Circumcision
Circumcision is a procedure to remove the skin covering the end of the penis. Circumcision has a number of medical benefits. Parents may also want to circumcise their sons for religious, social, or cultural reasons.
At birth, the male child has skin covering the end of the penis, called the foreskin. Circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin, exposing the tip of the penis. A doctor usually performs circumcision in the first few days of life. An infant must be healthy and stable to be safely circumcised.
Circumcision is not an option for some people with
- Active heart or lung function problems or a bleeding disorder.
- A penis that urinates through an underside opening rather than the tip(hypospadias).
- Foreskin or glans that is actively infected.
- Birth defects of the penis.
- A penis that is not visible or is concealed inside the skin (buried penis; foreskin may be needed for a reconstructive procedure).
Procedure
Before the Procedure
- In the case of a baby, place the baby on his back and gently restrain the baby’s arms and legs so his limbs don’t flail during the procedure. Clean his penis.
- In the case of adults, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking and any allergies you may have. A cream will be applied to the skin of the penis 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure.
- As there will be swelling and soreness after the procedure, arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home.
During the Procedure
The procedure is as follows:
- The surgeon will give your baby a local anesthetic.
- The surgeon then cleans the penis with an antiseptic.
- The surgeon will gently loosen the foreskin from around the head of the penis, creating a small slit in the foreskin.
- The surgeon may remove the foreskin using one of the standard methods. These procedures use devices that protect the penis while removing the foreskin.
- The surgeon may place a clamp or plastic ring over the head of the penis. This makes it easier to remove the foreskin.
- The surgeon may use surgical tools to remove the foreskin. This exposes the end of the penis.
- The surgeon may apply petroleum jelly or ointment to the penis head and cover it with a loose gauze dressing. The procedure usually takes around ten minutes.
- Circumcision is the same for older boys and adults. However, if done later in life, the procedure may require general anesthesia, recovery may take longer, and the risk of complications may increase.
After the Procedure
- The tip of the penis may appear raw after the circumcision. For several weeks, it will be discolored and swollen. A yellowish mucus or crust frequently covers the head of the penis. This will pass. It is a normal part of the healing process and should not be washed or scraped away.
- If your newborn becomes fussy as the anesthetic wears off, gently hold him and avoid putting pressure on the penis.
- Change the bandage along with each diaper change for newborns, and apply a dab of petroleum jelly on the tip of the penis to keep it from sticking to the diaper.
- Some swelling on the penis is normal. A minor amount of bleeding is not uncommon. However, if you notice a blood stain on your baby's diaper that is larger than a quarter, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If the penis continues to bleed, apply firm pressure for several minutes with a washcloth. After that, check to see if the bleeding has stopped.
- If a plastic ring was used in the procedure, it should fall off within 10 to 12 days. If this does not occur, notify your surgeon.
- A baby's penis usually heals completely after circumcision in 7 to 10 days.
- Males circumcised as adults or older boys should take things slowly for 2-3 days. They should rest, do no heavy lifting and take pain medications and antibiotics as prescribed.
Benefits
The majority of people circumcise their baby boys for cultural or religious reasons. Others believe that removing the foreskin of the penis has health benefits, such as
- Prevention of urinary tract infections in infants
- Prevention of foreskin infections.
- Prevention of penile cancer in adult men.
- Reduced risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases.
- Female sexual partners have a lower risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Reduced risk of penis infection and swelling.
- Prevention of a condition called phimosis, in which the foreskin is not retractable in uncircumcised males.
- Easier genital hygiene.
Risks
Circumcision has some risks as any other procedure.
- Bleeding and infection are the most common risks.
- The skin of the penis is also extremely sensitive after circumcision. Contact with the baby's diaper or the ammonia in urine can irritate the skin. This can be treated by applying petroleum jelly to the penis for a few days.
- Higher chance of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the penis).
- Risk of injury to the penis.
Care at Medicover
Medicover Hospital has the best team of urologists,obstetricians, and pediatric surgeons who perform circumcision procedures with precision, safety and expertise. The experienced team of doctors collaborate to ensure you receive a state of the art treatment plan that’s personalized to your condition. We provide a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures using the most advanced technologies and world-class equipment, bringing out the best possible outcomes.
