Women’s Health Care Resources

Circumcision refers to the surgical removal of the prepuce (foreskin) of the penis. This is an elective procedure that is usually done when a baby is born since a circumcision done later in life usually involves greater risks, more pain and a longer recovery. Circumcision has been shown to minimally lower the rate of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and other penile problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) task force on circumcision updated its stance in 2020. “Although health benefits are not great enough to recommend routine circumcision for all male newborns, the benefits of circumcision are sufficient to justify access to this procedure for families choosing it .” The risks associated with circumcision can include infection and bleeding, although these are rare.

Our physicians usually perform the circumcision on the first or second day after birth while you and your baby are in the hospital. The procedure takes only about 1 to 10 minutes, depending on the technique. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) can be given to your baby to lessen the pain from the procedure. We will obtain written consent prior to the procedure.