How is Circumcision Performed?
Local Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
What Should Be Considered After Circumcision?
- It is recommended to wear loose clothes.
- For children wearing diapers, the diaper should be loosely fastened, while circumcision briefs are recommended for older children.
- If the child is still at a diaper-wearing age, it is important to change the diaper frequently for hygiene purposes.
- While small bruises around the cut area - swelling on the penis can be normal, in cases of rare infection, or bleeding more than slight seepage, one should certainly consult emergency services.
- Painkillers and antibiotics may be prescribed by the physician. It is imperative to adhere to the prescriptions and recommendations provided by the physician.
What Are the Medical Benefits of Circumcision?
Circumcision is recommended not only as a religious or cultural practice but also due to its medical benefits. Primarily, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections is one of the most significant medical benefits of circumcision. It has been scientifically proven that circumcision, especially when performed in the early years, decreases infection rates.
Moreover, circumcision aids in easy genital hygiene as it facilitates better cleaning of the glans penis. It is known that the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV, is lower in circumcised individuals. Circumcision is also known to be effective in preventing conditions like phimosis and paraphimosis, which require surgical intervention. Therefore, in some cases, circumcision is preferred not only for preventive but also therapeutic purposes.
Is Psychological Support Necessary for Circumcision?
The circumcision procedure, especially for school-aged children, should be meticulously planned from a psychological perspective. Stress that may occur during and after the surgical intervention can cause lasting fears in the child. Therefore, it is crucial to inform the child appropriately according to their age and ensure they adapt to the process.
For some children, medical procedures may turn into phobias. Therefore, receiving support from an expert experienced in child psychology before the procedure can help the child go through the process without trauma. Additionally, the attitude of family members after the procedure plays a critical role. Encouraging the child, increasing their sense of security, and providing a positive environment are necessary to prevent circumcision from becoming a trauma.
In What Season Should Circumcision Be Performed?
The circumcision procedure can technically be performed at any time of the year. However, some seasonal conditions may offer advantages in terms of the healing process. Particularly when performed in summer, since it is easy for the child to wear loose and thin clothes, wound healing can be more comfortable. However, care should be taken against irritation and infection risk due to sweating in hot weather.
In winter, while there are advantages in maintaining hygiene, thick clothing might exert pressure on the operation area. Therefore, the most suitable time should be determined according to the child's health status, school schedule, and family planning. Especially for school-aged children, the summer vacation can be an appropriate time, as the healing process is less likely to affect social life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Circumcision?
What is circumcision? This question has become one of the initial health-related decisions for parents regarding their children. Medically, circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (prepuce) surrounding the penis tip in male children. Circumcision can be performed for medical, religious, and cultural reasons. It is an important practice especially due to its benefits in reducing infection risk, facilitating hygiene, and contributing to the prevention of some health issues.
Today, circumcision is preferred not only for religious or traditional reasons but also to prevent urinary tract infections in childhood, treat medical conditions like phimosis, and prevent skin problems that may occur in later years. Additionally, when performed with surgical expertise and in a hygienic environment, both the risk of complications decreases and the healing process is expedited.
What Does Circumcision Mean?
The answer to what does circumcision mean? can be evaluated from both traditional and medical aspects. Religiously, circumcision is an application expressed in some religions, primarily Islam, where male children need to be circumcised at a certain age. Medically, circumcision is the removal of the foreskin through a surgical procedure. This operation can be performed at different ages from the first days after birth to puberty. In modern medicine, it can be performed under local or general anesthesia, and the healing process is quite rapid.
It is also known that circumcision has positive effects on sexual health. Research indicates that the prevalence of certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as HPV and HIV, is reduced in circumcised males. Therefore, circumcision may provide long-term health benefits.
Why Do Men Get Circumcised?
Why do men get circumcised? This question can be explained by both health and cultural aspects. The reasons for performing circumcision are:
- Hygiene: Removing the foreskin prevents the accumulation of urine residue and microorganisms.
- Reduced risk of infection: Particularly reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis).
- Reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases
- Social traditions and religious requirements
- Mandatory practice in some health conditions (e.g., phimosis, paraphimosis)
Some families may choose circumcision as a traditional practice rather than a medical necessity. However, regardless of the reason, it is crucial for circumcision to be performed in a sterile environment by expert physicians.
Which Doctor Performs Circumcision?
Which doctor performs circumcision? This question relates to who should perform this procedure and where. The specialties that perform circumcision are:
- Urology specialists: Manage cases requiring surgical necessity in both children and adults.
- Pediatric surgery specialists: Can plan circumcision for infants and children.
- Family doctors or general surgery specialists can perform circumcision under the right conditions.
In institutional health centers like Batıgöz, circumcision performed in hygienic conditions, with anesthesia support and under expert physician supervision minimizes the risk of complications.
Additionally, the decision of the age and method of circumcision is made considering the child's general health. The choice between local or general anesthesia is determined by the joint assessment of the family and the doctor.
When Should Circumcision Be Performed?
When should circumcision be performed? The answer varies based on factors such as the child's age, developmental level, and health status.
- Newborn period (0–2 months): Fast healing process, less need for anesthesia.
- Ages 1–3: This age range is psychologically sensitive, so not recommended.
- After age 3: Can be performed under local or general anesthesia, with the child being informed and involved in the process.
- Preschool period: Has advantages in terms of hygiene habits.
- Pre-adolescence: Medical-related circumcisions can be safely performed at this age as well.
Timing should be determined based on the child's suitable age and health condition with specialist doctor recommendation. In some children, circumcision may become necessary due to kidney diseases, recurrent urinary tract infections, or congenital anomalies.
How Much Are Circumcision Prices?
Circumcision prices can vary depending on the hospital where the procedure will be performed, the method used, the type of anesthesia, and the physician's specialty.
Factors affecting the price:
- Choice of local or general anesthesia
- Use of stitchless or classic technique
- Post-surgical follow-up services provided
- Performed in an institutional health center
Circumcision procedures performed in well-equipped health centers like Batıgöz are carried out both in a sterile environment and under conditions safe against risks of complications. Additionally, some health insurances may cover circumcision procedures; this should be researched in advance for financial planning.
What Should Be Considered After Circumcision?
To ensure the recovery process is completed healthily, the following steps should be considered after circumcision:
- The penis area should be protected for the first 24 hours, avoiding friction from diapers or clothing.
- Dressings and cleaning should be done as recommended by the doctor.
- Bathing is generally suggested 2–3 days after the procedure.
- Physical activity should be limited for one week, and activities like swimming should be postponed.
- If redness, bleeding, or foul smell is noticed, a doctor should be consulted.
Moreover, to increase the child's comfort post-circumcision, cotton and loose clothes should be chosen. The painkillers recommended by the doctor should be regularly used, and if the child has been informed about the procedure beforehand, the psychological process is usually easier.