What
is Circumcision?
The skin covering the tip of the male genital is
surgically removed in circumcision, which is a minor and common surgery.
It's normally done on a newborn boy within the first two days.
The foreskin is a covering of skin that
covers the head (glans) of the male genital in boys. The foreskin is removed during
circumcision to reveal the male genital head. It's a simple treatment that doesn't
require stitches and involves very little blood. Circumcision can be performed
on older boys, but it is a more complex surgery.
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Circumcision of new-borns is
linked to several factors.
The following are the most common:
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religion
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hygiene
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health considerations
Benefits
Circumcised males may be at a lower risk of
acquiring penis cancer later in life, according to studies. Circumcision may
reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from a
female partner who is infected.
Circumcision may offer a number of health
advantages, including:
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Better hygienic conditions. It
is easier to wash the male genital after circumcision.
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Urinary tract infections are less likely to
occur.
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Reduced chance of contracting
sexually transmitted infections. Certain sexually transmitted infections, such
as HIV, may be less likely among circumcised men.
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Prevention of penile problems.
inflammation of the foreskin or head of the male genital is more common in
uncircumcised men.
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Penile cancer risk is reduced. cervical
cancer is also less common in the female sexual partners of circumcised men.
If you have certain blood-clotting issues,
circumcision may not be an option. Circumcision may also be inappropriate for
premature babies who need medical attention in the hospital nursery, as well as
babies born with penile deformities.
Circumcision has no effect on fertility, and
it isn't regarded to improve or decrease sexual satisfaction in males or their
partners.
Adult
circumcision
Adult circumcision is less common than
those of children. It takes longer and is more likely to cause tissue damage.
It's also possible that it causes more psychological distress in adults than it
does in children.
Certain disorders, such as phimosis,
paraphimosis, and balanitis, may be reduced as a result.
The inability to pull back the foreskin
causes phimosis, which causes pain and urine issues. It can happen if a man is
born with a tight foreskin, or it can happen because of scarring, infection, or
inflammation. Topical corticosteroids or circumcision are two treatment
options.
When the foreskin becomes trapped behind
the head of the male genital, blood flow to the end of the male genital is restricted. It can
occur because of a medical procedure, such as the insertion of a catheter.
Paraphimosis is a life-threatening condition. Gangrene can develop if not
treated. The goal of treatment is to minimize swelling, although most doctors
advise circumcision after recovery to avoid the issue recurring.
When the head of the male genital becomes inflamed
or swollen, it is known as balanitis. This could be related to a sexually
transmitted infection (STI), thrush, skin inflammation, or another skin
disease. Circumcised guys are less likely to have it. Balanitis can be
prevented by circumcision.
What
Happens During the Procedure?
For circumcision, a newborn is usually
awake. He is usually placed in a plastic seat. Before the treatment, an
antiseptic is applied to the penis and surrounding area.
Pain-Control
Measures
A baby's pain during circumcision can be
reduced using a variety of safe and effective pain-relieving techniques.
Inquire with your doctor ahead of time about the type of pain control your kid
will receive.
The area of the male genital where the incision
will be performed is numbed with a topical anesthetic. A numbing lotion or drug
injected into the penis with a small needle may be used. Your infant will feel very little pain when
the needle passes through the skin due to the numbing cream.
The nurse may give your infant a
"sucrose pacifier" (a pacifier dipped in sugar water), which has been
demonstrated to lessen newborn distress, to further minimize tension and
discomfort. Acetaminophen is sometimes prescribed to relieve discomfort. Babies
may also benefit from being swaddled.
Circumcision
Methods
Circumcision can be done in a variety of
methods on newborns. The most prevalent techniques use specific devices to
protect the head of the penis while the foreskin is removed. Which method is
best for your baby will be determined by your doctor.
The three most prevalent circumcision
procedures in infants are:
1.
The Gomco Clamp
The foreskin is separated from the penis
head using a probe, which is a unique device. After that, a bell-shaped device
is placed over the penis' head and under the foreskin (an incision may be made
in the foreskin to allow this). To limit blood supply to the area, the foreskin
is pushed up and over the bell and a clamp is tightened around it.
2.
The Mogen Clamp
A probe is used to separate the foreskin
from the head of the penis. The foreskin is then pulled out in front of the
head and put into a slot in a metal clamp. The clamp is kept in place while the
foreskin is cut with a knife, and it is left in place for a few minutes
afterward to ensure that the bleeding is under control.
3.
The Plastibell Technique
The plastic bell is put under the foreskin
and over the head of the male genital after separation with a probe. A piece of suture
is tied directly around the foreskin, cutting off the foreskin's blood flow.
The additional foreskin can then be cut off with a knife, but the plastic ring
is kept on. It falls off after 6 to 12 days.
After
the Procedure
To avoid the wound from sticking to the
baby's diaper, doctors will apply petroleum ointment to the wound and wrap the male baby's genital with gauze (unless the doctors have used the Plastibell method,
which requires no dressing). Shortly after the procedure, your baby will
usually, be brought to you.
Regardless of the procedure utilized, there
is virtually minimal bleeding following circumcision. When you initially remove
the bandage, you may notice a small amount of blood flowing from the incision's
edge or on the diaper, but this will usually stop on its own.
Wash your infant gently following the
surgery because his penis may be uncomfortable for a few days. Astringents and
other specialty bath products should never be used. Most doctors advise washing
the region with warm water to keep it clean. If your baby accidentally gets
poop on his penis, carefully wipe it away with soapy water.
Apply a new dressing (with petroleum jelly)
every time you change a diaper for the first day or two if there is one on the
incision. Even if the dressing is no longer required, a dab of petroleum jelly
should be applied to the penis or the front of the diaper for 3 to 5 days. This
can assist prevent rubbing and sticking to the diaper, which can cause
irritation.
A circumcised penis normally takes 7 to 10
days to recover after the treatment. If you experience any of the following
symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
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bleeding that continues or
blood on the diaper (more than quarter-sized)
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redness or swelling around the
tip of the penis that gets worse
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fever
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signs of infection, such as the
presence of pus-filled blisters
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not urinating within 12 hours
after the circumcision
Risks
and Complications
Circumcision is regarded as a relatively
safe treatment with few risks. The majority of the time, there is no
complications.
In rare cases, Complications can include the
following:
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Infection: Infection is rare
because the surgery is carried out using sterile procedures. Most infections
associated with circumcision are minor and curable with medication. Redness,
pus, discomfort, and swelling around the incision, as well as a fever, are all
signs of infection. Please contact your doctor if you observe any of these
symptoms.
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Bleeding at the site: This is more
likely if the child has a bleeding disorder, which is why any family history of
bleeding or clotting problems should be disclosed to the doctor. A small blood
vessel may be nicked during the procedure on rare occasions. Most of the time,
the bleeding will stop on its own, although stitches may be required on rare
occasions.
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Risks associated with anesthesia: Although
local anesthetic is extremely safe, it can occasionally result in bruising,
bleeding, or skin irritation. It can induce irregular heart rhythms, breathing
difficulties, an allergic reaction, and, in rare cases, death. These
consequences are rare, and they almost always occur in people who have other
medical issues.
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Incomplete removal of the foreskin: Too
much skin is sometimes left behind. As the youngster grows older, this becomes
less noticeable. A correction operation may be necessary later if the excess
skin is uneven.
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Damage to the penis: The head of the
penis can be harmed during circumcision in rare situations. Precautions taken
by doctors nearly usually prevent this from happening.
Circumcisions are a regular operation with
few complications. Circumcision usually heals without difficulties or health
problems for a child. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding
circumcision.
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