For boys up to 12 months
What is a baby circumcision?
Baby circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis of a baby boy. It is typically done by a trained healthcare professional, such as a speciliased General Practitioner or urologist, using specialised instruments and techniques.
Circumcision is a procedure that has been practiced for thousands of years and is performed for various reasons, including cultural, religious, and medical benefits. Circumcision is a controversial topic, and some argue that it raises ethical concerns about bodily autonomy and the right of the child to make decisions about their own body. It’s important to note that the decision to circumcise a baby is a personal one, and different parents may have varying reasons for choosing or not choosing the procedure.
As with any medical decision, parents should have an open and informed discussion with their doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks and make a decision that aligns with their values and beliefs.
Baby circumcision
What methods do we offer?
Each method of circumcision has its own advantages and disadvantages. For babies we recommend one of two methods:
- Gomco Method: For babies less than 2 months old. Lower risk of infections and completed in 10 minutes.
- Plastibell Method: For boys up to 4 years old, and occasionally used in older boys with a smaller penis.
Local anaesthesia or a penile nerve block is commonly used to numb the area before performing the circumcision, ensuring that the baby experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure.
For babies less than 2 months old
Gomco Method
- For boys less than 2 months old.
- Lower risk of infection.
- No ring required.
- Completed in 10 minutes.
For boys up to 4 years old
Plastibell Method
- For boys up to 4 years old.
- Lower risk of bleeding.
- Completed in 10 minutes.
- Ring falls off spontaneously in 5-10 days.
Circumcision fees
What does circumcision cost?
We are dedicated to providing affordable circumcision. We offer circumcision at affordable prices under local anaesthetic and penile nerve block. This eliminates the cost of paying for an anaesthetist, anaesthetic drugs, hospital bed and surgical theatre room.
Baby circumcision
What are the risks?
Although infant circumcision is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by a trained doctor, it is not without risks.
Potential complications may include bleeding, infection, and problems related to the healing of the circumcision site.
These risks are relatively rare but should be discussed with the operating doctor before making a decision.
Baby circumcision
Medical benefits
Some medical organisations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), acknowledge certain potential health benefits associated with circumcision.
These may include a reduced risk of urinary tract infections, decreased risk of penile cancer, and a lower likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV.
However, it’s important to note that the medical benefits of circumcision are generally considered modest and should not be the sole reason for choosing the procedure.
Baby circumcision
Aftercare
-
Gomco Method
-
Plastibell Method
- 24 hours after the circumcision, wash the baby in a tub of water. Use QV wash or equivalent. Gently wash the dressing off the penis. The dressing is not cotton wool. It does not matter if the dressing or parts of it does not wash off immediately, the material is absorbable.
- After you wash the baby please apply Vaseline sparingly to the front of the nappy. This minimises the penis from sticking to the nappy. Do this every nappy change for 4 days. Always change the nappy when dirty and clean the baby.
- The penis will look swollen for several days. This is normal. Complete healing occurs within 2-3 weeks.
- On day 10 moisturise the penis with QV moisturiser or equivalent. Do this twice per day.
- Bleeding is rare. If there is a blood stain on the nappy the size of a 20 cent coin call our doctor on call. Occasional small stains of blood on the nappy are common in the first 24 hours.
- Signs of infection are swelling of the scrotum or the penis with redness around the penis, fever, lethargy or decreased appetite.
- If concerned about any signs of infection call our doctor on call.
- A review appointment after 2-3 weeks of the surgery or anytime that you are concerned is important.
- If concerned, ANYTIME always call or leave a text message for our doctor on call.
- 24 hours after the circumcision wash the child in a tub of water. Use QV wash or the equivalent.
- Apply Vaseline onto the front of the nappy every nappy change whilst the ring is present. If the child does not wear a nappy apply to Vaseline to a gauze and insert the gauze in your child’s underwear. Only do this for 4 days.
- The penis will look swollen for several days. This is normal.
- The ring is expected to fall off in 5-10 days.
- Complete healing occurs within 2-3 weeks.
- Bleeding is rare. If there is a blood stain on the nappy the size of a 20 cent coin call our on call doctor. Occasional small stains of blood on the nappy are common in the first 24 hours.
- Signs of infection are, swelling of the scrotum or the penis with redness around the penis, fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite. If concerned about any signs of infection call our on call doctor.
- A review appointment after 2-3 weeks of the surgery or anytime that you are concerned is important.
- If concerned, ANYTIME always call or leave a text message for our on call doctor.
Still have questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is male circumcision?
Male circumcision is the removal of excess skin that covers the head of the penis. It is estimated that three billion males are circumcised globally. Male circumcision is performed for three main reasons: medical, religious and as a preventative health measure.
Who should have male circumcision?
This is a very personal question and can only be answered by an individual. The decision should be made by the parent of the child. The decision should be based on evidence based information, personal preference, religious and cultural beliefs.
What is the best age to have a circumcision?
This is a very personal question. Generally the younger the child the lower the risk of complications.
However, it is perfectly reasonable to elect to have your son circumcised at an older age.
When can I return back to work or school?
This depends on the type of circumcision. You can return to work or school as early as three days after the procedure. If you work from home on a computer and have the circumcision done under local anaesthetic, you can even resume work on the same day.
What do I bring on the day of circumcision?
- Blanket
- x2 Nappy
- Dummy or pacifier
- Bottle of milk if the child is not breastfed
- Vaseline
Will my son feel any pain?
We complete our circumcisions with a dorsal penile nerve block. This essentially puts the pain nerve fibres to sleep for up to 12 hours ensuring your son feels no pain during the circumcision.
Your son will experience minimal discomfort when we inject the penile nerve fibres with local anaesthetic.
How do I care for the wound?
Care for the wound is simple. Our doctors will run you through aftercare after your son’s circumcision.
In addition to this, we provide all our patients access to our 24 hour hotline to address any concerns you have about your son’s circumcision.
How long does a circumcision procedure take?
The consultation takes 10 minutes.
The penile nerve block takes 10 minutes.
The circumcision procedure takes 10 minutes.
We will keep you an additional 10 minutes post circumcision to ensure your child is happy and comfortable.
In total, expect to be with us at least 45 minutes.
Do I need a referral?
No referral required.
