To be circumcised, consult a urologist. This is a specialized medical consultation, performed by a qualified physician.
Circumcision
Circumcision consists of removing the foreskin from the penis, to the groove at the base of the glans. To do this, there are several techniques.
How to prepare your child for this surgery?
According to our pediatrician, parents also have to prepare psychologically. The operation is simple but it’s normal to be nervous.
Next, you must explain to the child the entire procedure, even if he is an infant. So it’s all about finding the right words and reassuring your child.
The best surgical technique for circumcision is in a pediatric hospital. It must always be done in a hospital to minimize any surgical risks.
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The child, accompanied by one of his parents, will be anesthetized in the morning, then, after the operation, will remain in observation for several hours; younger children will be kept until the end of the afternoon to avoid any risk. Often after anesthesia, children find it difficult or are afraid to urinate.
How is a child circumcision performed?
Surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in children (general or local anesthesia) and adults (local anesthesia). As with any surgical procedure, a preoperative anesthetic consultation is required a few days before the procedure. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and involves removing the foreskin, leaving the glans more or less completely exposed. Resorbable stitches are put in place. Usually, the foreskin is cut and sutured during the procedure.
The surgeon begins by retracting and cutting the foreskin (the skin that holds the glans) to avoid injuring the glans. He then cuts the skin around the glans, pulling the foreskin with two pliers. He places the oblique clamp on the tight skin and then cuts the skin of the foreskin above the clamp. As this is one of the many blood vessels in the body, the doctor will then carefully clot all the vessels. In the absence of a good blood clot, the scar will bleed. It is not serious, but is uncomfortable for the child. The remaining two small sheets are then folded and sewn around the glans with absorbent thread.
After the operation, do not change the dressing. The penis is simply covered with a greasy ointment. This way, the child can return to their activities without the risk of infection. They may have pain, but not in all cases. Parents receive analgesics (paracetamol) to inject into the circumcised child if necessary. Typically, two weeks after the intervention, a quarter of parents do not have to keep using painkillers, and another quarter are required to use them only on the first four days. The scar itself is not painful, but a drop of urine can cause a small temporary burn.
Does circumcision hurt?
Pain in the surgical area is usually minimal and temporary and will be relieved by painkillers within days of surgery. Glans discomfort can persist for several days. The surgeon specifies the time when baths should be avoided and the days when activities are allowed to resume.
How long to heal?
Complete healing takes about 2 to 4 weeks with topical care over several days. In principle, sutures naturally fall off within an average of 2 to 3 weeks. The resumption of sexual intercourse can be done 15 days after the operation if the wound allows it.
Does circumcision have a real advantage in terms of hygiene?
Some older studies have shown that circumcision limits the risk of HIV transmission and helps prevent cervical cancer in circumcised men. Circumcision will also prevent cancer of the penis, prostate and glans glands, reduce HIV transmission by 60-70% and reduce urinary tract infections in childhood. Uncircumcised children are 10 times more likely to develop serious urinary tract infections than circumcised children.
However, circumcision also indirectly protects women. People who have sex with a circumcised person are less likely to develop cervical cancer. However, contrary to popular belief, circumcision does not affect the sexual pleasure of a man or woman and complications are still extremely rare.
It is important to remember that even if circumcision has the advantage of reducing the risk of transmissions of certain diseases, the best prevention is still wearing a condom during sex. Finally, keep in mind that circumcision is sometimes performed on a case-by-case basis for medical reasons, for example when an infant’s foreskin is too tight and cannot be removed.
