Circumcision

Circumcision:

Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. It is a practice carried out by some families based on their historical and religious beliefs, while others choose not to perform circumcision for various reasons.
When is circumcision performed? Circumcision is usually done within the first ten days of birth (typically within 48 hours). It is performed by a pediatrician in the hospital, a family doctor, an obstetrician, or by a trained professional at home according to certain cultural rituals. For premature babies, circumcision is often delayed to avoid potential health problems. For newborns and older children, it is considered completely safe.
How is circumcision performed? Local anesthetic substances like lidocaine are injected into the penis to reduce pain. Then, a plastic clamp is placed around the foreskin and tightened to minimize bleeding. The foreskin is removed below the clamp. In most cases, dissolvable stitches are used and will dissolve within 5-8 days after the surgical site has healed.

Benefits of circumcision: Children who undergo circumcision have a lower risk of:

1. Contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, as they grow older.
2. Developing urinary tract infections during their first year of life.
3. Developing penile cancer (which is rare in both circumcised and uncircumcised males).
4. Developing penile infections as it is easier to maintain cleanliness with a circumcised penis.

What are the risks of circumcision? Like any surgical procedure, circumcision carries several risks, including:

– Bleeding, which is usually minimal. Inform the doctor if you have any bleeding disorders in your family as this may increase the risk of severe bleeding.
– Infection, although it is usually mild and easily treatable.
– Formation of scars on the penis.
– Removal of too much or too little skin.
– Pain, which can be managed with local anesthesia before the procedure. Currently, pain relief medications such as acetaminophen are given to reduce pain. A pacifier with sugar may also be given to help comfort the child. It is advisable to consult a pediatrician before undergoing any procedure.
Note: The translation provided here is a general translation and may not accurately convey all the nuances and details of the original text.

Some tips for caring for a circumcised penis:

After circumcision, it is important to maintain cleanliness in the area. Clean with warm water (avoid scented wipes) and soap can also be used.
Change the bandages when changing diapers on the first and second days. The doctor may prescribe creams to prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper and thus reduce friction pain.
If a plastic ring was used for circumcision, it should be left to fall off on its own (5-10 days).
The child may need 7-10 days to recover. It is normal to see swelling and redness in the area, or small amounts of blood in the diaper. Parents may also notice crusty or yellowish discharge after a few days.

It is important to consult a doctor immediately if you notice:

1- Continuous bleeding on the diaper.
2- Fever.
3- The child cannot urinate after 8 hours.
4- Worsening discharge or swelling due to infection.
5- The plastic ring has not fallen off within 10 hours.

Uncircumcised penis:

Sometimes it can be difficult to retract the foreskin of the penis, leading to swelling and inflammation of the glans. Some families choose not to circumcise their male children based on religious or cultural beliefs, or if the child needs surgery on the urinary system due to a deformity that requires preserving the foreskin. Blood clotting problems may also affect the child, so the doctor may choose not to perform circumcision.
In this case, it is essential to care for the uncircumcised penis as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics by gently cleaning under the foreskin daily. Children should be taught to care for this area as part of their daily hygiene routine (similar to washing hair and teeth).