Education and Child Matters

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Male Circumcision

 

For some cultures, circumcision is a normal part of their culture. 

This write up is about male circumcision and it is intended to give you a basic knowledge about the subject so you are informed.

WHAT IS MALE CIRCUMCISION?

Male circumcision is the surgical procedure that cuts the foreskin of a boy (male) and removes it from the male penis (genital). 

The foreskin is pulled with an instrument called forceps, a circumcision tool is placed which allows the cutting of the foreskin.

Most circumcisions today take place due to religious and cultural beliefs.

DOES THE NHS PERFORM CIRCUMCISION FOR RELIGIOUS OR CULTURAL REASONS?

The NHS will only perform and fund male circumcision procedures if there is a medical reason to perform one. 

LINK TO LEEDS NHS LEAFLET FOR MEDICAL ADVICE FOR PARENTS THINKING ABOUT CIRCUMCISION FOR THEIR SON FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS 

WHO WILL PERFORM THE MALE CIRCUMCISION AND WHERE?

Please take note of the following guidance:

  1. The surgical procedure should be performed by a healthcare professional trained and experienced in the procedure.
  2. It should be done in a clinic or hospital.
  3. It should be performed under sterile conditions.

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR THE PROCEDURE?

To perform a male circumcision due to cultural and religious reasons, you will have to pay yourself.

HOW LONG DOES THE CIRCUMCISION PROCEDURE TAKE TO HEAL?

The procedure usually takes about a week to heal.

WHO CAN YOU ASK TO REFER YOU TO A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TO PERFORM YOUR SON’S CIRCUMCISION?

You can ask your GP to give you the name of a healthcare professional who performs male circumcisions. 

WHEN AND WHERE NOT SHOULD A BOY BE CIRCUMCISED?

A premature baby should NOT be circumcised until they reach their due date.

Circumcision should not be performed if a baby is less than 2.5 kg in weight.

Circumcision should not be performed until a baby is breastfeeding properly.

Circumcision should also not be performed if the baby is unwell and has a medical issue.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR BABY IS UNWELL AFTER THE CIRCUMCISION?

You must immediately call 999 and call an ambulance. If you are near A&E, take your baby immediately.

The signs of your baby being unwell can be the following amongst others:

  1. Excess bleeding
  2. High temperature
  3. Infection
  4. Excess crying
  5. Septicaemia

CAN THE CIRCUMCISION PROCEDURE RESULT IN COMPLICATIONS?

Yes complications can arise from the circumcision procedure. Some of these complications are:

  1. The penis can become less sensitive
  2. The head of the penis can be cut
  3. The urethra (the tube that carries urine to the penis) can harden and narrow.

CAN A BABY BE GIVEN PAIN RELIEF OR LOCAL ANAESTHETIC DURING THE PROCEDURE?

If you would like your baby to be given pain relief or a local anaesthetic, you must discuss this and all the options available to you with the healthcare provider who will perform the circumcision. 

WILL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WHO PERFORMS THE CIRCUMCISION PROCEDURE GIVE YOU AFTERCARE ADVICE FOR YOUR SON?

Yes they will. Please ask if they do not and be fully informed before you leave with your baby. 

WHICH CULTURES HAVE PRACTISED MALE CIRCUMCISION IN THE PAST?

It is known throughout history that the Egyptians and Semitic people practised circumcision.

WHICH CULTURES PRACTISE MALE CIRCUMCISION TODAY?

Today, people of the Jewish faith and the Islamic faith practise it