In a hospital setting shortly after birth, healthcare providers will prepare your child for circumcision by numbing their penis with an anesthetic (a numbing cream or an injection). They may also recommend giving your child acetaminophen to help with pain relief.
For older children and adults, a provider will review your or your child’s health history and perform a physical examination. Be sure to tell the provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications you or your child is taking, including herbal supplements. Some herbal supplements and OTC medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and blood thinners (anticoagulants), can increase the risk of bleeding during a circumcision.
You should also tell the provider about any known allergies, including:
The following may perform a circumcision in a hospital:
In a bris, a mohel performs a circumcision. They may perform the circumcision in a private home, synagogue or hospital setting.
Once the anesthetic takes effect, a healthcare provider will:
Newborn circumcision doesn’t require sutures (stitches).
For older children and adults, the circumcision process is the same as it is for babies. But once a provider removes the foreskin, they may use dissolvable stitches or an electric current to burn (cauterize) the area to stop any bleeding and reduce scarring after healing.
The three major circumcision techniques include:
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A circumcision takes approximately 20 minutes. Often, a bris takes less time.
The surgery takes slightly longer for older children and adults than for infants.
Like any surgery, circumcision can cause pain. However, pain medications and anesthetics can reduce pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
Most babies don’t need any special care after a circumcision. Be sure to keep the area clean and dry to promote healing.
Some research suggests that circumcision has many benefits. A circumcised penis is easier to clean and wash, especially in children, and can help aspects of overall penis health.
Other medical benefits of circumcision may include lowering the risks of:
The circumcision success rate is very high. Less than 3% of circumcisions have any complications.
Circumcision is a routine, safe procedure. But, like any surgery, there are some risks. Potential risks may include:
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In rare cases, the foreskin doesn’t heal properly and can adhere to the end of your child’s penis (penile adhesion). If this happens, your child may need a circumcision revision.
Some people believe that circumcision decreases sexual pleasure and reduces the intensity of orgasms. There’s no proof that circumcision reduces sensitivity.
No, circumcision also doesn’t affect the ability to have a biological child (fertility).
There are pros and cons to circumcising your child. But ultimately, it’s your decision. It’s a good idea to consider all of your personal, religious and medical concerns before you make a decision. If you still have questions, talk to a healthcare provider.
Your provider may recommend delaying circumcision or not going through with the procedure at all if your baby:
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Babies usually recover from a circumcision within 10 days. While the penis heals, it may look swollen and red. You may see a yellow film at the tip.
The circumcision recovery time is longer for adults. In most cases, you’ll recover in two to three weeks, but it may take as long as six weeks.
Your child’s healthcare provider will explain how to take care of your child after a circumcision. In general, you should:
Your child should be able to go to daycare or school a few days after a circumcision.
In older children and adults, it’s a good idea to take at least a week off school or work.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you choose not to circumcise your child. They’ll explain how to keep your child’s penis clean and healthy.
During the first few years of your child’s life, the foreskin will stay attached to the penis and won’t retract. You shouldn’t force it back. Once your child is old enough, teach them how to clean their penis and foreskin properly.
Call your child’s healthcare provider if you see signs that your child’s penis isn’t healing well or your child has signs of an infection. These signs may include:
Healthcare providers recommend avoiding sexual intercourse and masturbation for at least four to six weeks until your penis completely heals.
Circumcision in babies is a very common procedure. The procedure offers many benefits, including making the penis easier to clean and reducing your child’s risk of developing certain conditions, such as urinary tract infections. But ultimately, the decision whether to circumcise your child is yours as a parent. Many children don’t get a circumcision and have no health complications as they get older. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about circumcision and whether it’s the right choice for your baby.
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Last reviewed on 01/31/2024.
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