The surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis is known as circumcision. The procedure is fairly common in many countries of the world, performed 5-10days after birth. It originated mainly due to religious and cultural reasons now it is believed to help males keep their private area clean also proves to be beneficial for reducing the risk of many penile problems and urinary tract infections.
Health Benefits
Circumcision has proved to cause many health benefits:
- The risk of acquiring urinary tract infections has deteriorated significantly after the circumcision procedure is done. Urinary tract infections can lead to many other kidney problems later in life. A circumcised male is free from such infections.
- Penile Cancer is less common in males who are circumcised than males who are not. This will also lead to less chances of cervical cancer in females who are sexual partners of circumcised men.
- To have good hygiene: Circumcision has made it easier for males to wash the penis. This has made it beneficial to keep a male away from diseases that are caused by unhygienic conditions.
- Sexually transmitted diseases are prevalent in males more than females. Circumcised males have lower chances of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Gonorrhea Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Hepatitis.
- Penile problems are prevented if the procedure of circumcision is performed. If not carried out, it can lead to inflammation of foreskin of the penis on retraction.
Risks and Complications
Along with many benefits, possible complications may occur if circumcision is not carried out properly.
It is possible if the foreskin is cut too short or long, it may cause phimosis.
If the foreskin is cut too deep, it might fail to heal on time.
If operator is not experienced, pain is not only unavoidable but also persistent.
Circumcision is not recommended for
Circumcision is not advisable if there is any blood-clotting disorder in the baby.
It is not recommended to circumcise those babies who are premature
It is not recommended to circumcise those babies who are born with abnormalities of penis.
Surgical Procedure of circumcision
Circumcision procedure is done usually within 5-10 days after birth.
Duration of the procedure: 10 minutes.
For a newborn: the baby has to lie on his back, keeping the legs restrained. The area surrounding the penis should be thoroughly cleaned and cleared with antiseptic swab. Anesthesia is either injected into the lower portion of the penis or topically applied in the form of cream. This is followed by attaching a plastic ring to the penis and the foreskin is removed by surgical incision.
After the procedure is done, topically an antibiotic ointment is applied to the penis and the surrounding area to prevent pain. Petroleum gel can also be used. The area subjected to surgical procedure is covered with a gauze piece.
For older boys: The same procedure is carried out except recovery might take longer.
If unexpected complications occur
Contact your physician if it becomes difficult to urinate within 12hours of circumcision.
If bleeding becomes persistent
If there is drainage from the tip of the penis.