CHW Patient Portal Access      -      Our New Medical Spa is Now Open!   Modern Medical Spa  -  509-392-5007
Skip to main content

What Parents Should Know About Circumcisions

Circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head (glans) of the penis.

When Is Circumcision Done?

Circumcision is usually performed shortly after the baby is born.

How Is Circumcision Done?

At Complete Healthcare for Women, we use lidocaine to provide pain relief. We also use sugar water to soothe the baby during the procedure. During a circumcision, the foreskin is freed from the head of the penis, and the excess foreskin is removed by way of excision. The procedure takes about five to 10 minutes.

Is Circumcision Necessary?

The use of circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that continues to be debated. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend universal newborn circumcision. The procedure may be recommended to treat phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) or to treat an infection of the penis.

Parents should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure before making a decision regarding circumcision of a male child. Other factors, such as your culture, religion, and personal preference, will also be involved in your decision.

What Are The Benefits Of Circumcision?

There is some evidence that circumcision has health benefits, including:

• A decreased risk of urinary tract infections.
• A reduced risk of some sexually transmitted diseases in men.
• Protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners.
• Prevention of balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin).
• Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original location).

Circumcision also makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.

What Are The Risks Of Circumcision?

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with circumcision. However, this risk is low. Problems associated with circumcision include:

• Pain
• Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision
• Irritation of the glans
• Increased risk of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the penis)
• Risk of injury to the penis

Circumcisions are performed in our office for infants under two weeks of age. We want to make your baby’s circumcision as comfortable as possible.

You Can Help Prepare Your Baby Ahead Of Time By Doing The Following:

These steps may help a great deal. An infant who is calm and content before starting will usually do better.

We ask that you wait in the reception area during the procedure. As soon the circumcision is complete, we will bring you to be with your baby.

Please bring several clean diapers and a pacifier. Pacifiers can be very calming for a baby.

Circumcision is done with a sterile technique by Dr. Lorenzo and takes about 10-15 minutes. The baby is restrained on a “papoose” board. The area is cleansed, and topical anesthesia is applied. Dr. Lorenzo and his medical assistant will go over post-procedure care with you.

Circumcision is usually not billable to your insurance company, and payment is due prior to the procedure.

 

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

 

509-392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP

 
Author
Dr. Lorenzo Richard Lorenzo, DO Dr. Lorenzo is a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG), reflecting his expertise in women’s health. He provides comprehensive gynecological and obstetric services, including prenatal care up to 20 weeks, infertility evaluations, and general gynecology. Dr. Lorenzo specializes in advanced surgical techniques, offering minimally invasive procedures for abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and hysterectomy, ensuring quicker recovery and minimal discomfort for his patients. He is highly trained in high-risk obstetrics and adept at performing minimally invasive hysterectomies, providing women with effective solutions tailored to their needs. At Complete Healthcare for Women in Richland, WA, Dr. Lorenzo prioritizes personalized, compassionate care, empowering women to make informed health decisions.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Stress Incontinence

Addressing Stress Incontinence with HIFEM Technology

At Complete Healthcare for Women, we understand how challenging stress incontinence can be. A condition that affects countless women, it often disrupts daily life, making even simple activities like laughing, sneezing, or exercising a concern.
Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty: What You Need to Know

Labiaplasty, a form of plastic surgery, is a procedure that involves altering the size, shape, or symmetry of the labia minora (the inner vaginal lips) or, less commonly, the labia majora (the outer vaginal lips).