At what age should circumcision take place? – Health news
Saying we can define circumcision as the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis, Pediatric Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Teoman Şen said: “Circumcision is one of the major turning points in boys’ lives. For the sexual health of the child in adulthood, it is very important to perform circumcision with the rigor of surgery. Circumcision performed in the operating room with appropriate anesthesia is a day case procedure. The child does not have to stay in the hospital for a long time. After the procedure, 2-3 hours follow-up in the hospital is usually sufficient. Although circumcision is a medical procedure that can be performed at any age, its timing is of great importance to the child’s psychological world.
At what age should circumcision take place?
Stating that surgical procedures are a source of stress and anxiety for children and their relatives, Op. Dr. Teoman Şen said: “From the point of view of the psychological development stage, it is believed that circumcision, performed under inappropriate circumstances between the ages of 2-6 years, when children begin to realize their sexual identity, can have psychological consequences. For this reason, if there is no medically unavoidable situation, circumcision is recommended before age 2 or after age 6.
Listing the benefits of circumcision with a few items, Op. Dr Sen said:
“Hygiene: Circumcision makes it easier to wash the penis. However, guys with uncircumcised penises can be taught to wash under the foreskin regularly.
Reduced risk of urinary tract infection: Circumcision in boys less than 1 year of age reduces the risk of urinary tract infection 8 to 10 times. Urinary tract infections seen in the early stages are dangerous when they can cause kidney problems later on.
Premature ejaculation: The chance of premature ejaculation in circumcised men is the same as in uncircumcised men. There are no scientific data because premature ejaculation is more common.
Reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases: Circumcised men have a lower risk of contracting certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and gonorrhea, including HIV.
Preventing penis problems: Sometimes pulling the foreskin back over the uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible (phimosis). This condition can cause inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis.
Reduced risk of penile cancer: Penile cancer is a rare cancer. The risk of penile cancer in circumcised men is 22 times lower than in uncircumcised men. However, cervical cancer is also less common in female sexual partners of circumcised men.
On the other hand, the most important condition for newborn circumcision, which is often requested, is that the child has no additional health problems and that the genitals are suitable for this procedure. Dr Teoman Şen said: “The risk of urinary tract infection is reduced in babies who have been circumcised. In fact, it has been shown in many scientific studies that uncircumcised babies are 8 to 20 times more likely to have a urinary tract infection than the circumcised group. It may be done with local anesthesia. Post-circumcision care is easy. Recovery after circumcision is quick. There will be no psychological impact.” said.
Can circumcision be done in the newborn period?
“The newborn period is, medically speaking, the first month. A surgical procedure and the limitations it entails will affect both the mother and the baby during this first month in which both the mother gets used to her baby and the child enters life. This period is not suitable for circumcision. The period between the baby’s second month and the age of 1 year is the ideal time for circumcision. If we list the advantages of this period compared to other ages; It has advantages such as it can be done under local anesthesia, pain localization is not fully developed, a comfortable process with appropriate analgesic support, not being too mobile, rapid tissue healing with frequent diaper changes and lack of data on any psychological effects.
Şen said the anesthesia to be applied in circumcision can vary depending on the age group: “Circumcision can be performed comfortably and safely with local anesthesia (regional anesthesia) between the second month and one year of age. With appropriate local anesthesia preference, the baby feels no pain and feels nothing during the procedure In children, circumcision is more appropriate to be performed under general anesthesia (by anesthesia) General anesthesia is preferred for reasons such as fear of feeling pain and not wanting to see what is happening has been done, especially despite the psychological preparation of the child and indirect explanation of the procedure.
For this reason, it is the right choice to have the circumcision performed by professionals in healthcare facilities. The first days after circumcision are important. Analgesic syrup, antiseptic solution and pomades recommended by us should be used as directed. It is sufficient that the first applied bandage remains in place for 48 hours. Additional bandages are not necessary, especially after this bandage has been removed under a hot shower. Again, depending on the child, recovery will be completed without any problems in 2-4 days,” he concluded.