Making the Decision
Circumcision is an elective procedure. That means it is the parents' choice whether to have their son circumcised. In most cases, there is no medical reason for a circumcision. It is not required by law or by hospital policy.

Some parents have their sons circumcised for religious or cultural reasons.

Some parents choose to have their sons circumcised for the sake of hygiene.

Some parents choose not to circumcise their sons because they are worried about the pain the baby feels or the risks involved with the surgery.

Some doctors feel that circumcision lowers the risk of sexually transmitted disease (STDs). There is no proof of this, however.

The Procedure
Circumcision is done before the mother and baby leave the hospital. The doctor may use local anesthesia to lessen the pain. Various surgical techniques are used, but they follow the same steps:

• The penis and foreskin are cleaned.
• A special clamp is attached to the penis and the foreskin is removed.
• Ointment and gauze often are placed over the cut to protect it from rubbing against the diaper.

Risks
Complications from a circumcision are rare.

Caring for Your Newborn
Circumcised Infants
If your baby boy is circumcised, a light dressing such as gauze with petroleum jelly may be placed over the head of the penis after surgery. Keep the area as clean as possible.

Uncircumcised Infants
Washing the baby's penis and foreskin properly is important. The outside of the penis should be washed with soap and water. Do not attempt to pull back the infant's foreskin.

Teach your boy to wash his penis, including under the foreskin after it has begun to retract.

Finally …
Deciding whether to circumcise your newborn boy is an important choice for parents. Remember, circumcision is elective — it is your choice whether to have it done.

This excerpt from ACOG's Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.