Male circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the male penis. It is usually done in newborn male babies. Circumcision can also be done in adults. It is usually done for religious purposes or as a family tradition and culture. It can be done to prevent infections of the penis. According to WHO, male circumcision has been found to significantly lower risk of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Male circumcision is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedure worldwide. Male circumcision doesn’t affect fertility or sexual pleasure.
The prevalence of male circumcision varies from country to country; 1% in Japan, to 2% in Spain and Sweden, to 58% in the United States, to more than 80% in Muslim countries. About 25% to 33% of males are circumcised worldwide. In Nigeria, >80% of the men in the population are circumcised.
Procedure and care
Male circumcision is a sterile procedure. The penis is cleaned and anesthetic agent is injected into the base of the penis or a cream is applied to the penis. A ring or special clamp is inserted on the glans and the foreskin is removed. Petroleum jelly or an ointment is then applied to the glans to prevent it from ticking to the diaper or to the gauze wrapped around it. You can give medication for pain to your baby after the procedure.
It usually takes about seven to 10 days for the penis to heal. The tip of the penis is likely to be sore at first, and the penis might look red, swollen or bruised. You might notice a yellow crust on the tip of the penis as well. The penis can be washed as it heals.
Apply a dab of petroleum jelly to the tip of the penis to keep it from sticking to the diaper. It is important you change your baby’s diaper often, and make sure the diaper is loosely fastened. The plastic ring usually drops off on its own — within about a week. Once the penis heals, wash it with soap and water during normal bathing.
Benefit of circumcision
It reduces the chances of having cancer of the penis
Circumcision makes it easier to wash the penis
It reduces the chance of having urinary tract infection
It decreases the risk of having sexually transmitted infection
Contraindication
Circumcision shouldn’t be done in patients with the following conditions;
Bleeding disorders
Prematurity
Hypospadias; this is a congenital defect in which the urethra doesn’t open at the tip of the penis. The fore skin is used for the surgical repair of the defect.
Complications that can result from circumcision include;
Infection; it manifests as foul smelling discharge from the site
Excessive bleeding
Trauma to the glans penis (tip of the penis);
The fore skin might be cut too long or too short.
Once you notice any of the above symptoms please report to your doctor.