The surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis is called circumcision. Although it occurs more frequently in newborns, older kids and adults can also get circumcised. One of the many advantages of circumcision is a decreased chance of contracting specific diseases. Bleeding and discomfort are frequent risks. A week or more may pass to recover completely.
What is a circumcision?
The common procedure known as circumcision involves removing the foreskin that covers the penis's head, or glands. Babies that are designated as male at birth (AMAB) frequently have circumcisions soon after birth. A lot of newborns are circumcised in their first week of life. Adults are also eligible for circumcision. Still, it's less typical.
What does getting a circumcision do?
A circumcision leaves the penis's head exposed. It began as a religious practice. Individuals nowadays undergo circumcisions for cultural, medical, religious, and private reasons.
For many Jewish and Islamic families, as well as several aboriginal tribes in Africa and Australia, circumcision is a religious or cultural practice. In addition, family customs, preventive healthcare, and personal hygiene may all have an impact on circumcision.
Circumcision is sometimes necessary for medical reasons, such as when the foreskin is too tight to be retracted (pulled back) over the glans. In other situations, circumcision is advised for older boys or men to lower their chance of contracting specific STDs. This is especially the case in several parts of Africa.
There may be several health advantages to circumcision, including:
Simpler personal hygiene. The act of circumcision facilitates penis washing. Boys who have not had their penises circumcised, however, can be trained to wash under the skin on a regular basis.
Reduced possibility of UTIs. guys do not have a high risk of urinary tract infections, yet uncircumcised guys are more likely to get these illnesses. Kidney issues later in life might be brought on by severe infections in childhood.
Reduced danger of STDs. Male circumcision may reduce a person's chance of contracting HIV and other STDs. Safe sexual behavior is still necessary, though.
Preventing issues with the penis. Phimosis is the condition in which the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis becomes difficult or impossible to retract. Inflammation of the foreskin or penis head may result from this.
Penile cancer risk is reduced. Penis cancer is uncommon, although it is less prevalent among males who have had their circumcisions. Furthermore, men who are circumcised, their sexual partners are less likely to develop cervical cancer.
However, the hazards associated with not getting circumcised are rare and can be avoided with good penile care.
If there are specific blood-clotting issues, circumcision may not be a possibility. Additionally, circumcision might not be suitable for newborns with penile deformities or premature babies who still need medical attention in the hospital nursery.
Neither fertility nor the perception of increased or decreased sexual satisfaction for men or their partners is impacted by circumcision.
Is it healthier to circumcise?
It varies. Although there are medical benefits and drawbacks to circumcision, several significant medical societies advise giving parents the option to have their child circumcised. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Urological Association (AUA) are two of these organizations.
According to both groups, there are more advantages than disadvantages. However, they don't specifically advise circumcision; in the end, the parents make that choice. Speak with the healthcare practitioner for your child if you have any queries.
How should I prepare my baby for circumcision?
Soon after birth, in a hospital, medical professionals will numb your child's penis with anesthesia(a numbing cream or an injection) to prepare them for circumcision. For added pain relief, they could advise giving your youngster acetaminophen.
A physician will examine you or your child physically and go over your medical history if they are older individuals or children. Any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication that you or your kid is taking, including herbal supplements, should be disclosed to the provider. The risk of bleeding during a circumcision can be raised by certain herbal supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Additionally, you should disclose to the physician any known allergies, such as:
Allergy to medications.
Allergy to latex.
Allergies to skin cleaners, such as isopropyl alcohol or iodine.
Who performs circumcision?
In a hospital, the following people could conduct a circumcision:
Urologist in training. A urologist is a medical professional with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders pertaining to the reproductive and urinary systems.
Obstetrician. A physician who focuses on treating patients throughout pregnancy, labor, and the initial weeks following the birth of their child is known as an obstetrician.
Pediatrician. A physician with expertise in treating newborns, kids, and teenagers is called a pediatrician.
Advanced practice providers (APPs) in urology and maternal medicine. APPs are medical professionals who aren't medical professionals but have received training to carry out certain medical procedures, such as circumcisions.
A mohel performs the circumcision at a bris. They could carry out the circumcision in a hospital, synagogue, or private residence.
What happens during circumcision?
When the anesthesia wears off, a medical professional will
Lay your infant down on their back.
Gently restrict their arms and legs to prevent your baby's limbs from flailing throughout the process
Make sure the penis is clean.
Disentangle the penis's head from the foreskin.
Cut off the foreskin with a scalpel, .
The circumcision of a newborn doesn't require sutures.
The procedure for circumcising an adult or older child is the same as that for a baby. However, after removing the foreskin, a medical professional may cauterize the area to stop any bleeding and lessen scarring after healing, or they may use dissolvable stitches.
What are the different techniques of circumcision?
The three most common techniques of circumcision are:
Gomco clamp. The most popular technique for performing a circumcision is the Gomco clamp. The foreskin and penis head are separated by the clamp. Additionally, it aids in hemostasis (the stopping of bleeding) and shields the penis' head. The foreskin is subsequently excised by the healthcare provider using a sharp surgical knife, or scalpel.
Mogen clamp. With this method, the penis's head is exposed by the provider using clamps that resemble pliers or scissors (hemostats). They use a scalpel to remove the foreskin after properly exposing the penis' head.
Plastibell device. A plastic ring is positioned between the foreskin and the penis' head by the healthcare professional during a Plastibell method. The foreskin is then pushed up against the plastic ring by a string that has been tied around it. Lastly, the foreskin is cut off using a scalpel. It takes around a week for the plastic ring to come off on its own. The Plastibell method has a higher risk of infection, which makes it less popular.
