Key takeaways: Newborn circumcision is an elective procedure. The AAP’s 2012 review found health benefits but not enough to recommend it for all boys, leaving the decision to families. If you choose it, effective pain relief should be used. Ask who performs it, when, and how to care for it afterward.
Whether to circumcise a baby boy is a personal decision shaped by health information, culture, religion, and family values. Here’s what to know to make an informed choice.
What Is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the skin covering the head of the penis. In the U.S., it’s usually done in the first days after birth, before discharge, or in the first weeks in an office. It may be done later for medical or religious reasons.
Possible Benefits
The AAP’s 2012 technical report found that newborn male circumcision is associated with:
- A lower risk of urinary tract infections in the first year.
- A lower risk of acquiring HIV and some other sexually transmitted infections later in life.
- A lower risk of penile cancer, which is rare.
The AAP concluded that the benefits outweigh the risks and justify access to the procedure for families who choose it, but are not great enough to recommend routine circumcision for all newborn boys.
Possible Risks
Complications are uncommon and usually minor:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Too much or too little skin removed.
- Skin adhesions.
- Narrowing of the urethral opening (meatal stenosis), found later.
Pain Relief
Newborns feel pain. The AAP recommends effective pain relief, such as a nerve block or ring block, along with comfort measures like sucrose and swaddling.
When Circumcision Should Be Delayed or Avoided
- Premature or sick babies.
- Babies with certain penile differences, such as hypospadias (where the foreskin may be needed for later repair).
- Babies with bleeding disorders or a family history of them.
Questions to Ask
- Who will perform the procedure, and how often do they do it?
- What method will be used?
- What pain relief will be given?
- When will it be done?
- What does aftercare involve?
- Is it covered by insurance?
If You Choose Not to Circumcise
Uncircumcised penises need no special care in infancy: wash the outside and never pull back the foreskin.
The Bottom Line
Circumcision is an elective decision. Weigh the medical information alongside your family’s values, and talk with your baby’s doctor. If you choose it, ask about pain relief and aftercare.
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Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision. Male circumcision. Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):e756-e785.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision. Circumcision policy statement. Pediatrics. 2012;130(3):585-586.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Male circumcision. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Circumcision: information for parents. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
