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| Circumcision |
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| How does one decide about circumcision? |
Deciding whether to have the newborn son circumcised
may be difficult. Both the benefits and the risks of circumcision will have
to be considered. Other factors, such as your culture, religion and personal
preference, will also affect one's decision.
A surgeon and the pediatrician may be the best people to help you take a
decision. |
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| What is circumcision? |
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During a circumcision, the prepuce of the foreskin, which is the skin
that covers the tip of the penis, is removed. Circumcision is usually
performed on the first or second day after birth. It becomes more complicated
and riskier in infants older than 2 months and in boys and men. The procedure
takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. A local anesthetic can be given to your
baby so he does not feel pain from the procedure.
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| Are there any benefits from circumcision? |
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Studies about the benefits of circumcision have provided conflicting
results. Some studies show certain benefits, while other studies do not.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says the benefits of circumcision are
not significant enough to recommend circumcision as a routine procedure.
The American Academy of Family Physicians believes parents should discuss
with their son's doctor the potential benefits and the risks involved
when making their decision.
Several potential benefits of circumcision appear to be supported by
most studies. Boys who have been circumcised are less likely to have urinary
tract infections. Urinary tract infections can lead to other, more serious
problems. Circumcision may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) in men.
Studies have shown that circumcised men have a lower risk of acquiring
HIV than uncircumcised men when exposed to a similar risk situation. Circumcision
also appears to protect against penile cancer later in life and may help
reduce the risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners. Study results
are mixed about the question of whether circumcision helps prevent certain
problems with the penis, such as infections and swelling. Some studies
show that keeping the penis clean can help prevent these problems just
as well as circumcision. These problems are not serious and can usually
be easily corrected if they do occur.
Circumcision is sometimes advised in adults when there is recurrent
infection of the penis, when there is difficulty in retracting the penis,
or if bleeding occurs from the pressure.
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| What are the risks of circumcision? |
| Like any surgical procedure, circumcision has some
risks. However, the rate of problems after circumcision is low. Bleeding
and infection in the circumcised area are the most common problems. Sometimes
the skin of the newly exposed glans becomes irritated by the pressure of
diapers and ammonia in the urine. The irritation is usually treated with
petroleum ointment (Vaseline) put directly on the area. This problem will
usually lessen after a few days. |
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| How does one care for the baby's penis after a
circumcision? |
The area should be gently cleaned with water every
day and whenever the diaper area becomes soiled. Some swelling of the penis
is normal after a circumcision. A clear crust will probably form over the
area.
It normally takes 7 to 10 days for the penis to heal after a circumcision.
After the circumcision, one may notice a small amount of blood on the baby's
diaper. If the bloodstain is larger than the size of a 50 paisa coin, the
doctor should be informed immediately. If there is a bandage on the penis,
it should be changed each time the baby's diaper is changed. This will help
prevent infection.
Signs of infection also signal the need to call the doctor. These
signs include a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, redness, swelling and/or
a yellowish discharge. |
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| When to call the doctor |
- If the wound does not stop bleeding.
- If the baby does not have a wet diaper within 6 to 8 hours after the
circumcision.
- If the redness and swelling around the tip of the penis do not go
away or get worse after 3 to 5 days.
- If there is a yellow discharge or coating around the tip of the penis
after 7 days.
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| How does one care for the baby's penis if he is
not circumcised? |
Simply keeping the penis clean with soap and water
helps reduce the risk of problems or infections.
In older boys and adult men, the foreskin slides back and forth over the
penis, allowing the area underneath to be cleaned. The foreskin does not
retract in boys for a few years. Do not try to force the foreskin to retract,
because this can damage the penis and cause problems. When the foreskin
is ready to retract, a boy can be taught how to retract it himself and clean
the skin underneath. He should wash his foreskin everyday while bathing.
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