Healthy Pregnancy

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Did you know? Recent studies suggest that circumcision also might help prevent spread of HIV. But so far, circumcision only has proven effective at lowering risk of HIV infection in men who have vaginal sex with women who are infected with HIV. More research is needed to learn what role circumcision might play in preventing HIV. Practicing safe sex, including using a condom, is the best protection against HIV.

Circumcision

Home > Healthy Pregnancy > Getting Ready for Baby > Circumcision

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If you have a baby boy, you likely will be asked whether you want him to be circumcised. Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis. It's a good idea to think about this before going into labor because it is often offered before a new baby leaves the hospital.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend routine circumcision because the medical benefits do not outweigh the risks. But parents also need to consider their religious, cultural, and personal preferences when making the choice to circumcise their son.

There are medical benefits and risks to circumcision. Possible benefits include:

• A lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Keep in mind that UTIs affect only 1 percent or less of men who are not circumcised.
• A lower risk of penile cancer. Keep in mind that penile cancer is very rare in both men who are or are not circumcised.
• A possible lower risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Keep in mind that practicing safe sex, including using a condom, is the best protection against STIs.

The risks of circumcision include:

• Pain. If you decide to have your baby circumcised, you can ask that a numbing medicine be put on your baby's penis to lessen the pain.
• A low risk of bleeding or infection.

These risks are higher when circumcision is performed on older babies, boys, and men.

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the risks or possible benefits.

Additional Resources

Publications

1. A Guide for First-Time Parents (Copyright © The Nemours Foundation) — This publication covers many of the topics that new parents need to know. It discusses handling your newborn, soothing techniques for when your baby is crying, umbilical cord care, and sleeping position. It also gives tips on diapering, bathing, feeding, and burping your baby.

   http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/guide_parents.html

2. Circumcision (Copyright © AAFP) — This publication provides information for parents on circumcision, the benefits and risks, and how to care for a baby with or without circumcision.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/reproductive/042.html

3. Circumcision (Copyright © KidsHealth) — This fact sheet explains what circumcision is and the pros and cons of circumcision.

   http://kidshealth.org/parent/newborn/medical/circumcision.html

Organizations

1.   Maternal and Child Health Bureau Prenatal Hotlines, HRSA, HHS
2. American Academy of Pediatrics
3. Familydoctor.org
4. KidsHealth®
5. March of Dimes Foundation

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.