Weighing the Benefits and Risks of Male Baby Circumcision

Circumcision in newborn boys is possible, but requires more complex procedures. Come, consider the following explanation before Mother took the decision to circumcise The Little Hero. Circumcision is a surgical removal of the foreskin or skin that covers the tip of the penis. Circumcision is a common practice because of religious and traditional factors. While from a medical point of view, circumcision is considered to have benefits, but it also has risks, especially if done on babies.

Benefits of Circumcision for Health

According to a pediatrician organization, although circumcision of male infants is at risk, its medical benefits are far greater. Therefore, circumcision can be considered to be carried out, but it is not a medical obligation. These benefits include:

• Prevents penile problems

Sometimes, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to pull up (phimosis). This condition can trigger inflammation in the foreskin.

• Easier to clean

Circumcision makes the penis easier to clean. Although uncircumcised penis is actually not difficult to clean.

• Reducing the risk of disease

Including the risk of getting urinary tract infections (UTI), sexually transmitted infections and penile cancer. UTIs in men are more common in those who are not circumcised. If a severe infection in the baby is not handled properly, it can trigger kidney problems later. Sexually transmitted infections can be reduced by circumcision procedures, including HIV. However, that does not mean being free to have sex carelessly. Safe and healthy sexual behavior is still needed. In general, penile cancer is uncommon, but it is more likely to occur in uncircumcised penises. In addition, women who become sexual partners of circumcised men are more likely to avoid cervical cancer.

Risk of Accompanying Circumcision

The risk of circumcision is relatively low. The rate of circumcision complications is around 0.1-35%, with most complications involving infection, bleeding, and failure to remove sufficient foreskin skin. Bleeding and infection can arise from irritation due to friction of diapers and ammonia in the urine. More serious circumcision complications such as:

• Penile injury. For example uretral fistula, penile necrosis, and partial amputation. Inflammation of the penis opening (meatitis) and urinary-related disorders, such as meatal stenosis.
• Pain when erect when he is an adult. This is due to too much skin being cut, but rarely
• Possible risks associated with foreskin problems. For example, the foreskin fails to heal properly, is cut too short or too long, or the foreskin is still attached to the tip of the penis so it needs surgical repair.

What to Look For Before Circumcision

After knowing the benefits and risks, if you then choose to circumcise a baby boy, it is important to pay attention to several things. Make sure circumcision is performed by an experienced professional. In some areas, especially in big cities, circumcision can be performed in hospitals by surgeons and pediatricians. Meanwhile, there are also a number of religious groups that can carry out circumcision, both by medical personnel and trained non-medical personnel. Circumcision in infants is recommended to be done in the first weeks after birth, usually between the first day to the tenth. Babies will be put to sleep on their backs with their arms and legs held in place so as not to move. After the penis and surrounding area is cleaned, local anesthesia will be given in that area. Then, a special clamp or ring will be attached to the tip of the penis and the foreskin is cut. The area that has been cut will be covered with an ointment and wrapped loosely using a bandage. Usually this procedure will take 10 minutes. To reduce pain after circumcision, ask the hospital if possible giving local anesthesia. Hospitals usually also give paracetamol for 24 hours after the circumcision procedure, as a pain reliever. In general, it takes 10 days for the circumcision wound to heal. Remember Mother that there is nothing wrong or right with a decision to circumcise a baby boy. However, consider carefully the benefits and risks of circumcision. If necessary, consult your doctor for the best advice.