How should I prepare my baby for a circumcision?
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:
- Medication allergies.
- Latex allergies.
- Skin cleaner allergies, like iodine or isopropyl alcohol.
Who performs a circumcision?
The following may perform a circumcision in a hospital:
- Urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in treating and diagnosing conditions that affect the urinary and reproductive systems.
- Obstetrician. An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in providing care during pregnancy, childbirth and the first few weeks after your child’s birth.
- Pediatrician. A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in treating infants, children and adolescents.
- Urology and maternal medicine advanced practice providers (APPs). APPs are healthcare providers who aren’t doctors but have training to perform some physician duties, including circumcisions.
In a bris, a mohel performs a circumcision. They may perform the circumcision in a private home, synagogue or hospital setting.
What happens during a circumcision?
Once the anesthetic takes effect, a healthcare provider will:
- Place your baby on their back.
- Gently restrain your baby’s arms and legs so their limbs don’t flail during the procedure.
- Clean the penis.
- Separate the foreskin from the head of the penis.
- Use a scalpel to remove the foreskin.
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.
What are the different circumcision techniques?
The three major circumcision techniques include:
- Gomco clamp. The Gomco clamp is the most common method of performing a circumcision. The clamp separates the foreskin from the head of the penis. It also protects the head of the penis and helps stop bleeding (hemostasis). The provider then uses a sharp surgical knife (scalpel) to remove (excise) the foreskin.
- Mogen clamp. During this approach, the provider will use clamps that look like scissors or pliers (hemostat) to expose the head of the penis. Once they properly expose the head of the penis, they use a scalpel to remove the foreskin.
- Plastibell device. During a Plastibell approach, the provider places a plastic ring between the foreskin and the head of the penis. Next, they tie a string around the foreskin, which pushes it against the plastic ring. Finally, they use a scalpel to remove the foreskin. The plastic ring stays in place for about a week before it falls off naturally. The Plastibell approach isn’t as common because of an increased risk of infection.
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How long does a circumcision take?
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.
Is circumcision painful?
Like any surgery, circumcision can cause pain. However, pain medications and anesthetics can reduce pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
What happens after a circumcision?
Most babies don’t need any special care after a circumcision. Be sure to keep the area clean and dry to promote healing.
