Circumcision, the removal of the foreskin from a penis, has been practiced for centuries. While it’s commonly done for religious or cultural reasons, circumcision has also historically been recommended as a form of preventive care. It can be performed at any age, but it’s most commonly done for newborns.

If you’re wondering whether to have your newborn baby circumcised, it’s important to understand the full picture. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the benefits of circumcision outweigh the low risks of the procedure. However, these benefits can also be achieved with thorough hygiene. Unless certain health factors are present, doctors generally leave the decision up to the parents.

To help you make the best decision for your newborn, keep reading to learn about the benefits and risks of circumcision, what the procedure involves, and advice on caring for both circumcised and uncircumcised babies.

Benefits of circumcision include easier hygiene and infection control

The inside of the foreskin can create a sheltered environment where bacteria and viruses may grow if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Removing the foreskin through circumcision makes cleaning the penis easier, and as a result, circumcision has been linked to a lower risk of:

• Urinary tract infections, particularly in the first year of life
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Other infections
• Irritation and inflammation
• Penile cancer

It’s important to note that your baby’s risk of these conditions can be equally lowered by cleaning his foreskin during bathing and teaching him how to keep it clean once he’s able to look after his own hygiene.

The potential risks of circumcision are related to the procedure

Circumcision has been shown to have no effect on the sensitivity or function of the penis later in life. This means that the main risks of circumcision are associated with the procedure itself. However, circumcision is an extremely common and well-understood procedure, so these risks are very low. But like other minor surgeries, it carries a possibility of:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring or healing issues
• Removing too much or too little skin
• Pain during the procedure

To help you make an informed decision, your child’s doctor will explain these risks and talk with you about any questions or concerns you may have.

How a circumcision procedure is performed

Newborn circumcision is typically done within 10 days of birth, often in the first 48 hours. It’s usually done by clamping and removing the foreskin, but in some cases, a plastic ring may be placed around the penis to stop blood flow to the foreskin. Both the ring and the foreskin then come off on their own after a few days, with no stitches required.

Does circumcision hurt?

Circumcision can be painful, but there are several things you and your care team can do to keep your baby comfortable. Before the procedure, your care team will use anesthetic in the form of a cream or injection to numb his penis. Then, during the procedure, they may offer him a pacifier dipped in sugar water or a sugar-free sweetener solution. They may also give him acetaminophen (Tylenol). If your baby is still uncomfortable, you can help by swaddling him after the procedure is finished.

His doctor will give you additional recommendations for caring for him during his recovery, such as using petroleum jelly or bacitracin to reduce friction in his diapers.

How long does circumcision take to heal?

A circumcision typically takes 7-10 days to heal, and slight swelling, redness or bruising is normal during this process. You may also notice scabs and a small amount of blood or yellow fluid on your baby’s penis or in his diaper – these are typical parts of recovery and will go away on their own.

Caring for a circumcised vs. uncircumcised baby

Whether or not you choose to have your baby circumcised, you’ll have to take care of his hygiene and look after the health of his penis. Caring for your baby’s hygiene will be slightly more involved after circumcision, but he’ll be easier to keep clean after he heals. Leaving your baby uncircumcised means you’ll be responsible for regularly cleaning his penis until he’s able to do so.

How to care for a circumcised baby

After circumcision, it’s important to follow your care team’s instructions to make sure that your baby heals properly. You may be instructed to avoid washing the penis for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After this period, gently wash the area with warm water during bathing. If there’s a dressing on the penis, change it each time you do a diaper change. If you’re given antibiotic ointment, reapply it at the same time. Applying petroleum jelly to the head of the penis and keeping diapers loose can also help keep your baby comfortable.

Call your baby’s doctor if your baby:

• Doesn’t urinate within 12 hours of the procedure
• Develops a fever
• Has swelling, redness or bleeding that doesn’t improve or gets worse after a few days

How to care for an uncircumcised baby

Gently wash an uncircumcised penis with a non-irritating soap and water. You don’t need to use any special hygiene products. While bathing your baby, don’t try to pull the foreskin back unless it has retracted on its own.

Once the foreskin can retract, pull it back, clean it with soap and water, rinse it thoroughly, then pull it back over the head of the penis. It can take anywhere from months to years for the foreskin to retract, so it may not happen until your child is old enough to bathe himself. As your child learns how to clean himself, it’s important to teach him to clean his penis and foreskin regularly as a part of his overall hygiene.

Circumcision is your decision, but talk to a doctor if you want to learn more

As the parent of a newborn, the decision to circumcise your baby is yours. If you want to understand the full scope of what it might mean for your child, talk with their doctor. They’ll be able to look at your child’s case and help you make the right decision for your family.