Circumcision

Circumcision is usually performed shortly after the birth of the baby boy, but boys during infancy and adult men can also have the procedure performed.

Circumcision is a surgery to remove the prepuce (the fold of skin covering the head of the penis). There are different ways to perform the circumcision, depending on where the cut is made and how much foreskin is removed. Circumcision is usually performed shortly after the birth of the baby boy, but boys during infancy and adult men can also have the procedure performed.

Circumcision may be performed for medical reasons, such as:

Phimosis: This occurs when the foreskin is too narrow and difficult to retract from the head of the penis.
Balanitis: Repeated infections under the foreskin causing discomfort when urinating.
Hypospadias: A congenital abnormality in which the penis does not develop in the usual way.

Benefits of Circumcision

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that parents should have the option of circumcising their sons if they prefer, but the decision should be up to the parents. It also says that the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks.

Simpler hygiene: It allows for simpler washing of the penis and avoidance of accumulation of smegma, although uncircumcised men can be taught to maintain hygiene in the area under the foreskin to avoid this accumulation as well.
It reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections: likewise, safe sex practices remain essential. Removing the foreskin reduces the number of Langerhans cells that are found in the top layers of skin on the penis and are targets for HIV.
Lower risk of penile cancer: Although penile cancer is very rare, it is even less common in circumcised men.

Before Circumcision

The Pediatric Surgeon or Urologist will provide you with all the information corresponding to this procedure, clarify all your doubts, and explain the benefits and risks of this procedure.

Whether the Circumcision is for your child or you, you must give your written consent to carry out this procedure.

During Circumcision

Circumcision in newborns lasts approximately 10 minutes; this procedure is usually performed ten days after birth.

The Pediatric Surgeon or Urologist ill place the baby on his back, clean the penis and the area around it, and apply anesthesia to the penis. Using surgical instruments, the Pediatric Surgeon will remove the foreskin, then cover the penis with ointment and cover it with a bandage.

For older boys and adults, circumcision is similar. The Pediatric Surgeon or Urologist may apply general anesthesia, and the recovery time and complications can be longer.

After the Circumcision

Following the treatment and recommendations provided by your Pediatric Surgeon or Urologist, could help you make good progress in your recovery.

The healing time of the penis is usually between 7 and 10 days. It is possible to feel discomfort, inflammation, and pain at the tip of the penis, a little yellowish fluid may also appear at the base of the penis.

The following are some recommendations:

Keep the wound clean
Remove the bandage when instructed by the Urologist
Clean the penis with soap and water once it has healed

If you wear a plastic ring instead of a bandage, it will fall off on its own, after about a week.

In the case of babies:

Cleans the penis while it heals
Every time you change the diaper, change the bandage and apply a little petroleum jelly to the penis's base
Change the diaper frequently and make sure not to adjust it too much

If you detect any discomfort, bleeding, bad smell, or other abnormality, contact your Urologist.

Am I a candidate for this procedure?

Circumcision surgery is only for men; in newborns, the Urologist can indicate if the Surgery is necessary.

If you have infection problems or the foreskin is very narrow, and you have issues retracting it from the head of the penis, the Urologist may suggest Circumcision surgery.

In premature babies, with physical abnormalities of the penis or with particular medical problems, they cannot be circumcised.

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