Many Jewish and Islamic families observe circumcision as a religious ritual. For others, it’s an issue of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive healthcare.
Newborns typically experience some level of pain during the procedure, but a doctor can reduce it with local anesthetic and other methods for pain relief. Swaddling them or giving them a pacifier dipped in sugar water to reduce stress and discomfort are two methods that may be employed.
What is circumcision?
Newborn Circumcision Melbourne is a surgical procedure that eliminates the prepuce or foreskin from your baby’s penis, exposing its tip (glans). It is typically performed on male babies for cultural or religious reasons, or to treat medical conditions affecting the foreskin such as phimosis.
During the procedure, your doctor will clean and numb your baby’s penis with local anesthesia. They may apply a numbing cream or administer an injection of medicine on the base of the penis for extra comfort.
They will then apply a clamp on the penis to stop bleeding and cut away any foreskin with a scalpel. After applying antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly, they will cover the wound with gauze for protection.
After your baby’s penis surgery, it typically takes one to 10 days for it to heal completely. Your baby may appear red and swollen with a yellow crust on top; additionally, they may be fussy or irritable in the days following the procedure – all of which are normal signs of healing.
How is circumcision done?
Circumcision of a newborn requires medical assistance, usually performed in the hospital setting. It’s usually considered minor surgery and takes only minutes if done by an experienced healthcare provider.
Before the procedure begins, your practitioner will clean and numb the penis with either topical anesthetic cream or medicine to make your baby comfortable while they undergo surgery. They may also use a clamp or ring to securely hold in place the penis during this step.
Medical personnel will then remove the foreskin and apply topical antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly, keeping the area clean and aiding healing. Finally, gauze is wrapped around the skin for protection before it is wrapped up in plastic.
What are the risks of circumcision?
Newborn circumcision is a safe, straightforward procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals. However, like any surgical procedure, there may be risks involved.
Complications are rare; infections and bleeding are the most frequent.
Infections in newborns may cause a fever and skin rash. If you observe any signs of infection in your infant after circumcision, contact your doctor right away.
Other potential complications of circumcision may include epispadias, or the opening of the urethral meatus on the dorsal surface of the glans (skin at the tip of the penis). Although rare and usually not requiring treatment, this condition can occur if the device used to create a dorsal slit in foreskin gets into the urethra.
Other rare complications may include meatitis, a self-limiting condition characterized by red and inflamed tissue surrounding the urethral meatus; and meatal stenosis, or narrowing of the urethral opening that could deflect urine stream and make it difficult for your baby to urinate.
How do I care for my baby’s penis after circumcision?
Every child heals differently after circumcision, but there are some basic steps you can take to help your baby’s penis heal quickly and completely.
For the first few days, your baby’s penis will be covered with a gauze dressing that must be replaced at each diaper change. You may also apply petroleum jelly to further protect it.
Your baby’s glans (head of penis) may appear red and swollen at first, but this is perfectly normal. It may develop a yellow coating known as a scab.
The plastic ring that secures the glans will come off within a few days of wear.
Once the scab has fallen away, the area behind the glans may become swollen and appear like a blister. This is normal and should subside within a few weeks.
You can apply a thin layer of ointment on the incision line and head of your baby’s penis to reduce any pain or crying during diaper changes. This will help ease discomfort during changes and keep the area clean at the same time.