Circumcision

What to Think About

As a parent, you will decide whether you want your infant to be circumcised. Discuss and consider this option before your baby is born. If you wait, the excitement and fatigue of the delivery can affect your ability to carefully consider the benefits and risks of having your son circumcised. For more information, see:

Should I have my son circumcised?

If you decide that you would like to have your newborn circumcised, discuss your concerns and preferences before the procedure. Make it very clear to your doctor that you want pain relief for your baby during his circumcision. Talk to your doctor about which type of anesthesia is best for your baby, such as a ring block, dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB), or EMLA cream.

Also ask your health professional about giving your baby acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) for pain control after the procedure.

Whether you have your son circumcised or not, it is important to keep the penis clean. When cleaning a natural (uncircumcised) penis, be careful not to force the foreskin to retract. As your son gets older, make sure you teach him how to wash and care for his penis.

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Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: February 19, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology
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