Health Benefits of Circumcision

The health benefits of circumcision generally outweigh the risks

To circumcise or not to circumcise? That may be a question you’re asking yourself about your unborn — or brand-new — baby boy. It’s one of the first big decisions you and your partner will make as parents.

“It’s a personal decision, and a lot can go into making an informed choice,” says Japinder Khosa, MD, a pediatric surgeon and urologist. “Some parents choose it for cultural or religious traditions, personal preference, preventive healthcare or hygiene concerns. But it’s not medically necessary for everyone.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics states the health benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks, but because both are minimal, it ultimately leaves the decision in parents’ hands.

If you’re debating whether to clip or skip, talk to your baby’s pediatrician. They can discuss how the benefits and risks tie in with your own cultural, religious and personal preferences so you can make an informed decision for your new bundle of joy.

What is circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin — the fold of skin that covers the tip of a penis. In newborns, it’s typically done shortly after birth and takes only a few minutes. Older children and even adults can be circumcised, too, but the risks and recovery time can increase with age.

During the procedure, the penis is cleaned and numbed with an anesthetic, either as a cream or injection. The baby is gently restrained, so their arms and legs don’t flail, and the foreskin is removed using a scalpel or clamp. The surgeon then applies ointment like petroleum jelly and wraps it in gauze for protection while healing.

“Circumcision doesn’t affect a person’s ability to have a baby in the future,” says Dr. Khosa. “And there’s no evidence that it either lessens or improves sexual pleasure for men.”

Health benefits of circumcision

Circumcision isn’t necessary for every child, but research shows the medical benefits at least balance, if not outweigh, the risks.

The health benefits of circumcision include:

A reduced risk of urinary tract infections
A reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, HPV and genital herpes
A reduced risk of penile cancer
Prevention of problems related to the foreskin, such as infection, inflammation and phimosis, a condition where the foreskin can’t be pulled back
Improved hygiene

“A circumcised penis is much easier to keep clean without the foreskin for better penis health,” says Dr. Khosa. “In fact, all of these risks can be lowered with proper hygiene of an uncircumcised penis.”

Risks of circumcision

Most complications from circumcision are minor and occur shortly after the procedure, like bleeding, infection and possible scarring.

“While any surgery carries risk, complications are uncommon when trained professionals perform the procedure in sterile conditions like a hospital or doctor’s office,” says Dr. Khosa. “And careful wound care and following your provider’s instructions also lower these risks.”

While rare, other complications can occur, such as the foreskin being cut too long or too short or the opening at the tip of the penis narrowing and causing urination problems.

Recovery and caring for a circumcised penis

Most soreness improves within a few days, and infants typically heal in 1 to 2 weeks. During that time, it’s common to have mild swelling, slight bruising and a small amount of clear or yellowish crust as the incision heals.

To avoid complications, follow these care tips after circumcision:

Keep the area clean and dry. For infants, change diapers frequently and gently cleanse with warm water and mild soap as it heals. Pat the area dry and apply petroleum jelly to prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper.
Give pain relief, as directed. If your newborn is fussy, it’s safe to give them over-the-counter pain reducers like acetaminophen for added comfort. Note: Children under 6 months old should not take ibuprofen. Children should also not take aspirin, which can lead to Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life-threatening illness.

Problems after circumcision aren’t common. But call your doctor if your baby has a fever, spreading redness, worsening pain after the first couple of days, foul-smelling drainage, significant bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure or fewer wet diapers than usual.

“Fortunately, once the penis is healed, it doesn’t require any additional care,” says Dr. Khosa.

Caring for an uncircumcised penis

If you decide not to circumcise, be sure to keep the foreskin and head of the penis clean to reduce irritation and infection risk.

During baths, gently retract the foreskin to expose the head of the penis and rinse with warm water. Be aware that the foreskin won’t fully retract for several years, so don’t force it. You can use mild soap, but avoid harsh scrubbing.

“When your child is old enough, they can learn how to keep their penis clean just as they will learn to keep other parts of their body clean,” says Dr. Khosa. “Encourage daily washing, especially after sweating — and when appropriate, sexual activity — as part of a healthy habit.”

Making an informed decision about circumcision

If you’re pregnant and thinking about circumcision for your baby, talk to your provider to help you weigh benefits and risks and decide what’s best for your family.

“It’s a personal decision that should involve medical facts, cultural or religious values, and personal preferences,” says Dr. Khosa. “Circumcision offers benefits, including lowering the risk of certain infections and simplifying hygiene, but it’s not medically necessary.”