Circumcisions have many benefits, especially when performed on an infant. Many parents choose to circumcise their newborn baby as the procedure can be easier and recovery time can be quicker.
Circumcision is a procedure that has been practiced for thousands of years, performed for various reasons such as cultural and religious reasons, and for medical benefits. Parents should have an informed discussion with their circumcision doctor about the benefits and risks.
There are two main methods a circumcision doctor will use when operating on infants. These are the Plastibell and Gomco methods. Local anaesthesia or a penile nerve block is used to numb the area before the procedure to ensure minimal discomfort.
The Gomco method is for infants less than 2 months old. The procedure uses a Gomco clamp to remove the foreskin. It takes 10 minutes and has a lower risk of infection.
The Plastibell method is for boys up to 4 years old. It uses the Plastibell device, which is placed under the foreskin and over the glans. The foreskin is pulled over the Plastibell and clamped to the handle, and the handle is broken off, leaving a ring in place. This blocks blood supply to the foreskin, and the ring will fall off naturally in 7-10 days along with the foreskin.
Your circumcision doctor will discuss with you which method is best for your child. When choosing a circumcision clinic, be sure to research into the experience and expertise their circumcision doctors have. Ensure that they make you feel comfortable and take time to discuss the procedure with you, outlining the benefits and risks.
Benefits of infant circumcision
There are many reasons you may choose to circumcise your child, with numerous medical benefits.
Decreased risk of UTIs
Circumcision has the medical benefit of a reduced risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections), especially for babies who have kidney problems. This carries onto adulthood, as circumcised males are less likely to contract UTIs. Babies who have recurring UTIs in the first year of their life may also be prescribed circumcision as a treatment.
Prevents and stops foreskin problems
Some younger boys may experience issues with their foreskin, such as the foreskin becoming too tight, causing swelling and discomfort. This may also cause ballooning of the foreskin when urinating.
If the foreskin is pulled back when it is still tight, or not replaced after being pulled back, it can get stuck and result in paraphimosis. Paraphimosis is when a tight ring is formed around the head of the penis and needs medical attention if it cannot be returned to its former place. Circumcision is used as a treatment.
Infant circumcision can prevent issues with the foreskin such as the above from occurring. Paraphimosis can occur at any time in life, with adults also at risk. Your circumcision doctor will confirm that the procedure can be both a preventative measure and a reactive solution.
Easier and more thorough hygiene
Foreskins require more thorough cleaning, and boys must be taught how to properly clean themselves by pulling back the foreskin and cleaning underneath and around it. This can be time-consuming and requires more attention and good habits.
Proper hygiene is important to prevent infections from occurring. Circumcisions make personal hygiene easier to adhere to, as it is less time-consuming and there is no extra care of washing underneath and around the foreskin.
Decreased risk of penile cancer
When you circumcise your newborn, your child will have a reduced risk of developing penile cancer later in life. While it is a rare condition, it is less likely in men who are circumcised. Female cervical cancer is also less common for female sexual partners of circumcised men.
Reduced risk of STIs and STDs
Being circumcised reduces the risk of having STIs and STDs such as HIV and AIDS later in life. However, it is still important to practice safe sex with a condom.
The procedure is physically and mentally easier for younger boys
If you are considering the procedure for your child, keep in mind that most circumcision doctors report newborns get through the surgery easier than older children. Circumcision for older boys and adults can have a longer recovery time and be a more difficult process mentally.
Older children and adults may find getting a circumcision more mentally awkward and embarrassing. Older boys and adults may also experience pain if they get an erection following the procedure. They will also have to opt out of rough physical activities such as contact sports and bike riding.
It can be difficult getting circumcised as an adult as you must abstain from strenuous physical activity and stimulating the penis for 6-8 weeks.
Choose Circumcision Vasectomy Australia for your circumcision clinic
At Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, we use the innovative Gomco and Plastibell methods for infant circumcision. Our main operating circumcision doctor, Dr. Shehab Abdalla, has years of experience in performing procedures on infants. You can rest assured that your child will be in safe hands, with a 24-hour aftercare hotline for you to address any concerns.
