Circumcision refers to surgically removing the skin covering the tip of the penis.
Circumcision is a common procedure for newborn boys, however, it is more complex in case the newborn period is over.
This procedure can be a matter of family tradition, as well as it can be for hygiene and healthcare. For others, it can be unnecessary too.
Note that circumcision will not affect fertility in any way.
It is done as it carries the following benefits:
Easy Hygiene: Circumcision makes it easier to wash the penis.
Lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are more common among uncircumcised males. Furthermore, certain infections early in life can later cause kidney problems.
Lower risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): After circumcision, the risk of STIs may also reduce. However, this does not lessen the need to practice safe sexual practices.
Prevention of Penile Issues: Sometimes, the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis can be impossible to retract (phimosis), causing inflammation.
Lower risk of penile cancer: Lastly, circumcision reduces the risk of cancer of the penis. Although this cancer is rare, it further lessens in the case of circumcised men. Moreover, their female sexual partners have also been found to have a lower risk of cervical cancer.
Besides phimosis, circumcision can also treat conditions like:
Balanitis: Swelling of the foreskin
Balanopostithis: Inflammation of the penis tip and foreskin
Paraphimosis: Inability to return a retracted foreskin back to its position
Despite these advantages, the risks of being uncircumcised are avoidable with proper care.
It should not be done when blood-clotting disorders are present. It should also not be carried out on premature babies who are still in need of medical care in the hospital nursery, or those who have abnormalities attached to their penis.
Besides bleeding and infection, side effects of anesthesia are possible.
There can be some foreskin issues such as:
- The foreskin cut too short or too long
- The foreskin may not heal properly
- The remaining foreskin may reattach to the penis and need further surgery
The doctor explains to you the pros and cons of the procedure and you may be required to provide written consent for the same.
Also Read: Kidney Stones
Circumcision is usually carried out within 10 days of the birth of the newborn.
- The child is made to lie back with arms and legs restrained.
- The penis and surrounding area are cleansed, and an anesthetic is either applied as a cream or injected into the penis base.
- A clamp or plastic ring is attached to the penis and the foreskin is removed.
- The penis is covered with an ointment and wrapped loosely with gauze.
The procedure takes about 10 minutes to complete.
The penis takes 7-10 days to heal. It’ll be sore in the beginning, while the penis will look red, bruised, or swollen. Also, there may be some yellow fluid discharge from the penis tip.
Here are some guidelines:
- Be careful with your little one and avoid putting pressure on his penis while holding him gently.
- You can wash the penis as it heals.
- For newborns, the bandage needs to be changed every time the diaper is changed. Plus, apply petroleum jelly to avoid the penis tip sticking to the diaper.
- Change the diaper often and ensure that it is loose/not very tight.
- In case there’s a plastic ring and not a bandage, it’ll fall off on its own after about a week.
- Once the penis is healed, wash it with soap and water.
Also Read: endopyelotomy
Contact the doctor in case of:
- Persistent bleeding
- Foul-smelling drainage from the penis tip
- Normal urination not resuming within a day of the procedure
- The plastic ring remains even after two weeks
- Increased pain
- Signs of infection such as fever and increased redness or swelling
Avoid strenuous activities for a month of recovery, return to work when comfortable, and try to walk a little more each day. Avoid sexual activity for six weeks and follow all your doctor’s instructions.
Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty tasks of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest costs. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health & recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!