What are the benefits of getting circumcision?
According to certain research, circumcision offers a lot of advantages. A circumcised penis can improve certain aspects of penis health and is simpler to clean and wash, particularly in children.
The following are possible additional health advantages of circumcision: reduced chances of:
Diseases that are particular to the foreskin, such as infections, balanitis, or inflammation of the glans and foreskin, and phimosis, or the inability to pull the foreskin back.
Infections of the urinary tract (UTIs).
Cancer related to the penis.
A few STIs (sexually transmitted illnesses).
Cervical cancer in sexual partners who were allocated to female at birth (AFAB).
What are the complications or risks of circumcision?
Circumcision is a common, secure operation. However, dangers are inherent in every surgical procedure. Possible dangers could consist of:
Issues with anesthesia.
Bleeding
infection.
Pain.
Trimming the foreskin excessively long or short.
Itchiness near the penis's tip.
Meatal stenosis is the narrowing of the orifice at the tip of the penis.
Meatitis, or inflammation at the penis' tip.
Penile adhesion is the rare condition in which the foreskin fails to repair properly and sticks to the tip of your child's penis. Your youngster might require a revision circumcision if this occurs.
How to take care of a baby’s penis after circumcision?
The medical professional who treats your child will go over how to care for them following a circumcision. Generally speaking, you ought to:
As the area heals, wash it gently with warm water and soap. When cleaning your child, use a sponge or washcloth. After the operation, wait at least two days before taking a complete body wash. Pat the area dry with care.
Every time you change your child's diaper, apply a skincare ointment (Vaseline® or Aquaphor®) to their penis. Make sure to gently remove any waste or stool that comes into contact with the afflicted area.
Utilize the painkillers that your child's doctor has recommended. This could involve giving babies their meds on a regular basis or breastfeeding.
Steer clear of toys and don't hold or position your youngster in any way that could aggravate the region. Jumpers, swings, and saddle toys (such as see-saws, rocking horses, or bicycles) might hurt and take longer to heal. When you hold your child, they shouldn't straddle your arms or legs or lie on their tummy.
Common FAQs
Is circumcision common?
The most common operation performed on humans (AMAB) is circumcision. In the US, more than 70% of AMAB individuals have undergone circumcision. Around 33% of people are circumcised throughout the remainder of the world.
These areas have the greatest rates of circumcision:
The U.S.
The Middle East.
South Korea.
In South America, Europe, and other regions of Asia, circumcision is far less common. Circumcision is an integral element of the religious practices of Muslims and Jews.
At what age do males get circumcised?
Circumcision is possible at any age. However, the majority of circumcisions take place in hospitals during the first week following delivery, typically within the first 48 hours. Getting a circumcision done as soon as feasible is ideal. The surgery may become riskier if it is postponed.
In the Jewish religion, an infant is circumcised (also known as a brit milah or bris) at the age of eight days by a skilled religious leader, known as a mohel. In other civilizations, circumcision is done later in life.
How long does a circumcision take?
The circumcision procedure takes about 20 minutes. A bris typically takes less time.
Compared to newborns, older children and adults require a little bit more time for the surgery.
Can circumcision be painful?
Just like any surgical procedure, circumcision can hurt. Nonetheless, anesthetics and painkillers can lessen discomfort and agony both during and after the surgery.
What happens after circumcision?
Most newborns who are circumcised don't require any extra attention afterward. To encourage healing, make sure the area is kept dry and clean.
How successful is a circumcision?
The success rate for circumcision is relatively high. Complications occur in less than 3% of circumcisions.
Does a circumcision reduce sensitivity?
There are some people who think that being circumcised lessens the enjoyment and intensity of orgasms. However, no evidence exists to suggest that circumcision lessens sensitivity.
Does circumcision affect fertility?
No, having a biological kid (fertility) is not affected by circumcision.
What happens if you don’t circumcise your child?
The decision to circumcise your child has advantages and disadvantages. But in the end, the choice is yours. Before making a choice, it's a good idea to take into account all of your medical, religious, and personal issues. Speak with a healthcare professional if you still have questions.
Who should not have a circumcision?
Your doctor might advise against having your infant circumcised right away or putting it off altogether if your baby:
Has health issues.
Has potential surgical needs due to physical issues with their penis. Surgeons occasionally need to remove the foreskin to fix an issue.
Had a premature birth
How long does it take to recover after getting circumcised?
After being circumcised, babies typically recover in ten days. The penis may appear red and swollen while it heals. A yellow coating could be visible near the tip.
Adult circumcision requires a lengthier healing period. It usually takes two to three weeks to recover, but it can take up to six weeks.
When can my child go back to daycare or school after a circumcision?
After being circumcised, your child should be able to return to daycare or school a few days later.
It's a good idea for older kids and adults to take a week or more off from job or school.
What should I know if I choose not to circumcise my child?
Should you decide not to have your child circumcised, consult with their medical professional. They'll go over ways to maintain the health and cleanliness of your child's penis.
Your child's foreskin will remain attached to the penis and not retract during the first few years of life. It's not worth forcing it back. When your child is old enough, show them the right way to clean their foreskin and penis.
When should I contact a medical professional?
If you notice indications that your child is sick or that their penis isn't healing properly, give their healthcare provider a call. These indicators could be:
A fever exceeding 100 degrees Celsius, or 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bleeding that is continuous or occurs frequently.
Chills.
Pus having an unpleasant smell surrounding their wounds.
They haven't begun to urinate again twelve hours following the circumcision.
When can I have sex after circumcision?
Medical professionals advise against having sex or masturbating for a minimum of four to six weeks until your penis heals fully.