Baby & Newborn Circumcision: What Every Parent Should Know

Baby & Newborn Circumcision: What Every Parent Should Know

Becoming a parent is filled with joy, love, and several new challenges. With happiness, parenthood brings important decisions and responsibilities to take. One such decision many parents come across is the baby & newborn circumcision. It’s a common medical procedure; however, it can also feel like a sensitive and overwhelming topic. That is why we are here to provide clear, reliable information that helps parents feel confident and empowered as they make the best choice for their child.

Explaining Circumcision in Easy Words

circumcision in Dallas is a common procedure employed to remove the foreskin covering the head of the penis. Newborn males undergo circumcision shortly after birth, with many having the procedure within the first week of their lives. A urologist, obstetrician, and pediatrician can circumcise your child. Similar to any other surgery, circumcision can cause pain. However, pain medications and anesthetics can reduce the pain and discomfort. 

More than 70% males in the United States have undergone circumcision as of now. In the rest of the world, the circumcision rate is 33%. The highest rates of circumcision are in the US, the Middle East, and South Korea. A circumcision can take approximately 20 minutes. The surgery takes a little longer for older children and adults than for infants. 

Different Techniques of Circumcision

Primarily, there are three techniques used for circumcision, which are

Gomco Clamp

The Gomco Clamp is the most common technique for circumcision. In this procedure, the clamp separates the foreskin from the top of the penis. This technique also protects the penis and helps stop bleeding. The service provider then uses a sharp knife to remove the foreskin. 

Mogen Clamp

In this technique, the service provider uses clamps that look like scissors or pliers to expose the penis’s head. Once the head of the penis is exposed, the service provider uses a sharp knife to remove the foreskin.

Plastibell Device

The Plastibell method is the third technique for baby & newborn circumcision, in which a service provider places a plastic ring between the foreskin and the head of the penis. Next, they tie a string around the foreskin, which pushes it against the plastic ring. At last, the service provider uses a surgical knife to remove the foreskin. The plastic ring remains in place for about a week and then falls off naturally. 

Benefits of Circumcision

Research shows that circumcision has many benefits, such as

• Easier Hygiene: A circumcised penis is much easier to clean and wash, especially in children. 

• Decreased Risk of Penile Cancer: Circumcision lowers the risk of penile cancer, a rare condition in men. It also reduces the chances of cervical cancer for female sexual partners. 

• Prevention of Penile Problems: Circumcision can prevent phimosis, pruritus, and balanitis foreskin issues. 

• Reduced Risk of UTIs: Circumcised children are less likely to have urinary tract infections, especially in their first year of life. UTIs are uncommon in male children, but infections in early life can result in kidney problems later. 

• Lower Risk of SITs: Circumcision significantly lowers the risk of HIV in heterosexual men. It may also reduce the risk of other STIs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes (HSV-2). 

Risks of Circumcision

Circumcision is a safe procedure, but like any other surgery, it also has a few risks. 

• Surgical Complications: Risks associated with the procedure are bleeding, infection, or injury to the penis or urethra. Complication rates are low, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced medical professional. 

• Pain: Pain is the most common risk, but it can be minimized with the use of local anesthetics. 

• Rare, Specific Complications: In rare cases, complications like meatal stenosis (narrowing of the urethral opening) or scarring occur. 

Interesting Facts About Circumcision

Here are a few interesting facts about newborn circumcision you might not be aware of:

• During the late 1800s, many doctors assumed that circumcision could cure ailments like childhood fever, paralysis, etc. 

• The first-ever circumcision was performed in Egypt, with the procedure dating back to 2400 BCE. 

• In the United States, circumcision became popular as people knew it promoted cleanliness and good genital hygiene, but the procedure also became a status symbol. 

• Groups like the American Urological Association (AUA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend circumcision, but it is a choice of parents. 

The baby & newborn circumcision is a complex and rarely discussed topic, but it’s important. Major organizations, including AUA and AAP, support this procedure. It has multiple benefits for male infants. Some risks are also there, but can be mitigated. In the end, a circumcision completely depends on the choices of the parents. 

At Sweet Pea Midwifery, we deliver professional circumcision for children and ensure minimal discomfort. Visit us, discuss your needs, and let your kid undergo the procedure, and we promise to stand up to and exceed your expectations. Our services are available at economic prices, so you don’t need to break the bank.