Patient education: Circumcision in babies and children (The Basics)

What is circumcision? — 

This is surgery to remove the skin that covers the tip of the penis (figure 1). This skin is called the "foreskin."

In newborns who get circumcised, this usually happens when they are between 1 and 10 days old, often before going home from the hospital.

Less commonly, circumcision is done on an older baby or child.

What happens during a circumcision? — 

When it is time for the procedure:

●The staff might use techniques to try and soothe your baby. They might swaddle them, offer a pacifier, or give them a sugar solution.

●They will place your baby in a special brace or device to keep them still.

●The doctor will clean your baby's penis and foreskin.

●Your baby will get anesthesia medicines. This is to make sure they do not feel pain during the procedure. For a circumcision, the doctor will often use cream to numb the skin, then give a shot of anesthesia medicine into the base of the penis. For toddlers or older children, the doctor might give them medicine to put them to sleep for the procedure.

●The doctor will use special tools to cut off your baby's foreskin.

●They will put petroleum jelly (sample brand name: Vaseline) or antibiotic ointment on the tip of your baby's penis. They will cover it with a gauze bandage.

●The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens after circumcision? — 

The staff will make sure your baby or child can urinate and any bleeding is controlled.

If a "Plastibell" ring is placed on the tip of your baby's penis to stop bleeding, do not pull it off. It will fall off in a week or so.

It is important to take good care of your baby's penis as it heals. For the first 24 hours after circumcision:

●Remove and replace the gauze with each diaper change. Put petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment on a new gauze, then place the gauze on the penis.

●Clean the penis with warm water and a cotton ball once or twice a day.

For the next 3 to 5 days:

●Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment directly to the penis. This helps keep the area clean and keeps the wound from sticking to the diaper or underwear.

●Wash the penis each day with warm water and a clean washcloth or cotton balls. It is normal to see a soft yellow scab for a few days.

For toddlers or older children, you need to limit their activity while they heal. Follow the doctor's instructions about how long to avoid things like straddle toys or bikes, swimming, and sports.

What are the risks of circumcision? — 

Your doctor will talk to you about all the possible risks, and answer your questions. Possible risks include:

●Bleeding

●Infection

●Swelling or redness around the penis

●Injury to the penis

●Removing too little or too much skin

●Trouble urinating

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher.

●Your child's penis gets more swollen.

●Your child's penis changes color, becomes redder, or looks darker in color.

●Your child has not urinated for more than 8 hours.

●Your child has bleeding (larger than a quarter-sized area in their diaper).

●There continues to be drainage from your child's penis.

●Your child has a Plastibell, and it does not fall off within 10 to 12 days.

More on this topic

Patient education: Should I have my baby circumcised? (The Basics)
Patient education: Circumcision in adults (The Basics)

Patient education: Circumcision in baby boys (Beyond the Basics)