What is the Best Age for Circumcision Surgery in Children?

Male circumcision, a medical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin of the penis, is practised among many cultures and religions throughout the world. Parents are usually concerned (which is quite obvious) about deciding the best age for circumcision surgery for their child.

Given the lack of awareness and confusion regarding this subject, it is a genuine concern. But hey …. Don't worry!

In this blog, we’ve answered this question and shed light on other important subjects, such as the maximum age for circumcision, whether it’s possible to get circumcised at any age, and more.

Can you get Circumcised at any Age?

Yes, definitely! There isn’t any specified age limit for circumcision.

Circumcision isn’t just limited to the infancy period, as even adolescents or adults could opt for circumcision as per their choice.

However, different age groups experience different risks, complications, and physiological effects after the medical procedure.

According to the 2016 International Surgery Journal report, a 79-year-old male suffering from coronal hypospadias and excessive foreskin underwent elective circumcision.

He was discharged 15 hours after the operation and recovered clinically well. So, it proves there is no specific maximum age for circumcision (unless performed with the proper techniques and under optimal care).

In most cases, the best results come when parents opt for their child’s circumcision in the neonatal phase

At What Age Can You Circumcise Your Child?

Due to the lack of awareness about circumcision, most parents commonly ask, “At what age can I circumcise my son?”

According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology, the best age to circumcise a child is between birth and the 8th postnatal day.

It’s because early circumcision ensures less discomfort and fewer complications. By utilizing the proper medical techniques, it is possible to minimize physiological stress in infants while achieving maximum safety and promoting faster recovery.

As a parent, if you don’t want to go for your child’s circumcision in the initial stage (due to fear of castration phobia), you should get it done between 2 and 12 (between infancy and puberty).

Benefits of Early Child Circumcision

Apart from the research mentioned above, many cultural and religious beliefs hint at the benefits of a child's circumcision within a few days after birth.

Here is a set of benefits that justify early childhood as the best age for circumcision surgery:

1. Lowers the Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
   Children suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) during the early childhood period. Therefore, circumcising a child at an early age significantly lowers the risk of UTIs and their recurrence. If left unaddressed, it could lead to kidney damage or blood infection.
2. Reduces the Chances of STIs Transmission
   Another benefit of going for a baby’s circumcision is that it significantly lessens the chances of the spread of sexually transmitted infections when involved in sexual activities during adulthood.
3. Prevention Against Penile Problems
   A penis foreskin can encounter various issues such as phimosis (tightening of the foreskin), balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin), and paraphimosis. Don’t worry, early circumcision can easily prevent it.
4. Low Risk of Penile Cancer
   Penile cancer is a severe complication that could occur (though a rare possibility) due to unexpected growth. That’s a prime reason why early childhood is the best age for circumcision surgery for your baby.
5. Improved Genital Hygiene
   With the removal of the penis foreskin, it becomes easier to maintain genital hygiene. Eventually, it reduces the risk of developing complications, such as foul odors and infections.
6. Fewer Complications
   Early age circumcision surgery poses a lower risk of complications as compared to adulthood procedures.
7. Faster Healing & Easier Adaptability
   Children undergoing circumcision surgery heal faster than adults or teenagers. Additionally, they adapt to the procedure results easily as they accept them with ease.

Risks Associated with Infant Circumcision

Infant circumcision surgery indeed comes with multiple benefits; it also invites certain risks, as discussed below.

1. Bleeding -Infants witness minor bleeding after the surgical treatment. However, there are hardly any chances of any severe bleeding.
2. Infection -There is a risk of disease in the genital area if proper genital hygiene care is neglected.
3. Penis Deformity -A child might encounter penis deformation, which becomes noticeable during the later stages of development.
4. Pain - Infants could experience discomfort and physiological stress if anesthesia weren’t appropriately administered.
5. Childhood Trauma -The circumcision treatment might induce the feeling of loss of the genital organ in males and affect the ability to experience pain.
6. Complications -You can’t undermine the chances of developing complications due to any reaction during the surgery.

How Painful is Circumcision for a Newborn?

A newborn undergoing circumcision surgery experiences only mild pain. It’s because the local anesthesia numbs the genital area completely to make the surgery comfortable for a newborn. Additionally, doctors use pain-relieving techniques to alleviate any discomfort in a child.

Post the surgery, mild pain lasts for a period of 3-4 days, but it could extend up to 2 weeks. So, there isn’t any point in worrying for parents as long as an experienced professional handles the procedure.

So, choosing an expert and renowned circumcision professional is the key to making your child’s surgery painless and comfortable. Nowadays, it is even possible to opt for private in-home newborn circumcision procedures across the US.

Conclusion

So, we hope you got clarity about the best age for circumcision surgery for your newborn (which is between 2 and 12). Whether it’s due to religious, cultural, or medical reasons, every parent needs to conduct thorough research when selecting the optimal clinic for the procedure.

Just gaining knowledge about this subject isn’t sufficient. After all, it’s about your child’s well-being, and every parent has strong emotions associated with it.

As a parent, you must weigh the risks and benefits for your newborn. Moreover, it is wise to discuss the pros and cons (specific to your child) to make a prompt decision about it.

After the completion of your child's circumcision surgery, you must go the extra mile to care for your child after the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions by our clients. Browse through them to gain a clearer understanding of this.

How late can I circumcise my baby?
Truth be told, you can circumcise your baby at any age. However, it is preferable to go for a circumcision in the very first week of your child’s birth. It’s because late circumcision might lead to complications, but early procedures offer many benefits for your baby.

Is late circumcision worth it?
Though late circumcision comes with certain complications, it’s still worth it if you encounter issues like urinary tract infections, phimosis, balanitis, etc.

How do I know my 3-year-old needs circumcision?
If your 3-year-old suffers from tight foreskin (phimosis), poor hygiene problems, difficult urination, inflammation, or paraphimosis, you must consult a paediatrician or urologist to plan for a circumcision surgery. However, you must note that children are aware of their genitals at this age, so that circumcision could lead to trauma.

How long does it take for a 2-year-old to recover from circumcision?
Commonly, it takes about 7 to 10 days for your 2-year-old to recover after circumcision. Though recovery depends on many factors, including a child’s immunity, following the doctor’s recommended healing tips could assist in faster recovery post circumcision.

What is the best age for a boy to be circumcised?
The best age for circumcision surgery of a boy is within 7-10 days after his birth. At this age, a boy can recover faster without any severe complications.

Do boys cry during circumcision?
Yes, boys cry during and after the circumcision procedure. Despite the use of local anaesthesia, some mild pain persists, and the discomfort lasts even after the surgery. However, it’s not severe, and there is nothing much to worry about it.