A circumcision helps a male avoid unwanted sex moments, like embarrassing odors, genital herpes and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It also lowers their likelihood of contracting HIV.
The procedure can be done within the first month of a newborn’s life or very soon afterwards. The procedure is usually non-invasive and painless. To help babies sleep, acetaminophen may be given to them during pregnancy.
How It Works
circumcision victoria treatment involves the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is a hood covering the head (glans), of the penis. It is performed in hospitals either by family doctors, obstetricians or pediatricians.
A slit is made in the head of the penis to expose the foreskin, and a scalpel is used to cut it. Then, the surgeon wraps the area in gauze to prevent infection and apply ointment or petroleum jelly to help it heal.
The foreskin can separate from the tip of the penis at any time during a child’s development. Some boys’ foreskins separate early in life, while others may take years or even decades to do so.
Phimosis is a condition where the foreskins are not completely separated from the penis but remain tight. This is called foreskin phimosis. Phimosis may lead to infections in the skin and head of the penis, as well as in the urinary tract. It can also increase the likelihood of genital warts and lichen sclerosus, as well as other skin problems.
Despite these possible risks, many people choose to have their sons circumcised before they become young men. This is mainly for hygiene and cultural reasons, but some families believe it can also lower the risks of urinary tract infections and penile cancer.
It is best to speak with your doctor before circumcision. AAP recommends providers use pain medications to reduce discomfort during Circumcision ShangRing .
After the procedure, your baby will be in the hospital, and you’ll have to follow special instructions. You’ll need to keep the area clean, and avoid using a diaper wipe on the incision site or rubbing it with your finger. It is a good idea for the diaper to be loose.
Your healthcare provider will give you instructions on how to care after surgery for the penis. This will allow you to keep your son comfortable and heal the wounds. He will tell you how to clean the incision with soap and water and how often to change your penis dressing.
Your baby should heal within 7 to 10 days after the procedure. The penis tip may appear reddened and swollen for several days. There will likely be some blood or yellow discharge.
Preparation
In the 48 hours before your circumcision, you should avoid alcohol as it can make the anaesthetic work less effectively. You should also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
The day of the circumcision, you should report to the hospital at your pre-arranged arrival time and change into a gown. It’s a good idea to bring someone with you for support and who can drive you home afterwards as it will take some time for your body to recover from the anaesthetic.
Your doctor can discuss with you the best pain relief options for you, your baby, and what they are. A topical cream may be used for newborns to numb the area. For older children and babies, an injected anesthetic may be prescribed.
Your baby will be restrained from moving and wiggling during the procedure. You will likely give your baby a pacifier with sugar water to help you relax and soothe him.
Your baby will be given Tylenol (acetaminophen), to ease any pain he may be experiencing after the procedure. Your baby should be discharged from the hospital within 15 minutes.
To prevent infection, you’ll need to wash the penis with plain water at least once a day and whenever it gets dirty after a bowel movement. Petroleum jelly should also be used liberally until the wound heals.
You should refrain from sexual activity for the first month following your circumcision, as friction on the scar line can cause discomfort. If you do get sexually involved, please use a condom to keep the scar from rupturing again.
Once you are fully recovered, you will be able to resume normal activities such as school and work once you have completed your recovery. You should not participate in heavy lifting or seated positions for a while, however.
You can also resume eating and drinking normally. Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the chance of infection.
The procedure
Circumcision, a surgical procedure to remove the penis’ foreskin, is called circumcision. It can be performed on children and babies, usually in a hospital or surgery center. It can be done under local, general, or IV anaesthesia.
The surgeon usually performs the surgery. This person has been specially trained and holds the appropriate certification.
Newborns can feel pain while being circumcised. A practitioner may use anesthetics to help or give the baby the option of a pacifier, which is dipped into a sugar solution to ease discomfort. Other methods for pain relief include using an ice pack or giving the child acetaminophen.
For older children and adults, the procedure can be done in an outpatient clinic or hospital. The doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of your procedure and request your consent.
Your doctor will check your child’s penis and genitals, and make sure the area is clean before the procedure begins. He or she will also discuss what to do with the area after the procedure, including how you can keep it clean.
The area is first anesthetized with local anaesthetic before the circumcision. The area is then cleaned and sutured. To prevent bleeding and speed up the procedure, depending on the type of circumcision performed, the surgeon may place a special device called “Plastibell” above the penis.
A dressing is placed on the area after the circumcision to keep it clean. A dab of petroleum jelly should be applied to the dressing each time you change your baby’s diaper. This will help the skin heal and prevent it from rubbing against the diaper, which can be painful.
Although the decision to circumcise a boy’s genitals is one that should be made by him, parents have the right to decide when it is appropriate. Doctors recommend that boys be circumcised in certain cases to reduce the risk for sexually transmitted disease later in life.
Post-Procedure Care
It is crucial to provide post-procedure care to ensure that your surgery is successful. It is carried out by a team of doctors to help you understand your procedure, set your expectations, and recover at the earliest possible time.
Painkillers may be administered to you during anesthesia. This will reduce the discomfort and pain. Keep a bottle or a cup of fluids on you at all times, both during and after the procedure. This will help keep your body hydrated. You should immediately call your doctor if you experience nausea and vomiting.
You should not have sex or any sexual activity for a few days after your circumcision. This will allow you to get used to the area, and help to minimize any discomfort caused by the stitches.
If you notice any changes in your son’s penis, such as bleeding, itching or a hard, dry patch on the skin, or if the head of his penis looks raw or has a scab, let your doctor know immediately. These symptoms could be due to infection or inflammation. These symptoms are rare but should be checked by a urologist if they persist or worsen after several days.
It is not uncommon for the head of your penis to look a little yellow or rough the first few days after surgery. This is normal and will fade in about a week.
In addition, some people may experience pain when their penis erects, or when they pass urine. This condition is called phimosis. It can be treated with topical steroids. In very severe cases, your doctor can use a local anaesthetic gel to rub on the glans.
Other complications of circumcisions are very rare. These include epispadias (opening of the urethra to the glans), and the creation of an a fistula from the urethra to the skin. These complications can be treated by a pediatric physician to prevent future problems.
Your child should continue to be kept clean and well-fed. To keep the incision clean, your child should be bathed in warmwater. This will keep the scab from forming and prevent crusting over the head of his penis.