CIRCUMCISION
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis . For many families of the Jewish and Muslim faiths , circumcision is a religious requirement . In 1975 , the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that “ there is no absolute medical indication for routine circumcision of the newborn .” They felt that the decision to circumcise should be a choice . At UAB Hospital , our pediatricians perform circumcision . On the first day after delivery , they will discuss the risks & benefits of circumcision with you . They will perform the procedure if you desire .
The following is a list of important facts to remember as you decide whether or not to circumcise your baby boy :
• The procedure takes only a few minutes to perform , and healing takes about 7-14 days . Your hospital nurse will show you how to care for the circumcision site .
• Complications may occur , but serious complications are rare .
• There is no evidence that circumcision affects sexual performance .
• A non-circumcised baby could require circumcision later in life , when the discomfort and cost of the procedure is much greater . Your hospital nurse will show you how to care for and clean an uncircumcised penis . uabmedicine . org 29