002208747-C90BriC, expires 9/29/2012

Parents Guide to Circumcision

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Removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis is called circumcision. It is a minor surgical procedure often performed in the hospital nursery on newborn boys within one to 10 days after birth. Circumcision is an elective procedure that is typically chosen by parents based on religious, cultural or traditional reasons. Circumcision is performed on approximately 55 to 65 percent of all newborn boys in the United States each year. It is more common in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East, than in Asia, South America, Central America and most of Europe. Once the procedure has been performed, it usually is not possible to re-create the appearance of a penis that has not been circumcised. The procedure may not be recommended if the infant has certain blood-clotting disorders or penis abnormalities, or is premature and still needs medical care in the hospital nursery. Circumcision begins with cleaning the penis and surrounding area. An anesthetic is then injected into the base of the penis or applied as a cream. Then a special clamp is placed on the penis and the foreskin is removed. After the procedure, which takes about five to 10 minutes, the penis is covered with ointment and wrapped loosely with gauze to protect it from rubbing against the diaper. The recovery period following circumcision is about seven to 10 days. During this time, it is important to keep the penis as clean as possible. The diaper should be changed often to minimize contact with urine and stool, and the penis should be washed gently with soap and water daily. Petroleum jelly can be applied to the penis to keep the bandage from sticking to the penis. A small amount of blood may appear on the babys diaper, but there should be no active bleeding from the penis. If a plastic ring was placed on the penis during the procedure, it will drop off on its own, typically in about a week. Circumcision is not endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Academy of Family Physicians as a way to prevent medical conditions. However, it may provide several health benefits, including: Being easier to wash the penis. Having a decreased risk of urinary tract infections. Preventing penile problems, such as difficulty retracting the foreskin. Lowering the risk of penile cancer and sexually transmitted infections.

002208747-C90BriC, expires 9/29/2012

Because circumcision is a surgical procedure there are associated risks, including surgical pain, side effects related to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, infection and foreskin problems. The procedure also can be done for an older boy, but it tends to be a more complicated procedure that may require general anesthesia. Circumcision does not affect fertility. It is important to remember that circumcision is not required by law or hospital policy. It is the parents choice whether to have it done. Parents should discuss any questions or concerns about having their son circumcised with their doctor. For more information about circumcision, talk with your pediatrician or visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website at www.healthychildren.org.