What To Know Before Getting Your Child Circumcised

Wondering whether circumcision should be completed on your little one? Dr. Arturo Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA shares six facts to consider below.

1. It’s Your Choice 

Let’s start this list with one simple fact: it’s your choice whether to get your child circumcised. Unless there is a medical reason to push it or avoid it, it comes down to your decision. Parents choose to have their children circumcised or leave them natural for a variety of reasons.

2. It Provides Many Benefits 

As you consider circumcision, understanding the benefits is important. The procedure can reduce the risk of many things, including penile cancer, UTIs, some STDs, and more. Therefore, choosing to go through with the procedure can keep your son healthier.

3. It Doesn’t Have to Be Done At the Hospital 

Many parents think that they have to make this decision immediately after their son’s birth, but this is not true. While it is most common for the procedure to take place before baby boys leave the hospital, it can actually be done at any point in their lives – even when they’re adults. You don’t have to feel pressured to decide right away.

4. It Cuts Back On Hygiene Steps 

While your son is healing from the procedure, you will need to take some extra care to keep their penis clean. However, after he has recovered, it can actually be easier to keep him clean.

Those who are not circumcised will need to pull back their foreskin and do some extra cleaning. While you can take care of this when they are little, older boys will need to take care of it themselves. And not all children or teenagers follow proper hygiene all of the time.

5. Not Every Baby Boy Should Be Circumcised 

Sometimes, circumcision is simply not best. Typically, this is if your baby is weak, bleeding problems run in the family, or there is an issue with their penis. Be sure to disclose everything to your OB/GYN and Dr. Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA so that they can ensure it’s safe to circumcise your little guy.

6. Every Procedure Comes With Risk 

Although circumcision is a generally safe procedure, the truth is that no procedure comes with zero risk. Minor infections or bleeding can occur, as can pain and irritation – all of which are typically short-term. Severe bleeding or infections, scarring, or damaging the urethra are possible but highly unlikely.

Learn more about circumcision by visiting Dr. Quintanilla at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA. Call (760) 770-0000 to schedule your appointment.