Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin on the penis. Typically, circumcision within a week of birth, but adults may consider the option for cosmetic and other reasons. In the US, around 60% of male babies are circumcised. Jewish and Muslim men go through circumcision because of religious reasons. Ideally, the procedure should be done immediately after birth, as the risks are higher at an older age. If you are planning a trip to a Circumcision Urologist Brooklyn, here are some aspects worth knowing.
The procedure
The baby is placed on his back, following which the doctor or urologist will restrain the hands and legs. The penis is cleaned, and an anesthetic agent is used, which is usually a cream. The urologist will then separate the foreskin from the penis head and use a scalpel to remove it. Required ointment and wraps are used immediately, and the penis is wrapped in gauze. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. There might be some pain, but with medication and anesthetics, the discomfort is usually manageable. The entire surgery is the same for adults, although it can take up to an hour.
Risks of circumcision
Circumcision is a minor surgery and has a few risks, including infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related reactions, pain, and cutting the foreskin too much. In rare cases, circumcision may irritate the penis tip. If your baby hasn’t urinated in over 12 hours after the procedure, or when there is excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop, call the doctor.
Benefits of circumcision
Circumcision is often recommended for hygiene reasons. A circumcised penis is easier to clean, especially for children who may not know how to wash the foreskin properly. The procedure is mainly beneficial for preventing many penile conditions, including balanoposthitis. Men who are circumcised are at a reduced risk of penile cancer and many other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Data also shows that men with a circumcised penis don’t get UTIs too often.
Care after the procedure
Your urologist will suggest the steps you can take to care for the circumcised penis. For babies, changing diapers at regular intervals and applying Vaseline after each change are essential steps. Pain relief medications should be taken as recommended, while washing the area after the first few days is necessary, depending on the healing.
Call your urologist if you are considering circumcision as an adult. They can explain the benefits and risks in detail after considering all the details.
