Circumcision

What is circumcision?

Baby boys are born with a hood of skin, called a foreskin, covering the head of the penis. Circumcision is a procedure to remove the foreskin, exposing the head of the penis. In most cases, it is performed within the first few days or weeks after the baby’s birth in the hospital or a clinic setting. In some cases, your doctor may suggest waiting to perform the circumcision. Circumcisions can be performed at any age. Typically, after three months of age, circumcisions are done in the operating room.

Who gets circumcised?

Circumcision, in the majority of baby boys, is optional. Most circumcisions are done or not done based on a family’s cultural preferences. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend circumcision for medical reasons.

What are the benefits and risks of circumcision?

The benefit versus risk of circumcision has been widely debated. If you are unsure about circumcision, request an appointment in our Urology Clinic. Our doctors can tell you more about your baby’s specific benefits or risks.

How is circumcision done?

Circumcision is either done in a clinic or the operating room. Your doctor determines which option is best for your baby.

For circumcisions that can be done in the clinic, your baby will be given pain medicine thirty minutes before the procedure. Then your baby will be taken to the procedure room in our clinic by our clinic nursing staff, who will remain with your baby during the procedure. He will be undressed, and his penis and foreskin will be cleaned with an antiseptic. The doctor will then use an injectable medicine to numb the area before the procedure and reduce pain for several hours afterward. Once the area is numb, the doctor will use circumcision tools to remove the foreskin. The procedure usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. A nurse will teach you how to care for your child after the procedure.

For circumcisions done in the operating room, the surgery center will give your child a specific surgery date and arrival time. You will be instructed when your child may need to stop eating or drinking before the procedure. After arriving at the surgery center, you will be placed in a private, pre-op surgery room. At this time, you will have an opportunity to ask the surgery team any questions before the procedure. When ready, your child will be escorted to the operating room suite by the surgery team. After the surgery is completed, your doctor will speak to you about the procedure and answer any questions. You will then be able to stay with your child until he is ready to be taken home.

What happens after a circumcision?

A nurse will provide you with education on how to care for your baby or child after a circumcision. Healing time varies depending on the type of circumcision that is performed.

You may notice a bit of swelling, redness or blood, which is normal. It is normal for children to have pain after circumcision.

You will be given instructions on how and when you should call the doctor if concerns arise.