Newborn circumcision has several benefits and drawbacks. This article discusses the pros and cons of the procedure, the methods used, and the care afterward. It also discusses common complications. Before deciding whether or not your baby needs to be circumcised, you should know the risks. It is also important to know what to expect from the procedure, and what to expect during recovery.
Arguments against newborn circumcision
Some people are against newborn circumcision because it is painful, can cause psychological damage, limits a child’s sexual pleasure, and can be painful. Also, circumcision is not recommended as a first-line preventive procedure. Very few adult men opt to have their genitals removed. Though the American Academy of Pediatrics acknowledges some medical benefits of circumcision, it does not recommend the procedure routinely.
HIV is a common source in developing countries, and the foreskin can be a point of infection. The underside of the foreskin contains immune system cells, and HIV is known to attach easily to it. In addition, the foreskin is often torn during intercourse, and HIV cells can easily enter the bloodstream through this site. Circumcision eliminates both of these factors and prevents the risk of infection. Circumcision also prevents other foreskin infections such as phimosis.
Although circumcision is becoming more popular in industrialized countries, it remains controversial in certain countries. This is because the procedure is associated with higher costs and increased risks, and the practice is less common among babies. The procedure is not always possible for babies, which can lead to a higher chance of complications. Also, it may be difficult to wait until boys are older. Nevertheless, the AAP cautions parents against delaying the decision and attempting to circumcise their child later, even if it is not necessary for the child’s health.
The health benefits and cost of circumcision are not greater than the risks. Because the foreskin is used to incubate infection, it is controversial. The Royal Australasian College of Physicians, the Canadian Paediatric Department, and the NHS all agree. Although circumcision may not be necessary for individual boys, the greater the number of circumcised children, the less risk of infection for the entire population.
In addition to the potential risks of complication, the procedure is invasive. It can result in severe bleeding and can even cause the child to die. Many parents opt to forgo circumcision.
Methods of circumcision
Male circumcision is a common procedure that is performed on newborns. It is performed under the supervision of trained practitioners using sterile techniques and effective pain management. The newborn is given analgesia to reduce pain during the procedure. Parents of male infants have access to educational materials that can provide more information about the procedure.
There are three main methods of circumcision. These are the Plastibell device and Mogen clamp. Although these methods work in different ways, they all share the same principle. In the first method, the baby is sedated while the practitioner makes an incision on the penis.
The clamp is used to secure the foreskin between the glans and skin. The foreskin is then removed using a hemostat. The skin is then pushed into the correct position. The doctor will then apply a topical anesthetic.
Male circumcision is only possible if there is an adequate level of pain relief. In general, infants with appropriate analgesia have less pain than those who are not. The use of nonpharmacological techniques is also helpful in providing longer-lasting analgesia after circumcision, minimizing the use of intraoperative opioids, and reducing adverse postoperative events.
Although male circumcision is often attributed solely to Abraham, it can be traced back to earlier civilizations such as the ancient Egyptians. Europeans came across many circumcised American Indians during their first contact with the New World. This practice is also thought to prevent penile cancer in males.
Circumcised babies have a lower risk of developing a urinary tract infection (80-90%). A UTI that is not treated promptly can lead to sepsis. This can cause inflammation, low bloodpressure, breathing problems, and even death. Antibiotics can treat the infection, but World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control warn against using antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections.
The process of circumcision may be complicated. Some babies may require extra time, especially if they are premature or have special medical concerns. Doctors may also use the baby’s foreskin if the baby has a condition that requires reconstructive surgery. The procedure may also be risky for the baby. Check out for circumcision center adelaide.
Post-procedure care
Post-procedure care for newborns after circumcision is important to help your baby recover. It’s normal to have some discomfort after the procedure, so make sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Fortunately, this procedure is generally safe and can be done within one to two days of birth. However, it can be risky for premature babies with certain medical conditions. The healthcare provider should be able discuss with you any concerns or risks you may have and provide a detailed explanation about what to expect during the procedure.
Make sure you clean the area thoroughly. Use warm water to clean the incision. Avoid using diaper wipes. You can also use soapy water if necessary. For the first few days following the circumcision, it is important to change the dressings at least twice daily. Petroleum jelly may be applied to prevent crusting at the incision site.
Once the procedure is complete, your health care provider may use a surgical drape to cover the baby and keep the penis area sterile. Your healthcare provider may also use a plastic clamp to make the procedure easier. Your healthcare provider will then use surgical tools to cut the foreskin and expose the end of the penis. If your baby starts crying for prolonged periods after the procedure, it is likely that he/she has swallowed air.
After circumcision, newborns should be given a topical antibiotic as well as a small amount of petroleum jelly. These will reduce the pain and inflammation that newborns experience. Depending on the baby’s age, the recovery time after circumcision can take seven to ten days. During this time, the penis will appear red, swollen, and may contain some yellow liquid. These are normal reactions that will disappear after a week.
Before you have to discuss pain control with your doctor, it is important that you talk to them about it. Acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever, can be used to ease the pain but should not be used for primary pain relief. Also, the doctor performing the circumcision will review the informed consent form with parents, which explains the purpose of circumcision, the risks, and the benefits. It is important that parents are informed about what will happen during circumcision and any complications that might arise.
Complications
There are many complications that can arise from newborn circumcision. The procedure is safe and effective, but it can also be dangerous. Complications can occur as the result of several factors. For example, the procedure may result in an inadequately formed penis or a delayed urethra closure. You can avoid these complications by following proper training and monitoring.
Postcircumcision bleeding can usually be controlled with silver nitrate. Further investigation may be necessary if the bleeding persists or becomes severe.
Post-operative pain is the most common postoperative complication, especially after the procedure. However, the frequency of post-operative pain after circumcision varies depending on the medical practitioner performing the procedure. Post-operative pain can also be caused by non-medical practitioners. More than half of patients who have had circumcisions report some pain. While infant surgery can cause long-term pain, it is usually a secondary complication.
While newborn circumcision is a great option, there are also risks. One of these is that circumcision reduces the risk for urinary tract infections, herpes simplex virus type 2 and HIV. It may also reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas.
Despite its risks, neonatal circumcision remains a popular practice in sub-Saharan Africa. It is often done for religious or cultural reasons and is an effective way of preventing HIV infection. As the practice grows, it is important to learn about the complications of newborn circumcision and how to minimize them.
In the recent literature, death due to circumcision has been reported in very few cases, although it is important to note that the majority of deaths were secondary to poor postoperative care and not directly related to the procedure itself.
