The Circumcision Decision: Factors for New Parents to Consider
Circumcision is considered by many parents to be a routine procedure for newborn boys, even though it’s usually not medically necessary. For some parents, the choice to circumcise or not is clear, as it’s dictated by religious beliefs. Other parents may wish to speak with a urologist about this decision.
Penile Conditions
Circumcision prevents some medical conditions of the penis, including phimosis. Phimosis is the inability to retract the foreskin. However, it cannot be diagnosed until the boy has reached his first birthday, as most boys are born with the inability to retract the foreskin. Paraphimosis is another condition that is treatable or preventable with circumcision. It is the inability to return the retracted foreskin to the usual position. Untreated paraphimosis can cause blood accumulation, swelling, and severe pain. Although circumcision eliminates the risk of certain problems of the foreskin, it may increase the risk of other health issues. Meatitis is the inflammation of the opening in the penis, and it’s more common among circumcised boys.
Personal Hygiene
Religious and cultural preferences aside, some new parents opt for circumcision simply because it improves cleanliness. Until the boy is old enough to perform this task, the parents must retract the foreskin to clean the penis thoroughly. Once the boy is old enough, he must be relied upon to take care of this task himself, and not all children are known for their diligence.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urologists have found that boys who were circumcised as newborns are far less likely to require UTI treatment compared to uncircumcised boys. New parents who decide not to circumcise their infant do have the option of scheduling a circumcision later if the boy shows a tendency to develop UTIs.
Urologists might recommend this procedure for previously uncircumcised men who experience recurrent medical problems because of the presence of the foreskin. When you become a patient at Urology Associates, P.C., you’ll receive the in-depth guidance you need to make an informed decision. Call any of our twelve offices in Tennessee at (855) 901-1338.