Whether or not to circumcise is a big decision for parents of baby boys. Here are some of the reasons you should have your infant undergo this minor surgical procedure.
Research shows that circumcision is associated with a significant reduction in risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recurrent UTIs experienced early in life can lead to renal and hypertensive disease in addition to making your little one feel miserable and suffer the pain of infection.
At First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina, Margaret Lubega, MD, stresses the importance of circumcision and regularly performs the procedure on babies. In fact, circumcision impacts the rate of UTIs and offers several other health protective benefits.
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. UTIs are often associated with girls and women, but they’re common in uncircumcised boys. A child with recurrent UTIs is at risk of developing kidney damage.
UTI symptoms include fever and chills as well as pain while peeing. Young children may not be able to articulate this pain, so also look for:
A UTI can also make a boy wet their pants or the bed, even if this has never been a problem in the past. Very young children (babies) may have vomiting and diarrhea and a decrease in activity.
It’s easier for bacteria to accumulate under the foreskin (or prepuce) and in the urethra in uncircumcised boys. It’s more difficult to keep the penis tip of a baby or toddler exceptionally clean if they’re not circumcised. And, even if regularly washed and cleansed, the area can still attract pathogens that lead to infection.
The severity of a urinary tract infection depends on the type of pathogen, the boy’s specific anatomy, and their personal health history. In some cases, UTIs may require hospitalization.
One major step is to get your baby circumcised within 10 days of birth. You should also take care to change his diaper often. Then when he transitions to cloth underwear, give him cotton versions. Also make sure your child takes regular bathroom breaks. Urinating every 3-4 hours helps keep the urinary tract clear of bacteria.
Circumcision can also protect your child from future (adult) infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus. Circumcision reduces syphilis and human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission. A circumcised man is less prone to developing penile cancer and also protects future female partners from cervical cancer and bacterial vaginosis.
Some people also have their baby circumcised for religious, cultural, or social reasons. Often circumcision is performed in the hospital, but Dr. Lubega can also perform the procedure in her office.
If you’re not sure whether you want to circumcise your baby, Dr. Lubega can offer some guidance. She can help you understand all the health benefits it affords your child and what to expect during the procedure. Call today for your in-person or telemedicine appointment, or use the online tool to schedule.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Whether or not to circumcise is a big decision for parents of baby boys. Here are some of the reasons you should have your infant undergo this minor surgical procedure.
Your child just can’t keep their hands off the site of an insect bite, and who can blame them? It’s uncomfortable. Here’s some tips as to how to prevent your child from scratching so much that it causes inflammation and possible infection.
You know weather can cause flare-ups in your child’s eczema. As summer approaches, the heat, humidity, sweat, and sun can irritate your child’s delicate skin. Here are some tips to help keep your child comfortable this summer.
Vaccines protect your child from devastating and deadly diseases. Learn how they do this and why it’s important to get your child vaccinated on schedule.
Food allergies cause reactions that range from mild to life-threatening. Learn which foods most commonly cause allergic reactions and how we can help with diagnosis and treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says the benefits of circumcision outweigh the possible disadvantages, yet many parents are hesitant to have the procedure done on their baby boy. Here’s what you should consider when weighing your decision.