Considering the Benefits and Risks of Newborn Circumcision

Bringing a child into the world involves many decisions. As a parent, you want to ensure your new baby will be as healthy and happy as possible as they grow into adulthood. Therefore, you may need to decide whether you should have your young boy circumcised. The Florida Pediatrics Group medical team can help any parent with their decision regarding newborn circumcision in Melbourne and West Melbourne, FL.

What Is Newborn Circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which a doctor removes the foreskin from a baby boy's penis shaft. It is not a requirement, but a personal decision. For many parents, it may come down to religion, culture, health, or personal choice. Don't feel pressured to have your baby circumcised right at birth. You can always take your newborn home and decide later on if circumcision is the right choice. Luckily, any doctor at the Florida Pediatrics Group is available for a consultation to discuss the pros and cons of this decision for your child.

What Are The Pros and Cons?

One of the main reasons why people decide on this procedure is to reduce the risk of infection. A circumcised penis has a much lower risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs). As your baby boy grows into a sexually active adult, he also has less risk of transmitting STDs and having foreskin infections. It will also be easier for your son to keep the genitalia clean, as he won't have an extra foreskin to clean around. According to some studies, this foreskin removal may even reduce the risk of penile cancer.

One of the downsides of newborn circumcision in West Melbourne, FL, is the possibility of causing pain to your little one. There is the risk that the area could become infected or bleed. Some people may be uncomfortable making this decision for their baby boy. They may feel that it is a personal choice the boy can make later in adulthood.

Later in life, some grown men decide to get circumcised for cosmetic reasons. Some may also need it as a medical necessity, especially if they develop genital warts or have phimosis, a condition in which the foreskin is too tight. An adult male may decide to be circumcised if they convert to certain religions that require it.

The doctors at Florida Pediatrics Group can help with advice and perform the procedure for newborn circumcision in Melbourne and West Melbourne, FL. For more information on what to do for your child, call us at (321) 752-5210.