Everything You Need to Know About Circumcision
Circumcision is a surgical procedure used for removing the foreskin at the end of the baby’s penis. There are several benefits with this procedure. This procedure is either performed a few days after the child is born or in later age. Removal of circumcision is also painful as other surgical procedures. But your child can recover within a week irrespective of which age the surgery is performed.
What is Foreskin?
The foreskin is a layer of skin that covers the head of the penis. During childbirth, the foreskin is attached to the penis. As your child grows, the foreskin gets separated from the penis and it can be pulled back. In some cases, the foreskin remains and becomes tight. This leads to a condition called phimosis. To treat this condition, other medical treatments might be required.
Why is Circumcision Performed?
Circumcision might be performed due to religious faith, or medical reasons. It is a ritual for Jewish and Muslim families. It is also followed by some tribes in Africa and Australia.
Circumcision is also performed due to the following medical reasons:
- Phimosis: A condition where the foreskin becomes tight and it cannot be pulled back.
- Paraphimosis: This occurs when the foreskin gets trapped behind the head of the penis and it cannot be pulled back.
- Balanoposthitis: It is the inflammation of the foreskin and the head of the penis.
- Balanitis xerotica obliterans: It is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects the penis. If not treated, it can become troublesome over time.
What Benefits Does Circumcision Offer?
There are several benefits of choosing circumcision for your child. The following are some of those benefits:
- Reduces the risk of bacteria being trapped under the foreskin
- No risk of developing penile cancer
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections
- Low risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases
- Reduced risk of developing cervical cancer in your partner
- Reduces the risk of HIV
- Washing the penis and maintaining hygiene become easier
- Prevents penile problems such as phimosis
Though circumcision offers various benefits, doctors do not always force the parents to have this procedure done during childbirth. They leave the decision to the parents. This is because the risks of not being circumcised can be prevented with proper care.
How is Circumcision Performed?
In most cases, circumcision is performed a few days after childbirth. The procedure becomes risky in older babies, children, and adults.
Before performing the procedure, the doctor will give you certain instructions to be followed before having this procedure. You should not give food and drinks to your child a few hours before the procedure. The doctor also explains the benefits and risks of the procedure.
The procedure takes only 10 minutes. The same steps will be followed even for older boys and adults. But the complications and the recovery time may be longer if it is performed later in life.
What Happens After Circumcision?
It takes around one week to 2 weeks to completely heal from circumcision. In the initial stages, you may notice redness and swelling at the penis. You may also notice some amount of yellow fluid on the penis, but it is normal. The doctor suggests you to clean the penis regularly until it heals.
Does Circumcision Affect Fertility?
Circumcision does not have any impact on fertility. But being circumcised reduces the risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and other infections. Though infections and STDs might affect fertility, they can be avoided by maintaining good hygiene.
Considering Circumcision for Your Child? Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy Can Help You
If you are considering circumcision for your child, then Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy is the right choice. He is one of the best pediatric urologists in Hyderabad, offering treatments for a wide range of urological problems in children. When you decide on circumcision for your child, he will explain the benefits and possible risks of the procedure. He also ensures to take proper care of your child following the procedure. We have efficient staff and are well equipped with the latest in technology. To schedule an appointment with Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy, call us or fill out the online form.