MONDAY, June 5, 2023 (HealthDay News) — MONDAY, June 5, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Understanding circumcision can allow you to speed your baby boy’s healing process and pay attention to any complications that will arise.
Here, professionals offer advice on what circumcision is, the professionals and cons of the procedure, and what happens during a circumcision. Plus, they’ll speak about how long the healing process is and what to anticipate afterwards.
What’s circumcision?
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin that covers the top of the penis, often called the glans. It’s normally performed on newborn boys once they’re a day or two old, although older boys and men may also be circumcised, in line with the Cleveland Clinic.
“There are cultural and spiritual considerations which can be the explanation why some families feel it’s the appropriate selection for them,” Cedars-Sinai pediatric urologist Dr. Paul Kokorowski explained in a recent Cedars-Sinai blog post.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the practice of circumcision began as a spiritual rite. Today, Jewish and Muslim people still do the procedure for religious reasons. Within the Jewish faith, specially trained professionals often called mohels perform the circumcision, often called a bris.
As well as to non secular practices, there are also medical and cultural reasons for having a baby boy circumcised. A lot of these procedures are done by a doctor in a hospital setting. The truth is, it’s estimated that about 60% of boys in america are circumcised.
Circumcised vs. uncircumcised: What’s the difference?
A study recently published in Cureus Journal revealed that 63% of participants considered their child’s ongoing health as an “extremely vital” reason for circumcising their newborns. The study authors also noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines stating that the health advantages of circumcision outweigh the risks helped parents resolve to circumcise.
Still, these health advantages aren’t enough for the AAP to recommend circumcision for all newborns, and the procedure is taken into account elective. Which means the circumcised versus uncircumcised decision is left as much as the parents.
To allow you to higher understand the professionals and cons of circumcision, let’s take a have a look at a few of its advantages and risks.
Circumcision pros and cons
“There are some minimal advantages and a few minimal risks [to circumcision],” Dr. Andrew Freedman, a urologist at Cedars-Sinai said in a recent blog post. “There’s not enough profit to say that you will need to do it, and there’s not enough risk to say you may never do it.”
In keeping with Cedars-Sinai, the advantages of circumcision may include:
- Reduced risk of developing a urinary tract infection in the primary 12 months of life
- Reduced risk of foreskin infections
- A lower risk of developing penile cancer
- Reduced risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases
- Prevention of phimosis, which is the lack to retract the foreskin
The cons of penile circumcision include:
- Complications from surgery, similar to bleeding and infections
- Lack of protection of the tip of the penis, which is the role of the foreskin
- Decreased sensitivity to the touch
What happens during a circumcision procedure
When your baby is circumcised, he’s laid on his back and has his hands and legs held while his penis is cleaned. Next, an anesthetic can be applied. Mayo Clinic says this is often a numbing cream that’s placed on and across the penis, in order that they don’t feel pain.
Once the anesthetic takes effect, either a plastic ring or clamp is attached to the penis. Finally, the foreskin is removed.
Cleveland Clinic notes that a scalpel is used to remove the foreskin. Once that is finished, ointment and gauze are placed over the penis to assist with healing. No stitches are obligatory, and the procedure takes about 20 minutes.
In keeping with the University of Utah Health, adult circumcision is analogous, but it surely may involve general anesthesia and an incision that requires stitches.
How long does circumcision take to heal?
Healing from circumcision normally takes about seven to 10 days, in line with Family Doctor. You may also help your baby through the method by gently cleansing the world with soap and water after each diaper change and applying healing ointment to assuage any irritation.
Dartmouth Health Children’s Hospital recommends placing a drop of Aquaphor, petroleum jelly or antibiotic cream on the penis or contained in the diaper for about five to seven days after circumcision. It also notes that it’s possible you’ll see some white or yellow coating on the top of the penis because it heals.
In keeping with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, it’s also possible to expect to see some swelling and bruising of the penis after circumcision. Soothing sponge baths two to 4 times a day may be useful. You may as well refer to your doctor about using acetaminophen to ease your baby’s discomfort while he heals.
To find more about circumcision, you may take a have a look at Recent York-Presbyterian’s Circumcision Health Library.