Pediatric Circumcision in Scottsdale, AZ 

Circumcisions are done due to cultural and religious beliefs, or for reasons of hygiene and appearance. Some people may choose not to have their child circumcised.
 
Part of the reasoning for circumcision has to do with health concerns. The risk of urinary tract infections increases in uncircumcised males, especially those under the age of 1. There is also evidence that circumcision can provide protection against cancer of the penis or even prostate cancer.
 
Males who have been circumcised have less likelihood of getting HIV and some STIs as they get older. There is also less likelihood of developing inflammation, irritation, or infection of the penis because it can be much easier to keep the penis clean when it has been circumcised.

A male can be circumcised at any age. Traditionally, it is done shortly after the baby is born, within 48 hours to ten days after birth. This is a painful process and requires a local anesthetic when the procedure is performed. This is regularly done when the baby is awake. If the baby is older, then a general anesthetic may be required to prevent pain and reduce the risk of injury to the penis.
 
As boys get older, they become more aware of their genitals and pain. This leads to more psychological impact related to the surgery. The best age for this is when the child is very young.

The most recent evidence suggests that the health benefits of circumcision outweigh the risk associated with it. The benefits of having this done while your child is still very young justify making it available to parents who choose to have it done. Circumcision does not seem to adversely affect the function of the penis, its sensitivity, or sexual satisfaction.
 
Circumcision that is done by a professional with sterile techniques and proper pain management is the best option. This provides a procedure that is very low risk for acute or serious complications. Untrained providers that perform these procedures are more likely to encounter complications than well-trained professionals, regardless if they are medically trained or religiously trained providers.

Circumcision has some identifiable health benefits. These include:
 
● A decreased risk of urinary tract infections, especially among infants.
● Reduced risk of HIV infection and some sexually transmitted diseases in men.
● There is evidence of protection against penile cancer and a lowered risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners.
 
There are some added benefits to circumcision that include the prevention of balanitis, which is an inflammation of the glans, and balanoposthitis which is inflammation of the foreskin and glans.
 
Circumcision prevents phimosis, an inability to retract the foreskin, and paraphimosis, an inability to return the foreskin to its proper location.
 
Circumcision of your newborn is an important decision. Having the correct information is valuable in making this decision. Knowing the benefits and the risks associated can make the decision easier. Circumcision is a choice and often based on personal preference or religious foundations. If you have questions about whether this is right for your child, please call and talk with us. We will gladly answer the questions you have surrounding this procedure. To book an appointment with one of our burn care specialists, visit our website or speak with us over the phone today. We serve patients from Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Tempe AZ, Mesa AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, and Phoenix AZ.