Keith Benziger, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Pediatrician at Dreyer Medical Clinic - West Aurora

In recent years, male newborn circumcision has become a challenging topic for parents. Is newborn circumcision good for the baby? Is it safe and healthy? Is it okay to not circumcise my baby? Below are several common myths surrounding circumcision.

If my son doesn’t get a circumcision, he will look different from everyone else.

The rates of newborn circumcision have changed greatly in the past few decades. In the late 1960’s, about 90% of boys were circumcised. That percentage has gradually diminished to about 60% or fewer today. While some religious practices mandate circumcision, most families are left to personal choice regarding the procedure. On average, half of the families opt to circumcise their son, therefore, there are many newborn boys both circumcised and uncircumcised.

It is a painful procedure.

While circumcision is a surgical procedure, there are several well researched and well established methods of reducing pain during the procedure. It should be noted that there are two main ways to circumcise a baby. One method utilizes a clamp to secure the penis, and the foreskin is removed with a scalpel. Another method involves a plastic ring that is inserted under the foreskin, with a string tied firmly to the foreskin, compressing it against the ring, like a tourniquet. The ring will then fall off in a few days. Both methods can be done in a nearly pain-free manner by the use of a local anesthetic, called a dorsal penile block or a subcutaneous ring block, causing numbness in the penis. Additionally, the baby can suck on a small amount of a sugar solution which will provide a calming effect. Often with the successful use of pain control, the baby will sleep through the procedure.

Circumcision is healthy.

When circumcision first became widespread in the United States, it was thought to prevent many different diseases. However, in the past two decades, there has been some controversy about the medical benefits of male newborn circumcision. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has adjusted its official position several times. Currently, the AAP states that the benefits of circumcision are not strong enough to routinely recommend circumcision for all newborn infants. While circumcision does decrease the risk of urinary tract infections in infant boys, decreases the risk of penile cancer, and decreases the risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases, these are not common enough for all infant boys to require circumcision. The decision to circumcise an infant boy then rests with the parent’s beliefs, in consultation with their physician.

Does the circumcision need to be done right away in the hospital?

Traditionally, the circumcision is done before the infant is discharged from the hospital, but this is not a requirement. Most infants can be safely circumcised in the physician’s office on an outpatient basis.

Male newborn circumcision is a surgical procedure that has ancient roots. One example is in the Jewish faith; circumcisions are performed by a mohel. It should be remembered that circumcision is essentially a nonreversible surgical procedure.

There are some risks from a circumcision. Bleeding and infection are the most concerning, but are rare and minimized by the circumcision procedure. Typically, the penis will heal completely in about a week after a circumcision. Some infants will be a little fussy after a circumcision, and acetaminophen can be given to alleviate pain. If there are any concerns about any problems after a circumcision, it is very important to call your doctor as soon as possible.

Since circumcision is not medically required, parents should always discuss with their doctor the benefits and risks of circumcision before making a final decision. Factors such as cultural norms, religious and family traditions, and personal preference of physical appearance will affect your choice.