The practice of circumcision is one that has been with us for centuries. In ancient days, it was mainly performed for religious and cultural purposes but this has changed over time and it has taken a more medical angle. There is a huge variation as relates to the timing at which the cut is undertaken. When used for cultural rites of passage, circumcision is usually done to adolescent boys or young adults. Newborn circumcision is a common practice in many western countries and among the Jews.
One of the arguments in favor of circumcision is the fact that it makes it easier to maintain hygiene. For the uncircumcised, the foreskin may provide a breeding ground for bacterial organisms the result of which is increased levels of urinary tract infections. It is also purported that once circumcised, men tend to have better sexual sensitivity and make better sexual partners. These claims, unfortunately, do not have scientific based backing.
There are no hard and fast rules regarding the timing of undergoing the cut. Many parents in Toronto, ON prefer to have the procedure carried out within the first 10 days after birth. There are many reasons as to why this is the case. The first of these reasons is the fact that it is convenient since it can be carried out before the mother leaves the hospital. It is performed by either the obstetrician or the pediatrician present during birth. The other advantage is that babies heal faster than older children meaning that hospital stay is shorter.
In some cases, the procedure may be delayed to a later date. For instance, if the baby is born prematurely, doctors will recommend that the he be admitted until the weight is acceptable. This is because the premature baby may not tolerate the anesthesia used for the procedure. In the event that an abnormality of the genital organs is identified such as that affecting the urethra, it is advisable that circumcision be delayed.
In general the procedure is safe but there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Local site infection and bleeding are fairly common but easily controlled in the hospital setting. Late onset infections also respond well to treatment with antibiotics when identified early and treated promptly. Pain is usually managed by the use of either general or local anesthesia.
Cleanliness after the surgery is paramount. Proper hygiene helps to minimize the rate of infections and ensures that healing takes place in a short period of time. It is recommended that the area be cleaned at least once with warm water. Diapers may irritate the surgical site in the first few days but this can be controlled by applying some petroleum jelly.
If performed in the right manner, the wound will take between 7 and 10 days to heal. There may be residual redness of the penile tip but this subsides with time. During the first few days, look out for excessive bleeding, fever and production of pus from the penis. In the event that you notice any of these signs get in touch of your doctor. Failure to pass urine for 12 hours after the surgery requires to be addressed immediately.
If you chose to leave your child uncircumcised it will not make them any less of a man. The important thing is to make sure that the uncircumcised penis is kept clean to hinder the survival of bacterial organisms. Gently cleaning with warm water daily is enough. The foreskin should not be retracted forcefully since it takes about three years before it is fully retractable.
One of the arguments in favor of circumcision is the fact that it makes it easier to maintain hygiene. For the uncircumcised, the foreskin may provide a breeding ground for bacterial organisms the result of which is increased levels of urinary tract infections. It is also purported that once circumcised, men tend to have better sexual sensitivity and make better sexual partners. These claims, unfortunately, do not have scientific based backing.
There are no hard and fast rules regarding the timing of undergoing the cut. Many parents in Toronto, ON prefer to have the procedure carried out within the first 10 days after birth. There are many reasons as to why this is the case. The first of these reasons is the fact that it is convenient since it can be carried out before the mother leaves the hospital. It is performed by either the obstetrician or the pediatrician present during birth. The other advantage is that babies heal faster than older children meaning that hospital stay is shorter.
In some cases, the procedure may be delayed to a later date. For instance, if the baby is born prematurely, doctors will recommend that the he be admitted until the weight is acceptable. This is because the premature baby may not tolerate the anesthesia used for the procedure. In the event that an abnormality of the genital organs is identified such as that affecting the urethra, it is advisable that circumcision be delayed.
In general the procedure is safe but there are a number of complications that may be encountered. Local site infection and bleeding are fairly common but easily controlled in the hospital setting. Late onset infections also respond well to treatment with antibiotics when identified early and treated promptly. Pain is usually managed by the use of either general or local anesthesia.
Cleanliness after the surgery is paramount. Proper hygiene helps to minimize the rate of infections and ensures that healing takes place in a short period of time. It is recommended that the area be cleaned at least once with warm water. Diapers may irritate the surgical site in the first few days but this can be controlled by applying some petroleum jelly.
If performed in the right manner, the wound will take between 7 and 10 days to heal. There may be residual redness of the penile tip but this subsides with time. During the first few days, look out for excessive bleeding, fever and production of pus from the penis. In the event that you notice any of these signs get in touch of your doctor. Failure to pass urine for 12 hours after the surgery requires to be addressed immediately.
If you chose to leave your child uncircumcised it will not make them any less of a man. The important thing is to make sure that the uncircumcised penis is kept clean to hinder the survival of bacterial organisms. Gently cleaning with warm water daily is enough. The foreskin should not be retracted forcefully since it takes about three years before it is fully retractable.
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