What do you should know about circumcision?
The penis is born with a skin hood covering its head, which is often call foreskin. The term circumcision refers to the process of removing the foreskin, exposing the end of the penis (also known as the glans). Though religiously originated, circumcision has some actual health benefits.
Circumcision is best done within a couple days of birth. As the boy grow older, circumcision gets more complicated. During the procedure, the foreskin of the penis is removed. This only takes up to 10 minutes for infants. In adults, the process requires around 1 hour. The wound will heal within a week.
What are the benefits and risks of circumcision?
Circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infections, and several sexually transmitted diseases. It also prevents penile cancer as well as protects the female partner from cervical cancer. Another health benefit of circumcision is the prevention of phimosis (the condition when the foreskin is unable to retract) and paraphimosis (the inability of the foreskin to return to its original place). The most obvious advantage is that circumcision allows the penis to be cleaned easier, thus preventing infections and swelling which usually occur in uncircumcised penises.
Possible risks of circumcision are bleeding and infection of the circumcised site, the glans irritation, inflammatory penis opening, and injury. Fortunately, these risks are low with proper aftercare. In the case of new bleeding, pus or severe pain, call your doctor as soon as possible to avoid further complications.
How to take care of your son’s penis?
If you do not want your baby son to be circumcised, you need to be careful with his hygiene. Every time you bathe your baby, make sure you gently wash his penis with warm water. But do not pull the foreskin back anytime before it can retract on its own, which usually happens in his puberty. This is when you should teach your son to gently pull the foreskin back from the glans, rinse it with warm water then pull it back.
There has not been enough scientific evidence for circumcision to be recommended worldwide. You should consult with a doctor to understand clearly all the advantages and risks involved before making a decision for your newborn.
