Does Your Newborn Need a Circumcision?

Does Your Newborn Need a Circumcision?

If you have a newborn baby boy, one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to have your child circumcised. It’s a personal decision, and you should know the facts. Dr. Art Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics, in Rancho Mirage, CA, offers comprehensive newborn and pediatric medical services, including circumcision.

What You Need To Know About Circumcision

Circumcision is a common procedure, especially in the United States. About 60% of baby boys are circumcised. Worldwide the rate of circumcision is about 33%. A circumcision procedure is usually performed within the first week of birth. Another option is to wait until your child can make his own choice about circumcision.

The procedure begins with the application of a numbing ointment to the penile area. The foreskin at the tip of the penis is removed. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to complete. After circumcision, the pediatrician may provide pediatric medication to alleviate any pain afterward. Healing from a circumcision usually takes about one week.

To help with healing after a circumcision, you should:

• Apply Vaseline to the area at every diaper change
• Provide pain relief as recommended by your pediatrician
• Keep the area clean by washing it gently

You should call your pediatrician if:

• Your newborn develops a fever
• The area isn’t healing properly
• The area continues to bleed

Parents often decide to have their child circumcised because of religious or cultural preferences, but there are many benefits to having your child circumcised. Many of these benefits happen when your child grows into a teen and an adult. Consider that circumcision helps to:

• Prevent urinary tract infections
• Reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases
• Reduce the risk of cervical cancer for sexual partners
• Reduce the risk of penile cancer

Want To Know More?

To find out more about circumcision, talk with an expert–your pediatrician. Call Dr. Art Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics, in Rancho Mirage, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (760) 770-0000, so call today.