Circumcision care: circumcision is an operation in which the skin covering the end of the penis (the foreskin) is removed. Today this operation is performed not only in Islamic countries but also in many parts of the world, such as the United States. Statistics have shown that urinary infections are far more common in uncircumcised boys than in circumcised boys. Circumcision therefore prevents urinary tract infections.
Research has shown that cervical cancer in women and penile cancer in men are less common in communities that practise circumcision than in those that do not.
The best time for circumcision: if circumcision is done after birth or in the first months of life, firstly the child does not need a general anaesthetic and it is done under local anaesthesia; secondly, it will not cost the family much.
Especially if hygiene and cleanliness are maintained after the operation, the circumcision heals more quickly. If circumcision is not done in the first months after birth, then as well as costing the family more and requiring a general anaesthetic, it can also have a harmful psychological effect on the child, because in early childhood, especially at 2 to 3 years of age, a child is protective of his genitals and may even think that circumcision is a punishment from his parents, and this idea upsets the child.
Different methods of circumcision. Plastic ring method: this is the common method of circumcision. A plastic ring is placed over the tip of the penis and tied on with a thread; as a result, after 3 to 14 days the skin in front of the thread turns black and falls off together with the plastic ring. This method is usually used before the age of two.
Circumcision by cutting and stitching: if circumcision has not been done in the first two years of life, after the age of two the surgeon performs it by cutting and stitching. After circumcision the site must be watched carefully. If there is heavy bleeding from the circumcision site, the doctor must be told as soon as possible so that the bleeding can be stopped.
Caring for a ring circumcision: in the first 24 hours after circumcision, clean the child with wet wipes and avoid washing the circumcision site. After 24 hours, sit the child in a basin of lukewarm water with baby shampoo for at least 10 minutes; bathing is also allowed. Do not put creams, ointments or Betadine on the circumcision site. Redness, swelling behind the ring and discharge where the threads are tied are normal after 2 to 3 days, so do not worry.
To avoid pressure on the circumcision site, do not dress your child in tight trousers or clothes until the ring has fallen off, and use a larger-size nappy. When you hold your child, try not to put pressure on the circumcision site. It takes at least 3 days to 2 weeks for the ring to fall off, and it comes away gradually. Medicines should be given as instructed by the doctor.
The ring is fitted so that it sits against the head of the penis. If the whole head of the penis comes out through the ring – in other words, if the ring sits on the shaft of the penis – see a doctor immediately. If the child does not pass urine after 8 hours, see a doctor. If there is bleeding or foul-smelling discharge, or if the ring is still in place after more than 2 weeks, be sure to see a doctor. If the child is restless, use paracetamol (acetaminophen) drops (two drops per kilogram of the child's body weight).
Prepared by: Azam Tirafkan – Education Unit
Document code: NO-BR-42