Circumcision & Foreskin Care

For newborns and older boys — what the procedure involves, aftercare, and how to care for an uncircumcised foreskin.

The decision

Circumcision removes the foreskin covering the head of the penis. In most families the decision rests on religious, cultural, or personal grounds, and that is entirely legitimate.

Medically, circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infection in infancy — meaningful in relative terms though the absolute risk is low — and lowers rates of certain infections later in life. Risks are small and include bleeding, infection, and occasionally an unsatisfactory cosmetic result requiring revision. Major complications are rare.

Newborn circumcision

In newborns the procedure is done in the office and takes only a few minutes. Local anesthesia is used. The baby is positioned securely, the area cleaned, and one of several standard devices used to complete the procedure.

Afterward, apply petroleum jelly generously with each diaper change for about a week to keep the area from sticking to the diaper. A yellowish film forms over the healing surface within a day or two — this is normal healing tissue, not infection, and should be left alone. Some swelling and a small amount of blood spotting is expected. Healing takes seven to ten days.

Older children and adults

Beyond the newborn period, circumcision is done under general anesthesia in older children, or under local or general anesthesia in adults, with absorbable stitches. Medical indications include phimosis — a foreskin too tight to retract, causing symptoms — recurrent infection of the foreskin, or recurrent urinary infections.

Recovery takes longer than in newborns: expect two to three weeks, with swelling and bruising along the way. Adults should avoid sexual activity for about four to six weeks.

Caring for an uncircumcised foreskin

This is a frequent source of unnecessary worry, and the guidance is simple.

Do not force the foreskin back. In infants and young boys the foreskin is naturally attached to the head of the penis and is not meant to retract. Forcing it causes pain, tearing, and scarring that can create the very problem it was meant to prevent.

Separation happens on its own, gradually, and often not until several years of age or later. Simply wash the outside during bathing. Once the foreskin retracts easily and painlessly on its own, the child can be taught to retract it gently, rinse, and — importantly — return it to its forward position.