What is it?
Paediatric circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin (the fold of skin covering the head of the penis) is removed in infants or children. It may be performed for medical, cultural, or religious reasons.
Why is it done?
- Medical reasons:
- Phimosis (tight foreskin that cannot be retracted)
- Recurrent infections (balanitis, urinary tract infections)
- Paraphimosis (foreskin stuck behind the head of the penis)
- Cultural or religious reasons (practised in many communities)
- Parental choice, sometimes for hygiene or preventive health considerations
Benefits:
- Easier genital hygiene
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections in young boys
- Lower risk of foreskin infections and inflammatory conditions
- Long-term reduction in the risk of some sexually transmitted infections and penile cancer (though these are rare overall)
Risks & Considerations:
- Pain, swelling, or bruising (temporary)
- Bleeding or infection (uncommon with proper care)
- Rare complications such as too much or too little skin removal
- As with any surgery, risks are minimised when performed by experienced surgeons under sterile conditions
The Procedure:
- Usually a short day-stay operation
- Can be done under local anaesthetic (in infants) or general anaesthetic (in older children)
- Healing time is typically 1–2 weeks
- Parents are given instructions for wound care and pain relief at home
When is it recommended?
- Medically necessary circumcisions are generally performed after 6 months of age, unless urgent
- Elective circumcisions (for cultural or religious reasons) are often done in the newborn period or early infancy, but can be safely performed later
Why seek advice?
Paediatric circumcision is a common and safe procedure. If your child has foreskin problems, frequent infections, or you are considering circumcision for other reasons, discussing it with a paediatric surgeon or urologist will help ensure the best and safest outcome.