As a new parent, circumcision is one of the most important decisions you will make in your child’s life.

It’s a topic that is surrounded by tradition, culture and health considerations.

Are you stuck before making this decision for your child? Or confused if the decision you will make will be right for your child’s health?

You’re not alone. In fact a majority of parents face this dilemma.

Whether you’re considering circumcision for a cultural, religious or medical reason, we’re here to guide you through the process.

In this article, Mykare Health will discuss medical factors and the procedure of circumcision.

We’ll also address common concerns and provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice that fits your family’s values.

With so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore together and let’s make the decision-making process easier for you.

What Is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis, known as the foreskin.

• This procedure is usually done 1-2 days after a baby is born. It can also be performed on older children, but this can be more complicated.

• Older children may require anaesthesia to help them sleep during the circumcision.

• Some cultures practise circumcision as a religious practice or tradition, such as in Jewish and Islamic religions.

• There are mainly three different methods in which the circumcision procedure is executed.

• They are laser circumcision surgery, ZSR or stapler circumcision and conventional circumcision.

• You can choose which method is better for you after discussing with the doctor.

Risks Of Circumcision

It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of circumcision before making a decision.

There are some risks associated with circumcision. However, the rate of complications is low, with bleeding and infection being the most common risks.

• In very rare cases, circumcision is observed to cause problems with the penis like irritation.

• After circumcision, the skin on the penis is very sensitive. Contact with the baby's diaper or with ammonia in urine can irritate the area. Oil jelly can be applied to the area for several days.

• There can be other risks too. So, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before undergoing circumcision.

What Happens During A Child Circumcision?

Here’s what you should be aware of.

Circumcision can be performed by an OB or paediatrician at the hospital, or other healthcare providers may perform it for religious reasons after the baby has left the hospital, post birth.

It is only done on healthy babies, and it is painful. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the circumcision is to be made.

Different types of anaesthetics can be used. A local anaesthetic may be applied to the child's penis, or a small amount of anaesthetic may be injected around it.

There are some risks associated with any type of anaesthetics, but they are generally considered safe.

Your provider may also provide a pacifier with sugar water to help soothe your baby during the procedure.

The procedure typically takes around 15 minutes and it is as follows:

• First, the healthcare provider will apply a local anaesthetic to the baby's penis.

• The provider will clean the penis with antiseptic.

• The provider will remove the foreskin from the head of your penis by making a small cut in it. This can be done either by attaching a clamp to the head or a plastic ring placed over the head.

• The doctor will use surgical tools to remove the foreskin. This will expose the end of your penis.

• Oil jelly or an ointment may be applied to the head of your baby's penis.

What Happens After The Circumcision?

• After circumcision, you will need to clean your baby's penis at least once daily.

• You should also clean the area if it is dirty after bowel movement. Allow the area to dry.

• Gauze dressing may be placed over the area to prevent it from sticking.

• They may ask you to take off the dressing the following day.

• They may also ask you to apply a new dressing and petroleum jelly every time you change your baby's diaper.

• It will be advised to continue applying petroleum jelly to the end of your baby's penis for a couple of days.

• It is normal for some swelling to occur on the penis. It is also normal for a crust to form on the penis. The crust will disappear after a couple of days, and there may be some mild bleeding.

• However, if you notice a blood stain that is larger than a quarter on your baby's penis, call your healthcare provider immediately.

• If your baby's penis continues to bleed, you can apply firm pressure with a cloth to it for a couple of minutes. Then you can check to see if it has stopped bleeding.

• If it continues to bleed, take your child to emergency care.

• The plastic ring should come off in 10-12 days. If it doesn’t contact your healthcare provider.

• Your baby's penis usually heals from circumcision in 7-10 days.

• You need to call your doctor in emergency if your baby suffers from the following after circumcision:

1. Fever

2. Wound that persists in bleeding

3. No urine for 6 to 8 hours following the procedure

4. Swelling or redness that persists after 3 days or worsens after 7 days

5. Yellow discharge or Yellow coating on the penis

FAQs

1. How do I keep my son's wound clean?

Your son will need to take a shower/bath from the next day after surgery until the wound heals. Do not add anything or use soap as it may sting the wound. Make sure the water temperature is comfortable.

2. What about going to the toilet or wearing nappies?

If your child is wearing a nappy, use water and cotton wool instead of baby wipes. Your son should be able to pass urine freely. If not, you may need to let him pass it in the bathtub. If your child is using a straight stream of urine, extra soaking in the bath may be beneficial.

If possible, your child should not wear a nappy. If necessary, they should wear a loose nappy and change it often.

3. If your son underwent circumcision surgery, What happens after it?

Surgeons will apply a loose dressing around the penis. The dressing may remain attached or hang from the penis for 4-5 days after surgery. Do not remove the dressing by force and allow it to come off naturally.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you need to remember that deciding whether to circumcise is personal, influenced by various factors. But the major factor you need to keep in mind is to always contact your doctor if something goes wrong after circumcision.

Your parenting journey is unique, and the decisions you make reflect your family values. As you move forward, may your parenting path be filled with joy, health, and the fulfilment of your family's unique needs.

Read More About Circumcision.