Friday, September 25, 2015

Basic Facts Relating To Newborn Circumcision

By Della Monroe


Circumcision has been practiced for many centuries. The reasons as to why the practice was adopted by humans are varied and range from religion to cultural beliefs to medicine. The techniques that are used differ and are determined by the reasons behind it as well as the person performing it. The principle involved is removal of the foreskin. Whereas some people have newborn circumcision, others think that it should be done much later.

The main reason as to why this practice is part of modern medicine in Toronto is that it promotes personal hygiene. In the uncircumcised male, a thick discharge comprising dead cells tends to accumulate below the foreskin every so often. This discharge is known as smegma. When not regularly washed off, smegma causes odor and predisposes the individual to recurrent infections.

The best time to have a newborn circumcised is when they are still in hospital after delivery. Since the obstetrician is trained to perform the operation, it will be convenient for the mother and will cost a lot less than when it is scheduled for a later date. The operation may be postponed or cancelled altogether if medical abnormalities are noted in the baby.

One of the commonest causes for cancellations and postponements is a poor general health condition. In such a state, they may not withstand the anesthetic agents used. Additionally, the pain is more and the risk for infections is higher. This is because, when we are sick, our immune system is compromised as it attempts to fight the preexisting illness.

Anatomical anomalies may make it difficult to carry out the procedure initially. Defects of the urethra such as hypospadia and epispadia top this list. Epispadia is a condition in which the urethra opens on the dorsal aspect of the penis while in hypospadia the opening is located on the ventral aspect of the penile shaft. Circumcision is usually delayed and is done at a later date by urologists.

As for any form of surgical operation, infection control is very important here. The baby will be discharged from the hospital on antibiotics to be taken for a period of seven to ten days. Their penis will be dressed and instructions will be issued on when that dressing should be removed or changed. Typically, this takes place within 48 hours. There is also need to have an analgesic drug to alleviate the pain.

Babies heal faster than adults after many types of surgery. On average about ten days are required. There may be some redness around the tip and a yellow discharge. These are normal occurrences and should not be a cause for concern. One should only be worried if there is redness that fails to abate or when there is cloudy discharge from the urethra.

It is important that you hold a discussion about your desire to have your baby circumcised if you have made a discussion. The doctor will advise you on whether or not your baby is ready. Although the risks may be a little higher in older boys, the medical benefits are the same. At the same time, failing to have your baby circumcised does not in any way mean that they are abnormal.




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