Circumcision refers to the surgical removal of the prepuce, also known as the foreskin – the skin tissue that normally covers the head of the penis. It is an ancient practice, and one that now comes with a slew of health benefits.
Some observe this practice for religious reasons, while others proactively opt for it to reap its supposed health benefits. Regardless of your reasons for considering it, you should get it done in a reputable circumcision clinic for health and safety purposes.
In this piece, we will delve deep into some vital information about circumcision that will inform your decision if you are considering it for yourself or your young boy.
The Best Age for a Circumcision
There is no specific time or age bracket that is recommended to have a circumcision, however it is preferred that it be performed shortly after birth. In the bible, boys were circumcised on the eighth day after birth, but it is common to find parents taking their young sons in for a circumcision after just one or two days after birth.
It is recommended that circumcision be done as soon as possible since the procedure becomes riskier and more complicated as one grows old. However, it is still okay for a circumcision to be performed on a young adult. Also, the procedure may be considered at any age if there are medical reasons that may risk the health and the safety of the male organ.
What to Expect During a Circumcision
During the procedure, the foreskin is normally freed from the glans, with the excess foreskin being cut off. Usually, the medical staff will start by cleaning the penis before applying a numbing anesthesia. The anesthesia can be administered through an injection or a numbing cream. Then, they will place a ring or a clamp on the penis to make it easy for the doctor to remove the foreskin.
Once the foreskin is removed, the doctor may apply petroleum jelly or a topical antibiotic ointment on the area before wrapping it with gauze. For newborns, the entire procedure may take between five and ten minutes, while in adults and older boys, it may take about one hour to complete.
Surgery Follow Up
The wound left after circumcision will usually heal after about seven days. For infants, the standard care is to gently wash the wound with soap and water only, until it heals. The use of diapers or wipes is highly discouraged before the wound is completely healed. If diapers are to be used, then they should be fastened loosely and they shouldn’t be used all day to allow the wound time to dry up and heal quickly.
For older boys and adults, it may take up to three days for the wound to heal completely. During the healing period, drinking plenty of fluids is recommended, especially during the first two hours after the procedure. Also, icing the area of the surgery for up to two hours on day one after the procedure is recommended, and then it is suggested to cut it down to thirty minutes during the following days. For comfort, and to facilitate quicker healing of the wound, loose clothes and comfortable underwear should be worn.
Health Benefits of Circumcision
Circumcision is believed to bring some enviable benefits to male health. These benefits are not yet conclusive, but there are several studies supporting the claims which continue to encourage people to consider the practice. They include the following:
Lowered Risks of Prostate Cancer
Lowered risks of prostate cancer is one of the top benefits believed to be brought about by circumcision. In a recent study, it was observed that circumcision had a proactive protective effect when it comes to the prevention of prostate cancer.
This is especially seen in black men, where the risks of this type of cancer are normally high. In the study, it was observed that men who got circumcised after the age of 35 years lowered their risks of suffering from prostate cancer by up to 45%. For those circumcised within the first year of birth, the risks were reduced by up to 59%.
Lowers the Risks of contracting HIV/AIDS
In three different studies conducted in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa – countries with relatively high rates of HIV infections, – it was observed that circumcision also had a protective effect against HIV. According to the study, it was observed that circumcision lowered the risk of HIV infection by up to 60%.
Reduces the Chance of Urinary Tract Infections
Most urinary tract infections in males normally occur within the first year of life. Studies suggest that circumcision greatly reduces the risks of males suffering from these infections. UTIs normally come with higher chances of hospitalization and may sometimes lead to invasive procedures among children. If your son is constantly battling urinary tract infections, then one of the solutions would be to have them circumcised to lower the risks.
Reduced Risks of Penile Cancer and Cervical Cancer
It is also believed that circumcision lowers the risk of cancer in males and cervical cancer in females. The specific mechanism through which it manages to do this is not yet understood and there are numerous studies still exploring the relationship between circumcision and both penile and cervical cancers.
Better Genital Hygiene
Circumcision is also vital in promoting better genital health. With the presence of the foreskin, the skin beneath may form a breeding ground for bacteria, which, if not cleaned in good time, may lead to an infection. With circumcision, however, there is no foreskin to hide any bacteria. This makes cleaning the genital area relatively easy and with zero chances of harboring any sorts of bacteria.
Circumcision Clinics in Montreal
Visit our circumcision clinic in Montreal today if you are considering the procedure for yourself or your young son. Our experts will guide you through it and answer all the questions and concerns you may have. Call us today for more info.
