Circumcision is widely practiced, especially in developed countries such as the United States. According to the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 79% of men had been circumcised. As per the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS), 65% of newborn males were circumcised in 1999. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) survey revealed a circumcision rate of 48% from 1988 to 1991, rising to 61% from 1997 to 2000.
In males, the foreskin is the tissue or sheath that covers the tip of the penis. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. This technique is normally done one or two days after birth and lasts 5–10 minutes under local anaesthetic (local numbing). The treatment is complex and requires general anaesthetic in newborns older than two months, boys, and men.
Deciding about circumcision
Deciding whether or not to circumcise your newborn baby is a difficult decision that must be made before he is born. It may be a religious and cultural rite, a custom, or a preference for personal hygiene or preventive care in some families. The procedure cannot be reversed. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) does not advocate circumcision for all newborn male children and leaves the decision to the parents. You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of circumcision. Considering all of the data, you can make an informed decision.
Benefits of circumcision
Some people believe that circumcision is beneficial to overall health. It is easier to wash beneath the foreskin of a circumcised penis than an uncircumcised penis, yet washing an uncircumcised penis is not difficult. Circumcised men have a lower risk of contracting sexually transmitted illnesses (STDs) caused by viruses such as HIV/AIDS.
Though the incidence of urinary tract infections in males is minimal, it may be higher in uncircumcised men. Urinary tract infections in childhood might lead to kidney difficulties later in adulthood. In uncircumcised males, retraction of the foreskin, known as phimosis, can cause inflammation of the foreskin and the head of the penis. Though penile cancer is uncommon, it is also uncommon among circumcised men. The risk of cervical cancer (carcinoma of the uterine neck) is less common in females who are the sexual partners of circumcised men.
Circumcision, on the other hand, has no effect on penile sensation or sexual enjoyment in males or their partners. There is no effect of circumcision on fertility.
Risks associated with circumcision
The most common complications of circumcision are minor bleeding and local infection. Circumcision-related inpatient problems range from 0.2% to 2% in the United States. Complications range from 2% to 8% in Africa. There were no recorded deaths or long-term repercussions from circumcision. When newborn male babies are circumcised, the freshly exposed glans (the sensitive bulbous region at the far end of the penis) may get inflamed from diaper contact and necessitate the application of petroleum ointment to the area. Eventually, the irritation will go away in a few days.
Care after circumcision
Circumcision wounds typically heal in less than two weeks of time. Keep the area clean at all times, and wash with soap and warm water. Your doctor may advise you to apply petroleum jelly to the exposed glans to alleviate any discomfort caused by nappy friction. Do not clean the area with napkin wipes.
Immediately following circumcision, you may notice the tip getting swollen and red, as well as a small bit of blood on the diaper. If your infant has a bandage on his penis, it should be changed every day with a new bandage. After a few days of operation, you may also notice a small yellow discharge or the formation of a crust.
This is generally normal, but if you notice any of the following symptoms, then you need to call your doctor immediately.
- More than quarter-sized blood on the diaper
- Increased swelling and redness of the tip of the penis
- Fever higher than 100.40F
- Worsening discharge or blisters filled with pus
- No normal urination in the last 12 hours
When bathing your baby, use soap and warm water to clean it. At first, do not attempt to draw the foreskin back towards the base to wipe beneath it. The foreskin retracts naturally as your baby grows. It could take up to 5 years for some boys. Applying force to retract and clean is not recommended.
Teach your infant as he grows to clean under the foreskin by gently moving it backward away from the glans every day when he has a bath.
Summary
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis in males. It has religious significance, is a ritual, or is used for personal cleanliness in many families. The wound heals within two weeks of circumcision. Otherwise, if you see any bleeding, swelling, discharge, or a high temperature, you should contact your doctor right away. Whether your boy is circumcised or not, make sure to tell him how to clean himself properly underneath.
