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Labor & deliveryCircumcisionCircumcision is the surgical removal of the skin and mucosa that covers the glans (head) of the penis. This layer, sometimes called the prepuce, is more commonly called the foreskin. The foreskin is a protective piece of skin. Areas of the foreskin are particularly sensitive and contribute to sexual pleasure in adult males. Usually, an infant’s foreskin is attached to the glans penis. As the child gets older, this gradually separates. Throughout life, the foreskin keeps the glans soft and moist and protects it from trauma and injury.Deciding whether or not to have your newborn son circumcised may be a difficult decision. Factors that may influence your decision include your culture or ethnicity, religion and personal preferences. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and is usually performed within 48 hours of birth. If you are interested in having this procedure performed, inquire as to whether or not an anesthetic is given to the infant before the procedure. This may or may not be the routine in your local hospital. There are conflicting reports about the risks and benefits to male circumcision. Some studies say that circumcised males have fewer urinary tract infections (not too big a problem in men anyway), a reduced risk of sexually-transmitted diseases, and a lower risk for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV or AIDS virus). It may also reduce the risk of penile cancer in later life, as well as reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in female sexual partners. The risks of circumcision include that of any surgical procedure: infection, bleeding, injury to nearby tissues, and scarring.
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