficult. You will need to consider both the benefits and risks of circumcision. Other factors, such as your culture, religion and personal preferences will also influence your decision.
Information about circumcision in this document can help you make your decision. After reading the document, tell your son to the doctor about any questions you have. The decision about your son circumcised must be done before the baby is born.
What is circumcision?
During a circumcision, foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis is removed. Circumcision is usually performed on the first or second day after birth. It becomes more complicated and risky for infants aged 2 months and boys and men. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) may be given to your baby to ease the pain of the procedure.
Are there benefits of circumcision?
Studies on the benefits of circumcision have yielded conflicting results. Some studies show some benefit, while others do not. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says the benefits of circumcision are not significant enough to recommend circumcision as a routine procedure and that circumcision is not medically necessary. The American Academy of Family Physicians believes parents should discuss with their son's doctor the potential benefits and risks when making their decision.
Circumcision does offer some advantages in the prevention of urinary tract infections in infants. Circumcision also offers some benefit in preventing penile cancer in adult men. However, this disease is very rare in all men, whether or not they were circumcised. Circumcision can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual practices of a man (for example, if he uses condoms, if more than one partner, etc.) has more to do with STI (sexually transmitted infection) prevention of whether or not it is circumcised.
Study results are mixed as to whether circumcision can reduce the risk of cancer of the cervix among female sexual partners, and if it avoids certain problems with the penis, such as infections and swelling undesirable. Some studies show that keeping the penis clean can help prevent these problems as well as circumcision. Infections and unwanted swelling are not serious and can usually be easily treated if they occur.
What are the risks of circumcision?
Like any surgery, circumcision carries risks. However, the rate of problems after circumcision is low. Bleeding and infection in the circumcised area are the most common problems. Sometimes the foreskin is irritated by newly exposed layers and the pressure of the ammonia in the urine. The irritation is usually treated with petroleum ointment (Vaseline) placed directly on the area. This problem usually diminish after a few days.
How do I take care of my baby penis after circumcision?
Gently clean the surface with water every day and whenever the diaper area is dirty. Some swelling is normal penis after circumcision. Light crust likely to form on the surface. It normally takes 7-10 days for the penis to heal after circumcision.
After circumcision, you may notice a small amount of blood on the baby's diaper. If the blood stain is larger than the size of a quarter, call your doctor immediately. In addition, you should call your doctor if Plastibell device was used during the circumcision and the unit does not fall within 10 to 12 days. If there is a bandage on the penis instead of a Plastibell, the bandage should be changed every time you change the diaper of your son. This will help prevent infection. Signs of infection also indicate the need to call your doctor. These signs include a temperature of 100.4 ° C or more, redness, swelling and / or a yellowish discharge.
