Baby circumcision is an age-long practice, but it isn’t always a medical or legal requirement after having a male child. Nonetheless it has remained a widely practiced custom in some cultures. If you are having a new baby boy and you are confused about whether you want him to be circumcised or not, this article can help guide you on what you need to know as a parent.
What is Baby Circumcision?
Baby circumcision is a surgical procedure for a male child that removes the skin at the tip of the penis called the foreskin. The procedure exposes the glans or head of the penis and it’s usually carried out after delivery before the baby is discharged. In some cultures baby circumcision is carried out when the child is 2 to 3 years old.
The earliest practice of baby circumcision dates back to Egypt, where it was believed that it helped in keeping the penis clean. If you’re considering circumcising your baby, it’s better to seek circumcision Manchester professionals to prevent any complications and make it as pain-free as possible.
How Is It Performed?
The baby is placed on a table with Velcro bands or other restraints to keep the baby still. The doctor disinfects the penis with an antiseptic. He attaches a clamp to the penis, and the glans (head) of the penis is exposed by cutting away the foreskin. An ointment like petroleum jelly is used to clean the cut, and a gauze or plastic ring is placed over the operated area to prevent it from rubbing against the diaper.
Circumcision is a fast process, usually lasting only about 10 minutes. The baby usually only cries hard for a short time, but, in most cases, experiences minimal distress afterward. Local anesthesia could also be applied on a regular basis to reduce the baby’s discomfort. If done properly and by a professional, the baby can be discharged a few hours after the operation.
How Would Your Baby React Afterwards?
The circumcision process may leave the baby irritable and fussy while the penis heals, so don’t be surprised if you are a new mom. The tip of the penis may also look sore and swollen for some time. A yellow crust may also be seen; this is normal, and so it is nothing to worry about. Just make sure to handle your baby with care after the whole process to avoid putting pressure on the penis. In about seven to ten days, your baby should be properly healed completely.
You should wash the baby’s penis carefully while it is healing. The bandage should also be changed at each change of diaper to prevent infection. After about 2 days, it’s fine to clean the penis and not apply dressing. However, a petroleum-based lubricant should be continuously applied to prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper. The stool on the surface should be wiped away with warm, soapy water. A great way to avoid infection is to wear the diapers loosely and change them frequently.
Benefits of Baby Circumcision
Although this practice has a traditional background, baby circumcision has been proven to have a few medical benefits for the to a male child. These benefits include:
• Decreased risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): This is primarily in the first year of the baby’s life. Severe UTI can become complicated, increasing the risk of kidney damage or bloodstream infection.
• Decreased risk of skin conditions: This includes Phimosis, which is a condition that makes foreskin retraction impossible.
• Decreased risk of contracting HIV: Although circumcision is not a preventive measure for sexually transmitted diseases, it reduces the risk of contracting HIV and other STDs later on in life.
• Decreases risk of penile cancer: Although penile cancer is generally rare, circumcision reduces the risk of developing this condition.
• Decreased risk of cervical cancer: Circumcision reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer in the female partners of circumcised men.
Drawbacks of Baby Circumcision
• Surgical risks: Surgeries generally come with a level of risk, and so it is for circumcision. Fortunately, complications from this procedure are very rare. Common issues include bleeding and infection.
• Fear of pain: This is common with parents, as they are concerned about the pain the baby will feel. Hence, they choose not to have the baby circumcised.
• Damage to the penis: The Foreskin may be cut overly short or extended in a few cases. There could be improper healing from the circumcision in other rare cases. To correct this complication, another circumcision may be required or, in extreme cases, penile reconstruction.
• Other risks: Other risks include bleeding during the procedure, infection, pain due to lack of anesthetics, and other fringe cases. However, these risks are minimal, especially when the procedure is handled by a well-trained professional in a clean and sterile setting.
Conclusion
Circumcision is a safe procedure that offers a few benefits, but it’s also an optional one. Ultimately, it’s your choice to decide whether you want your baby circumcised or not. It is best to talk with your partner before making a decision for your child. Of course, you should also talk to your doctor so you can make an informed decision.
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