Why Do Parents Choose to Circumcise Their Sons?

Parents may choose circumcision for a variety of reasons, including cultural, religious, family tradition, and health-related benefits. Some families opt for the procedure because the father or other male relatives were circumcised, while others prioritize the medical advantages that have been well-documented in scientific research.

Health Benefits of Circumcision

✔ Reduced Risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• Circumcised males have a lower risk of UTIs, which can sometimes lead to kidney infections if untreated.

✔ Lower Risk of Penile Infections (Balanoposthitis)

• Circumcision helps prevent infections under the foreskin, which can cause inflammation and discomfort.

✔ Eliminates the Need for Future Circumcision

• 6% of boys will require circumcision later in life due to phimosis (a tight foreskin that cannot retract) or other medical issues.

• Infant circumcision is a simpler, safer procedure than adult circumcision, which may require general anesthesia and involves a more painful recovery.

✔ Reduced Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Studies suggest that circumcision lowers the risk of contracting certain STIs, including:

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • HIV

  • Other bacterial and viral infections

✔ Lower Risk of Penile & Cervical Cancer

• Circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer and is linked to a lower risk of cervical cancer in female partners.

✔ Reduced Risk of Sexual Dysfunction Later in Life

• Research indicates that circumcised men may have a lower risk of sexual dysfunction as they age.

While circumcision is a personal choice, many parents consider these health benefits and preventive advantages when deciding for their child. If you have any concerns or questions, discussing them with a qualified medical professional can help you make the best decision for your family.

Potential Complications of Circumcision

Circumcision is a safe and commonly performed minor surgical procedure. While complications are rare, all surgical procedures carry some risk.

Possible Complications

✅ Heavy Bleeding (1/400) – Small spots of blood on the diaper are normal, but persistent or excessive bleeding should be reported.
✅ Swelling & Redness – Mild swelling and redness around the incision site are expected and temporary.
✅ Infection (1/1000) – Signs include pus, increasing redness, fever, or foul-smelling discharge. This may require antibiotics.
✅ Adhesions (Skin Sticking to the Glans) – The healing process may cause some sticking of the skin, which usually resolves on its own or with gentle retraction.
✅ Buried or Hidden Penis (1/800) – In some cases, the penis may appear recessed in the fat pad, but this typically improves as the child grows.
✅ Meatal Stenosis (Extremely Rare) – Narrowing of the urethral opening, which can cause urination difficulties and may require treatment.
✅ Excessive or Insufficient Foreskin Removal (Very Rare) – Cosmetic concerns may arise if too much or too little foreskin is removed, but this is extremely uncommon with Dr. Stearn’s precise technique.

✅Permanent Damage to the Penis (Extremely Rare) – Significant trauma that affects function is highly unlikely.

✅ Serious Complications, Including Death (Extremely Rare) – While exceptionally rare, serious complications have been reported in medical literature.

When to Contact Dr. Stearn

🚨 If you notice any of the following, please seek medical attention:

• Persistent or heavy bleeding (beyond a few drops)

• Signs of infection (fever, pus, increased redness, or swelling)

• Difficulty urinating or a complete lack of urination

• Severe pain or excessive crying that does not subside

• Abnormal healing or unusual appearance of the penis

Most complications are very rare and easily treated if addressed early. If you have any concerns about your child’s healing process, Dr. Stearn is available to answer your questions and provide reassurance.

Steps to Manage Concealed Penis

In some cases, the penis may appear retracted or hidden after circumcision. This is due to:
✔ A penile shaft that is greater than its diameter, causing it to retract.
✔ A natural layer of pubic fat that can push the penis inward.

This is normal, especially in the first 1–2 months after circumcision. However, if not properly managed, the healing skin may adhere to the surrounding tissue, leading to a concealed penis.

How to Prevent a Concealed Penis

✔ Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the entire glans (head of the penis) once a day for 1–2 months after circumcision.
✔ If the penis appears retracted inward, gently press downward on either side of the base to expose the glans.
✔ Call Dr. Stearn if:

• The glans cannot be fully exposed.

• Bridges of skin appear to be forming between the shaft and glans.

Steps to Manage Sticking Dressing

After circumcision, Dr. Stearn will wrap a long gauze strip around the penis.

How to Manage the Dressing

✔ Remove the gauze strip after 24 hours.
✔ If the bandage falls off before 24 hours, leave it off—do not replace it.
✔ If the gauze strip is still in place after 24 hours and appears stuck:
1️⃣ Apply a generous amount of Vaseline over the stuck surface.
2️⃣ Close the diaper and wait 15 minutes for the bandage to soften.
3️⃣ Gently peel away the loosened edges and repeat the process as needed.

🚨 If the dressing still won’t come off, contact Dr. Stearn’s office to schedule an appointment for removal.

Proper care ensures smooth healing and prevents complications. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Stearn’s clinic for guidance.

Post-Circumcision Complications & When to Seek Help

Heavy Bleeding

Your baby’s diaper should be checked every hour for the first 24 hours after circumcision.

✔ What’s Normal?

• Small patches of pink or light red blood stains on the gauze when you open the diaper are normal.

❌ What’s Not Normal?

• Heavy red bleeding on the covering gauze requires immediate attention.

Steps to Manage Heavy Bleeding

1️⃣ Apply Pressure – Grasp the penis over the gauze between your thumb and two fingers for 2–3 minutes.

2️⃣ Check for Continued Bleeding – Without removing the gauze, inspect the area.

• If bleeding persists, repeat the pressure application for another 2–3 minutes.

3️⃣ Leave the Covering Gauze in Place – Do not remove it, as this may cause further bleeding.

4️⃣ Do NOT Wipe the Wound – Using gauze or a cloth to wipe the area can restart bleeding.

🚨 Call Dr. Stearn if:
✔ Bleeding continues after applying pressure twice.
✔ The penis is actively dripping blood and does not stop with pressure.

👉 Most bleeding stops with proper pressure application. However, if it persists, medical intervention is required.

Signs of Infection

Infections are rare but can occur. Watch for the following symptoms:

🚨 Possible Infection Signs:
❌ Pus-like discharge
❌ Foul smell from the circumcision site
❌ Excessive swelling or redness beyond normal healing
❌ Local warmth (the area feels hot to touch)
❌ Fever
❌ Rash in the area around the penis

👉 Call Dr. Stearn immediately if:
✔ You notice any signs of infection.
✔ Your baby has not urinated in over 12 hours.

Minimizing Risks

Dr. Stearn uses advanced surgical techniques and effective pain control measures to minimize risks. If you notice excessive bleeding, signs of infection, difficulty urinating, or have concerns about healing, contact Dr. Stearn immediately.