Saed News: The best time for circumcision is usually during infancy, because the foreskin is thinner. This surgical procedure is usually performed before the newborn is discharged from the hospital, but this timing may vary depending on religious or cultural beliefs.
According to SAEDNEWS, citing Nini Site, circumcision of boys is a surgical operation to remove the foreskin. In fact, in infant circumcision, a folded layer of skin that covers the end of the penis is removed. The foreskin is a double-layer fold of skin and mucous membrane that protects the head (glans) of the penis from dryness and irritation that may be caused by contact with urine, feces, and clothing.
Circumcision is recommended in some religions and cultures for health and hygiene reasons. However, this procedure is very stressful for many parents.
Proper circumcision can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and penile cancer and help prevent some sexually transmitted infections.
According to available statistics, one out of every 100 uncircumcised boys develops a urinary tract infection in the first year of life, while this rate is one in every 1,000 circumcised boys.
Researchers also say circumcision can reduce the risk of penile cancer by up to 30%. This cancer is generally rare, and the risk is further reduced in boys who receive the HPV vaccine at ages 11–12.
Circumcision can even reduce the risk of HIV transmission from an infected woman to her husband by 50–60%. It also reduces the risk of genital herpes by 30–45% in adulthood. The rate of some infections such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and HPV is also lower in women whose husbands are circumcised.
Researchers believe that during sexual intercourse, the inner foreskin surface and protective skin underneath the penis may be exposed to cuts and micro-tears, which can allow infection to enter the bloodstream.
The foreskin also creates a moist environment, which is a suitable place for bacteria and viruses to grow.
The most common complications include mild bleeding and swelling, but other problems may also occur:
Adhesion: leftover foreskin may stick to the healing area. This usually resolves on its own or with ointment.
Ring-related injury: sometimes a wound forms around the penis due to the ring. If not treated, it may cause difficulty urinating and problems in hygiene and sexual function. This is usually treated with steroid cream or surgery.
Infection: sometimes mild and treated with antibiotics.
Bleeding that does not stop with pressure and may require stitches
Risk of sepsis, a dangerous type of blood poisoning
Injuries such as partial damage to the head of the penis or removal of too much skin, affecting appearance and function
Abnormal healing that may cause scarring, shortening of the penis, abnormal curvature, or erectile dysfunction
According to the World Health Organization, if circumcision is performed by trained and experienced professionals, complications are very rare and occur in about 1 in 250 to 500 cases.
Sometimes too much foreskin remains and parents may not be satisfied with the appearance after circumcision. In such cases, a corrective circumcision can be performed after at least 6 months under general anesthesia.
Some people believe circumcision may reduce sexual pleasure later in life because the protective covering of the glans is removed and the outer skin may become thicker over time. However, according to the World Health Organization, circumcision does not change sexual satisfaction or function, or only causes very minimal changes.
Circumcision should be performed by trained professionals in licensed medical centers using sterile tools, proper creams, and anesthetic injections.
According to WHO, methods such as giving sugar water or pacifiers, or swaddling the baby, are not effective for pain relief.
If the boy is circumcised in a hospital as a newborn, there is usually no need for concern, as it is performed by pediatricians or family doctors.
It is recommended to check the doctor’s experience and the number of circumcisions they have performed, and not to leave this procedure to medical students or inexperienced trainees.
If a surgical resident performs the procedure, a specialist surgeon should supervise the operation.
First, the doctor numbs the area using local anesthesia, either by injection at the base of the penis or by applying a numbing cream about one hour before the procedure.
The doctor uses a special circumcision ring to hold the foreskin in place and then removes it using a surgical blade. In some cases, extra skin may need trimming.
The procedure lasts between 30 seconds and 10 minutes, depending on the method.
Depending on hospital policy, parents may stay with the baby during the procedure, soothe him, or sing a lullaby. After the operation, the baby can be held and breastfed with the doctor’s approval.
Infancy is generally the best time for circumcision because the foreskin is thinner. It is often done before hospital discharge, although timing may vary based on cultural or religious beliefs.
Circumcision is usually not performed in premature babies before discharge, as early circumcision may increase risks such as adhesion, infection, or scarring.
Sometimes circumcision is done later in life due to medical problems, such as foreskin disorders that prevent proper healing.
After circumcision, the baby may experience some pain and swelling. Doctors provide instructions, and acetaminophen can be used if needed.
Some doctors recommend keeping a bandage until full healing, while others do not. If a bandage is used, it should be changed with each diaper change.
Sometimes a plastic ring is used, which usually falls off after 5 to 8 days.
The most important thing is keeping the area clean. After each diaper change, it can be cleaned with a soft cloth, mild soap, and water.
Sometimes doctors recommend applying petroleum jelly to reduce sensitivity. Healing usually takes 7 to 10 days.
