Common questions after newborn circumcision

1. What are the pros and cons of circumcising my baby?

Baby circumcision includes both benefits and risks. Studies have shown that circumcised babies have a slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections during the first year of life. Circumcision also provides some protection from penile cancer, although it’s a very rare cancer overall. Evidence also suggests a reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infections in circumcised males.

Circumcision does pose some risks, such infection and bleeding. In rare cases, circumcised boys can develop meatal stenosis, a condition in which the urethral opening is scarred or narrowed, which can lead to problems urinating. It’s also possible to develop scarring called a skin bridge, which requires a second procedure to repair.

If your baby is born prematurely, has an illness at birth or has congenital abnormalities or blood problems, your doctor may recommend that your baby not be circumcised immediately.

2. How is circumcision done on a newborn baby?

Circumcision usually takes less than 15–20 minutes. The penis and foreskin are first cleaned, and then your provider uses a special clamp to hold the penis while the foreskin is cut and removed. Your provider will then apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or ointment and cover the penis with gauze to prevent rubbing against your baby’s diaper.

3. Does circumcision hurt and is circumcision painful?

The AAP recommends using a local anesthetic, which numbs the area so your baby doesn’t feel pain during the procedure. This anesthetic may be a topical cream or injection. Your provider may also give your baby a pacifier dipped in sugar water to help soothe them during the procedure.

4. When is it too late to get a baby circumcised?

Circumcision can be performed at any age, but it’s most typical to be performed within a few days after birth if your baby is healthy.

In some cases, circumcision may be delayed for medical reasons or because parents choose to enable their son to make the decision later in life. In those cases, your child may be given anesthesia, which increases the risk of the procedure. Additionally, as children become more aware of their sexual organs, they may become fearful of the procedure.

5. How long does baby circumcision take to heal? How do I care for my infant after circumcision?

Babies typically heal from circumcision in about 7–10 days. During that time, you’ll need to keep the area clean and follow circumcision care recommendations. During each diaper change, clean baby’s penis and apply petroleum jelly on the wound and cover it with gauze.

6. My newborn baby is fussy after the circumcision — Is this normal?

Yes. It’s normal for newborns to cry after circumcision, especially in the first 24 hours after the procedure. Some babies might have a change in feeding and/or sleeping patterns, while others may just be overall fussier. This is OK.

You can give him infant acetaminophen (TYLENOL®) every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. In our clinic, you’ll be given instruction on how much medication to give your baby.

7. Should I be worried about seeing blood after circumcision or seeing something red in baby’s diaper?

After a baby is circumcised, it’s normal to see a few drops of blood in the diaper for the first 3 days. Some swelling, a crust, redness and a small amount yellow fluid is also normal. If you see active bleeding or more than a teaspoon of blood in the diaper, call your pediatrician.

8. When can I start bathing my newborn again after circumcision?

During the first 48 hours after the procedure, a sponge bath for the circumcised baby boy is recommended. Then, you can resume bathing your circumcised newborn in a tub of warm water.

If his stool gets on the incision, pour warm and soapy water over it and pat dry. Avoid scrubbing the incision site.

9. When will my newborn’s penis look normal after circumcision?

It could take a few weeks for baby to heal completely after circumcision. Bruising at the base of the penis and scrotum is not unusual and should go away shortly. His penis will have several areas of green/yellow scabbing, which is a normal sign of healing.

We recommend using petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or antibiotic cream (Neosporin®, bacitracin) around the incision after the first 24 hours, and on the top of the penis to help with sensitivity and healing.

10. When should I be concerned about my newborn baby after circumcision?

If you see any of the following signs after a baby is circumcised, seek medical help:

• Active or excessive bleeding, or oozing of blood
• Extreme redness or swelling of the penis and/or scrotum
• Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (oral, under arm, forehead) or over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (rectal)

Contact Texas Children’s Urology for newborn circumcision care

If you have any further questions or concern, call our urology nurse (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 832-822-3164. In case of emergency, or after hours, call 832-822-3160 to reach the provider on-call.

Need a provider? Find a Texas Children’s provider online.