When do they circumcise baby boys

Someone should follow up with you in the days after the procedure to make sure that bleeding has not increased. This is a natural process that occurs over time.

You do not need to do anything to make it happen. In Canada, most circumcisions are done by medical practitioners or skilled traditional providers.

Last updated: February Circumcision of baby boys: Information for parents Circumcision of baby boys is an optional surgical procedure to remove the layer of skin called the foreskin or the prepuce that covers the head glans of the penis. The Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend routine circumcision of every newborn boy.

Potential benefits of circumcision A few studies suggest that boys who have been circumcised may be: Less likely to develop cancer of the penis later in life — although this form of cancer is extremely rare.

Less likely to get a urinary tract infection during childhood. Female partners of men who have been circumcised are less likely to get cervical cancer. Potential risks of circumcision Circumcision is a painful procedure.

These can include: Too much bleeding or infection in the area. The healthcare provider will gently loosen the foreskin from around the head of the penis, making a small slit in the foreskin.

The healthcare provider may use one of the common methods to remove the foreskin. These methods use devices that help protect the penis while removing the foreskin. The healthcare provider may attach a clamp over the head of the penis. Or the provider may place a plastic ring over the head of the penis. This makes it easier to cut the foreskin.

The healthcare provider will use surgical tools to remove the foreskin. This exposes the end of the penis. The healthcare provider may place some petroleum jelly or ointment on the head of the penis and cover it with a loose gauze dressing.

This includes cleaning the area with plain water at least once a day. You will also need to clean it if the area is dirty after a bowel movement. Then let the area dry, and put petroleum jelly on it. This keeps the gauze dressing from sticking. You may be asked to remove the dressing the next day. Or you may be asked to use a new dressing, and some petroleum jelly, each time you change diapers. When the gauze dressing is no longer needed, you may be told to keep putting petroleum jelly on the end of the penis for a few more days.

This helps prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper. Some swelling on the penis is normal. This helps reduce discomfort during the procedure and for several hours afterward. Giving a pacifier dipped in sugar water and swaddling a baby also can help reduce stress and discomfort. Following circumcision, it is important to keep the area as clean as possible. Gently clean with warm water — do not use diaper wipes. Soapy water can be used if needed.

If there is a dressing on the incision, apply a new one with petroleum jelly whenever you change a diaper for the first day or two. Even after the dressing is no longer needed, put a dab of petroleum jelly on the penis or on the front of the diaper for 3 to 5 days.

This can help avoid discomfort from rubbing and sticking to the diaper. It usually takes between 7 to 10 days for a penis to heal. Initially the tip may appear slightly swollen and red and you may notice a small amount of blood on the diaper.

You also may notice a slight yellow discharge or crust after a couple of days. This is part of the normal healing process. If you notice any of the following problems, call your doctor right away:. As with a penis that's circumcised, an uncircumcised one should be kept clean. Also, no cotton swabs, astringent or any special bath products are needed — just warm water every time you bathe your baby will suffice.

Fasten the diaper loosely, and be gentle when holding your baby, so as not to put pressure on the healing penis. Just rinsing with warm water will do. There will likely be some redness, swelling, and slight bleeding or oozing for a few days following circumcision.

If the circumcision was performed using the Plastibell method, the ring should fall off within 5—7 days on its own. But be on the lookout for abnormal signs that could signal infection. A fever may also be a sign of infection. Any fever in a newborn requires a trip to the doctor right away. Infections in newborns should always be treated with caution, even if they turn out to be minor. Circumcision is a minor surgical procedure to remove the skin covering the tip of the penis.

If you have questions about circumcision, the pediatrician you choose for your baby can help discuss the benefits and risks. Other people you might want to consult are trusted friends, leaders in your faith community if your reasoning is religious, and people on both sides of the debate who will respect your choice.

Despite their reputation for beautiful skin, babies frequently develop rashes. There are many types of rashes. Taking care of a baby with a fever is stressful for any parent. Newborns have very sensitive skin that needs special attention.