Some Important Facts On Newborn Circumcision

By Della Monroe


Circumcision is a practice that has been with us for centuries. It has is performed for many reasons that include cultural rites, religious ceremonies and as a medical intervention. Although the exact procedure varies depending on the region of the world in which it is performed, the general principle involves the surgical removal of the foreskin that covers the head of the penis. While some communities perform newborn circumcision, others prefer to do it much later.

The main reason as to why this practice is part of modern medicine in Toronto is that it promotes personal hygiene. In the uncircumcised male, a thick discharge comprising dead cells tends to accumulate below the foreskin every so often. This discharge is known as smegma. When not regularly washed off, smegma causes odor and predisposes the individual to recurrent infections.

If you intend to have your baby circumcised, the best time to do it would be before you leave the hospital after delivery. Obstetricians are well trained to do such operations and will readily operate on the baby. There may be a need for cancellation or postponement if a medical abnormality is diagnosed in the baby. The problem is first rectified then the circumcision rescheduled.

Poor general health condition is one of the commonest reasons as to why this procedure may be cancelled. This is mainly because the baby may not withstand the anesthesia that is administered. The pain may also be too much for the young one. When sick, the immunity of the baby is compromised and therefore there is a high risk of infections setting in when the operation is performed.

There are a number of anatomical abnormalities that may make the procedure difficult to perform initially. The common anomalies include hypospadia and epispadia. Hypospadia is a condition in which the urethral opening is on the lower part of the penile shaft. Epispadia, on the other hand, is when the opening is on the superior aspect. The circumcision in both of these cases is delayed for some time.

As prophylaxis against bacterial infections, the babies should be put on a course of antibiotics. This is done for a duration of seven to ten days. The babies also need some pain relievers during this time because they too experience pain. A small bandage is used to dress the wound for about forty eight hours.

Compared to adults, babies tend to heal much faster. Most babies will heal within seven to ten days after the operation. In the initial days, you may notice redness on the tip with a small amount of yellow fluid. This is entirely normal and should not be a cause for worry. Be worried, however, if there is generalized redness that fails to resolve, persistent swelling or the presence of a cloudy discharge.

It is important that you hold a discussion about your desire to have your baby circumcised if you have made a discussion. The doctor will advise you on whether or not your baby is ready. Although the risks may be a little higher in older boys, the medical benefits are the same. At the same time, failing to have your baby circumcised does not in any way mean that they are abnormal.




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