Circumcision Health Article

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Medical circumcisions are performed in the hospital by a pediatrician for an infant or child. For an adult, a general surgeon or urologist may perform a circumcision, especially if there are other urinary tract repairs to be made.

A Jewish religious circumcision, a Bris Milah, is performed when an infant male is eight days old. It is conducted by a trained mohel, with family and friends present, in a nonmedical setting.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• Is there a medical reason for performing a circumcision on my child?
• Is there new research about the benefits of circumcisions that I should be aware of?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
• What should I be aware of when I go home with the baby?
• When should I call the doctor?