How to Get Circumcised

Circumcision is a hotly debated topic these days amongst mothers and fathers to be. Whether you choose to have your son circumcised or not, you should inform yourself about the procedure so you can make an educated decision. This eHow tells you about the circumcision process--and a few pros and cons. Read on to learn more about how to get circumcised.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know how doctors perform circumcision. The prepuce (foreskin) of the penis is cut away to reveal the tip or knob of the penis (glans). Generally, doctors perform this procedure on newborn males, unless they have medical conditions that would interfere with the circumcision and its healing process. Older boys and men can have the procedure done for aesthetic reasons, health reasons, or to treat problems with the foreskin or tip of the penis.
2. Understand why circumcision is done. Circumcision occurs at birth for about 65 percent of all men in the United States. Circumcision for the father usually means circumcision for the sons just because their father was; it is simply the "thing to do." Other parents may be worried that their son may look different in the locker room or that having an uncircumcised penis is "unclean." Whatever the reason you choose to have your son circumcised, make sure you have researched the process and come to a conclusion about which you and your spouse feel comfortable.
3. Weigh the pros and cons of circumcision. The pros of circumcision include a lesser risk of inflammations and infections such as paraphimosis and balanitis. Some studies have shown a decreased risk of STDs such as HPV (human papilloma virus) in the partner of a circumcised man because a circumcised penis tends to harbor fewer germs than an uncircumcised penis. Cons of circumcision can include infections and bleeding (as with any surgical procedure) possibly causing the exposed penis end to become irritated and the penile opening to shrink. This condition would need surgical correction because it interferes with urination. If the foreskin is cut too short or long, the circumcision can heal improperly. Some experts say that removing the foreskin desensitizes the penis and interferes with later sexual pleasure.
4. Care for your child's penis should you elect for him to have a circumcision. The doctor will cover the penis with gauze coated with petroleum jelly after the procedure. During diaper changes, carefully wipe the tip of the penis clean with warm water and apply petroleum jelly to the tip. Redness and irritation of the penis should heal within a few days. Watch for an increase in redness or swelling and for pus-filled blisters. These signs indicate an infection and require medical care.