Version June 2024
| What is circumcision? |
| When a baby boy is born, the end of the penis is covered with a layer of skin called the foreskin. This extra skin has two main functions: to protect the end of the penis, or glans, and to provide sexual pleasure. Circumcision is a procedure that surgically removes this foreskin. Importantly, this is not required by law, nor is it medically necessary: it is a choice made by you, the parent or caregiver. |
| The procedure typically takes anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, and is performed by a clinician, usually in the nursery before the child goes home after delivery. |
| Is it painful? |
| Studies have confirmed that babies do experience pain during this procedure, but steps can be taken to minimize this. Often, an injection of anesthesia into the base of the penis is given to block the feelings of pain. Also, a sugar solution can be administered to the baby by mouth. Most importantly, you should discuss pain control with the clinician who is performing the circumcision. |
| What are the benefits of circumcision? |
| Circumcision is often performed for religious or cultural reasons. In English-speaking, Western countries, most males are circumcised. Conversely, circumcisions for nonreligious reasons are rarely done in Europe, Asia, or South America. In the past, up to 90% of all males born in the United States were circumcised, but today that number has dropped to 60%. Some parents or caregivers choose to have their son circumcised because they want their son to look like other males in their family or are afraid they will be picked on for looking different. Also, circumcision has been suggested as a good way to keep the penis clean. This has not been shown to be true. |
| Some research has shown some medical benefits to having your son circumcised. As an example, some studies have shown a small decrease in risk of urinary infections early in life. And, while extremely rare, the risk of penile cancer is lower in circumcised males. It also may decrease the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Occasionally a child will need a circumcision later in life because of cancer, injury, or infection. Circumcisions may reduce some of these risks, but fewer than 10% of uncircumcised males will need the procedure later in life. |
| What are the risks of circumcision? |
| All surgical procedures, including circumcision, carry risks. These include excessive bleeding, infection, problems with anesthesia, and a poor cosmetic result. Rarely, there can be injury to the glans, shaft, or urethra of the penis. All of these complications, however, are very rare and affect only a small number of babies. |
آیا می خواهید مدیلیب را به صفحه اصلی خود اضافه کنید؟
