Circumcision pros and cons: 10 things to consider when expecting a boy

Circumcision pros and cons are something most parents of boys need to consider. In some cultures, circumcision is a ritual associated with religion. In others, it is seen as a necessity related to hygiene and prevention to guarantee the comfort of the child in the long term. In this surgical procedure, which is performed more frequently in countries like the United States, the skin that covers the tip of the penis is removed, especially when the foreskin is difficult to retract. But what are the most important things to consider about circumcision? Here we tell you!

What is circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the skin covering the tip of the penis is removed. In some cases, this intervention responds to a religious or cultural tradition, although in other countries it is recommended to guarantee good hygiene for children. It is an intervention that does not usually present major complications; the bleeding that results from cutting the skin is cauterized with heat and, stitching the wound with absorbable surgical thread.

It is safe?

For some experts, circumcision is recommended in the first months or years of life, since in adulthood there are usually greater complications or difficulty in removing the skin. In general, circumcision is a simple process that does not involve great risks for the patient; however, like any surgical intervention, there are risks such as infections or excessive bleeding.

What are circumcision pros?

Among the benefits of circumcision are better hygiene in boys, a lower risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, and a lower chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, early circumcision helps prevent penile problems, such as inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis. According to science, circumcision is also believed to reduce the risk of penile cancer.

Circumcision aftercare

Baby born from childbirth surgery — Shutterstock

After the circumcision, the doctor will recommend some cleaning care, as well as rest and absolute care to avoid any friction that could create a focus of infection in the wound. Aftercare includes cleaning the wound with warm water and changing the gauze every time the baby’s diaper needs to be changed. These steps should be done for at least two days.

Circumcision pros and cons: recovery time

It is important to differentiate between the recovery time and the time of discomfort that the baby will go through after circumcision. In the case of the latter, it is estimated that the pain should disappear three to four days after the operation. However, even if the pain has subsided, healing will take between one or two weeks; in some cases, the pain begins to disappear within ten days.

Surgery cost

An infant born thanks to surgery — Shutterstock

The cost of a circumcision will depend on several factors, such as: the place where it is performed, the experience of the doctor in charge of the procedure, the date on which the operation is carried out and the age of the patient. For example, a circumcision performed on a patient between six weeks and nine months will cost up to $750, but if a date is chosen that falls on a weekend or holiday, then the cost can go up.

Who does it

Circumcision is performed in the office of a urologist, obstetrician, or pediatrician, who have the necessary equipment and knowledge to care for the needs of the newborn. However, in rituals such as the Bris, a mohel (a trained professional with the proper training in circumcision) can perform this ceremony safely for the baby.

Circumcision cons: complications

Although circumcision is considered a safe operation, it is important to take into account that it may have some mild to moderate adverse effects or reactions. These include deep bleeding, infections, removal of excess skin, adhesions, cysts, strictures, urinary retention, fistulas and, the most serious, necrosis of the penis.

What happens if it is not done?

Among the medical complications that can occur when choosing not to circumcise boys is an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Otherwise, it should not present major complications. Circumcision is an option available to most boys, but at least half of all men are thought to have been circumcised.

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