W HAT DO W E K N OW ABOUT CI R CUM CI SI ON?
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Advantages: There is a lower rate of bladder infections and
cancer of the penis in circumcised males. There is some
research that rates of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus – which causes cancer of the
cervix) are lower in female partners of circumcised males. This
does not mean you should have your newborn boy circumcised
in order to prevent these.
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The penis is NOT easier to clean if circumcised.
There is no medical reason to do a circumcision on a newborn.
Both Canadian and American Pediatric Societies advise against
circumcision of newborns. Saskatchewan Health does not cover
the cost of this procedure, as it is deemed not medically
necessary.
W HAT I S THE FOR ESK I N?
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At birth the entire length of the penis is covered by a
continuous layer of skin. The part that covers the glans is
called the foreskin. The foreskin has a purpose. It shields the
glans from urine and stool, which may cause irritation.
Before the baby is born, the glans and foreskin develop as one
tissue. Over time these two fused layers separate. As they do
a white substance will accumulate between the layers. You
may see it working its way out the tip of the foreskin. This
separation process may occur within 3 or 4 years, or may not
be complete for 10 to 12 years. It will then be possible to push
back the foreskin down over the penis (glans). This is
retracting the foreskin. If this separation does not occur until
much later, i.e. 8 - 10 years, it is important to realize this is
normal and that it will eventually do so.
W HAT I S CI R CUM CI SI ON?
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Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the
penis (glans). Thus, the penis is left exposed.
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Disadvantages: Circumcision should not be done in the
following cases:
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Prematurity or illness in the newborn
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Family history of bleeding disorders
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Any abnormality of the penis
W HAT AR E THE RI SK S TO THI S OP ERATI ON ?
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Bleeding
Infection
Inability to pass urine after circumcision due to swelling
Narrowing of the urinary opening (meatal stenosis)
Scarring of the urinary opening due to irritation of the glans by
urine and stool
Surgical trauma
W HY I S CI RCUM CI SI ON DON E?
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It is usually done for personal or religious reasons. Very
occasionally, it is done later in the child’s life for medical
reasons.
HOW DO YOU CAR E FOR AN UNCI R CUM CI SED
BOY?
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No special care is required in cleaning other than to wash the
outside of the penis.
Do not pull back the foreskin until it is easy to do so. It can be
attached to the glans (penis) until age 4-5 years. Retracting the
foreskin too soon, will tear it and can result in infection and
scarring.
Information about
I F YOU DECI DE TO HAVE YOUR BABY
CI R CUM CI ZED:
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Speak to your family doctor. He or she may perform the
procedure or refer your baby to another physician who does
circumcisions.
In the Saskatoon Health Region, circumcisions are performed in
the Out Patient Departments of City and St Paul’s Hospitals.
Some private physician clinics also perform them.
Circumcisions are not done during your hospital stay after the
birth. They can be done up to 3 weeks after birth. This is up to
the doctor performing the procedure.
Your family doctor or baby’s doctor can provide you with
information and refer you to another physician if necessary.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to
ask your nurse or physician.
Word
#102408
05/09
Maternal Newborn Unit
Royal University Hospital