Newborn male circumcision is an option for preventing sexually transmitted diseases. However, the procedure has its critics. Many doctors oppose the procedure and few would recommend it. Yet, parents often make the decision based on social norms and the father’s status. This lack of recommendations may convey the message that circumcision isn’t the best choice.
Benefits
A majority of scientific evidence supports circumcision’s benefits. In some cases, it may even be necessary. The procedure decreases the risk of HIV, genital herpes, HPV, syphilis, and penile cancer during childhood and adulthood. It may also lower the risk of developing urinary tract infections in the newborn. Though the American Academy of Pediatrics endorses male circumcision, it does not recommend routine circumcision for all male newborns at circumcision centre.
As new scientific evidence continues to surface, the AAP is making a stronger case for newborn male circumcision as a preventative procedure. The new policy is stronger than the 1999 one. A recent report by its Task Force finds that circumcision is safe and may even improve a baby’s development. The new policy also encourages insurance companies to cover newborn male circumcision.
Another benefit of circumcision, is that it lowers the chance of infection such as genital herpes or HPV, which can cause cervical cancer and/or genital warts. Female partners also benefit from circumcision, as they have lower rates for vaginal infections and genital injuries after the procedure. Furthermore, circumcision does not affect a male’s sexual potency.
There are risks associated with circumcision. It is important to seek medical advice. AAP recommends that circumcision be performed by a trained practitioner. AAP recommends that anesthetics be used to minimize pain and complications. Parents should decide if the procedure should be performed.
There are also a variety of reasons for circumcision, including a religious or cultural tradition. For instance, newborn male circumcision is often a part of a rite of passage for a Jewish or Islamic community. The ritual is known as brit milah in Jewish communities. A physician performing the procedure is known as a mohel. In both cases, a local anesthetic is used to numb the penis. The numbing agent is applied to the penis an hour before the procedure.
There are risks
While male circumcision is an important part in a boy’s development and growth, there are risks. Bleeding and local infection are two common complications. It’s important to know the signs and how to care for your boy after circumcision. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has reported that complications are rare after newborn male circumcision, but parents should consider them when deciding whether to undergo it.
Male circumcision involves separating the foreskin from the penis and making a dorsal slit. The foreskin is then pulled up over a metal bell that is placed over the glans. The foreskin is then fitted into a metal baseplate, which is tightened over the penis for 5 minutes. Afterwards, a surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the foreskin.
In addition, newborn male circumcision may affect a baby’s sexual function and satisfaction. It can also affect quality of anesthesia or analgesia. Despite its widespread use in the United States, male circumcision has serious risks. The NHANES survey of 6174 men in the United States from 1999 to 2004 shows a 79% rate of circumcision. This rate is higher for non-Hispanic white men and 73% for non-Hispanic black men.
The results of this study have some limitations, including that survey questions are self-reported. Therefore, the survey results may be overestimated. The survey sample isn’t large enough to include all opinions. Some physicians are opposed to it, and others disagree with the recommendation.
To address these concerns, the AAP formed a task force consisting of a multidisciplinary team that evaluated the evidence and updated its recommendations. The Task Force included AAP members, stakeholders, liaisons from different specialty groups, as well as an independent epidemiologist. The report also included a cost/benefit analysis of male circumcision in newborns.
Although there are only a few studies, the results are consistent. The risk of developing a urinary tract infection is reduced by circumcision. One in 100 boys will experience a UTI within their first month of life. The risk of UTI is reduced by 90% in circumcised infants, according to a meta-analysis of eleven observational studies.
Time for healing
After a male circumcision, a child must stay in the hospital for a brief period. It is usually less than two to three weeks. Following the procedure, the baby should take a bath on the same day, and he or she should not sit on any toys or ride a bicycle for the next two to three days. The incision site should be cleaned daily and wiped with petroleum jelly.
Almost all newborns can be circumcised just a few days after birth, although some require longer. If the baby is too young, is premature, has a problem with his penis, or is suffering from bleeding problems, the doctor may recommend waiting a few days before performing the procedure. The doctor should explain to parents all the benefits and risks of the procedure before they begin. They should also answer any questions parents may have about the procedure and sign an informed consent form.
The foreskin, which is an important part the penis, separates from the penis head. The foreskin can usually be retracted by a boy when he is five years old. Some boys, however, are still unable until they reach adolescence to retract their foreskin. In such cases, the foreskin may balloon out and may become infected.
The newborn male circumcision procedure has the potential for adhesions and is not only dangerous for infection. If the circumcision fat pad is performed incorrectly, this can cause an uneven look. This can result in a keloid or granuloma on the cut edge.
The procedure can be performed at any age, but it is most popular during the first month. An anesthetic is used to numb the area. The surgery is usually performed while the baby is still awake. Anesthesia can also be used on older children to reduce pain and decrease the risk of damaging their penis. However, older children can develop a greater fear of having their penis circumcised.
The area around the penis will turn red for approximately one week after the circumcision. The doctor may apply antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of meatitis. This infection is usually self-limiting and will disappear as the epithelial skin of the penis thickens.
Complications
Although it is a common procedure for male circumcision, complications can occur. These complications include bleeding, local infection, or unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes. In rare cases, the procedure can lead to life-threatening complications, such as sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis. One retrospective study found that the child’s birth weight at the time of circumcision was associated to a higher risk for complications.
The technique used to circumcise newborn males will determine the risks. For example, boys who undergo circumcision at a medical facility have fewer complications than boys circumcised in less-developed countries. The risks are higher if the procedure has been performed by a provider who has limited training and resources.
There are many risks associated with newborn male circumcision. A trained practitioner should perform the procedure. One in 500 newborn male circumcisions can lead to serious acute complications such as bleeding and infection. Later complications, if left untreated, can include skin bridges, adhesions, and meatal stenosis. Penile adhesions are a common problem and are thought to occur from the rough surfaces of the serosa.
Even though it has its risks, newborn male circumcision is safe. It reduces the risk of HIV infection, penile cancer, and other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, it does not negatively affect penile sexual function. However, the procedure must be performed properly and with sterile techniques.
There are many methods of circumcision. The most popular are the Plastibell device and Gomco clamp. These devices are designed to separate the penis and the glans. These devices differ in size, but all use the same principle.
Although the AAP acknowledges that the procedure is an elective one, it is important to inform parents about its risks. Aside from bleeding, infants may also get infection or an abnormal lump. Most complications are minor and not serious.
Newborn male circumcision rates in the United States vary dramatically by region. In the midwestern United States, the rate is highest, with a high of 83.5% in 1998 and a low of 63.7% in 2010. Conversely, the rate of newborn male circumcision is lowest in the western U.S., with nearly 7 out of 10 male babies not circumcised after birth in 2003.
