Mothers, as a rule, begin to worry about the health of their offspring since pregnancy. Mothers of baby boys may have an extra concern: phimosis, which is the inability to expose the glans of the penis, because the skin that covers it does not have enough opening.
Initially, the pediatrician may indicate the use of a specific ointment, but if the problem persists, surgery may be called circumcision.
Do you know when it is recommended and how this procedure is done? Find it out:
Procedure
Neuropediatrician Clay Brites explains that circumcision is a procedure also called postectomy or amputation of the foreskin. It is precisely the removal of the foreskin, a skin that covers the penile glans.
Culturally and religiously it can also be taken out. In Jewish tradition, for example, the procedure corresponds to Catholic baptism and is done with newborn babies.
About 80% of newborn infants have a foreskin-protected glance and it is normal that in the early years they cannot withdraw. When phimosis persists, circumcision is indicated, usually after 2 years of age.
The procedure in babies is quite simple. Local anesthesia is used and takes about ten minutes. In children, general anesthesia is recommended. You can go home the same day and the healing takes place within a week.
Benefits
- 12 times less likely to have urinary tract infection.
- 10 times less likely to develop penile cancer.
- Circumcised men get and transmit less HPV.
- Countries where boys are circumcised at birth have lower rates of cervical cancer. This is directly linked to the hygiene of the glans.
- Less likely to get sexually transmitted diseases.
- 15% lower rates of prostate cancer risk.
- May prevent pain when urinating.
Who is it for?
There is currently no consensus on the recommendation of circumcision. This is because phimosis disappears over time in most cases.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, however, "there is scientific evidence demonstrating potential medical benefits of performing circumcision in male newborns, but there is no recommendation for routine circumcision in infants."
In Brazil, the number of circumcised boys at birth is very low. Other countries have adopted it as a recommendation. In the United States, 65% of male babies are circumcised, and in Canada, 48%.
From the age of 4 months, parents can, at bath time, gently pull the foreskin, but be careful not to hurt. Later, the use of a corticoid ointment may be indicated, which promotes ring relaxation and allows exposure of the glans.
When these methods are not sufficient, circumcision is indicated.
Scratchs
Circumcision is a simple procedure that poses virtually no risk. However, as it is a surgery, infections or minor bleeding can always occur.
But Brites emphasizes that it is usually "a low-risk procedure for complications and is only indicated after the child is out of diapers."
Postoperative care
In the postoperative period, physical efforts should be avoided, such as sports, for example.
"You should keep the area clean and well-aerated, and protect the child from handling," Brites says.
Hygiene should be done with soap and water and, in cases of pain, there is control with painkillers, according to medical advice. The doctor may also indicate the use of bandage on site and the use of healing and non-adherent ointment.
Circumcision is a procedure that deserves attention and guidance from professionals. See a doctor to make sure she is right for your child.
Newborn Circumcision (April 2024)
- Babies
- 1,230
