Medical Circumcisions & Advice in East Melbourne

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is a procedure that removes the skin that covers the tip of the penis, called the "foreskin". Circumcision is usually done when a boy is between 1 and 10 days old. In the United States, circumcision is common. In other countries, fewer boys are circumcised. Circumcision is a common tradition in some religions. It is a highly emotive subject. However, the American Association of Paediatrics has recently revised their opinion, and now on balance find that the benefits outweigh the risks, although not enough to recommend routine newborn circumcision. They suggest that parents make their own decision, but the procedure should be available and covered by health insurance.

Circumcision FAQs?

  • Should I have my baby boy circumcised?

    There is no black-and-white answer. Circumcision has some benefits, but it also has risks. Your doctor won't tell you what to do but will give you advice to help you make up your mind. Ultimately, you will have to decide what is best for your family.

  • What are the benefits of circumcision?

    Circumcised boys  have slightly lower rates of:

    • Urinary tract infections
    • Problems with infection or entrapment of the foreskin, sometimes requiring emergency circumcision.

    Circumcised men seem to have slightly lower rates of:

    • Urinary tract infections
    • Problems with infection or entrapment of the foreskin, again sometimes requiring emergency circumcision.
    • HIV, HPV and other infections that you catch during sex
    • Cervical cancer in the women they have sex with
    • Cancer of the penis

    Even so in Australia, the risks of these problems are small — even in boys and men who have not been circumcised. Plus, boys and men who are not circumcised can reduce these extra risks by:

    • Cleaning their penises well
    • Using condoms during sex
    • Having the recommended HPV vaccine

  • What are the risks of circumcision?

    Risks include:

    • Bleeding or infection from the surgery
    • Damage to the penis
    • A chance that the doctor will cut off too much or not enough of the foreskin
    • Only about 1 out of every 500 circumcisions leads to problems. These are usually minor and easily treated.

  • How is circumcision done in baby boys?

    First, the baby gets an injection of local anaesthetic into the base of the penis so he won't feel pain. Next, I clean the baby's penis well with antiseptic. Then I use a special instrument (GOMCO clamp) to cut off the foreskin. Finally, I wrap a gauze bandage around the baby's penis.

Medical Circumcision

If you wish to have a medical (non-ritual) circumcision performed on your son, I am happy to perform this before he is 4 weeks old. It is most convenient to do this while you are still in hospital, although Frances Perry House will no longer allow this – the reasons for this are not clear. Circumcisions on Jewish babies are performed by a specially trained person called a mohel, who may also be a doctor, although not necessarily. If you have your baby circumcised, I will give you instructions on how to care for him after the surgery. It is important that you follow those instructions carefully.

If you have any questions or concerns about circumcision, please contact (03) 9418 8210.

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