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Circumcision 101

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    It’s one of the most common procedures in the country, with 70 percent of newborn boys undergoing circumcisions after birth. But new parents often h...

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-- Hello welcome to -- dog I'm not demanding.

It's one of the most common procedures in the country in fact about 70%.

Of newborn boys in the United States -- circumcised and doctors say.

There are benefits whose age old practice joining me now is doctor -- wasserman she's -- pediatric resident a New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Where -- everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask.

About circumcision.

-- All right so let's talk about reasons that parents should consider circumcision.

A lot of times -- decisions are based on more personal and familial beliefs as -- cultural and religious traditions.

That said there -- that is certain size you better this be circumcised.

A lot war.

-- of the new deal Christian believes that Serbs and Muslims do I guess.

That that you you know circumcision is a good.

It was biblical in nature from Abraham exactly it's a very individualized to -- there is some movement there have been some journal studies looking pad as TB transmissions.

And on circumcised males especially.

I know there was a study with HIV transmissions and things like that and it seems that.

You know circumcision could theoretically.

Play a role in minimizing the transmissions of let's say each -- -- now how many days after the baby is born do you typically.

You know publish Michael.

This -- is indeed cut usually before the baby leaves the hospital.

-- -- -- Full term healthy male and fan it's usually done on day of like two to -- if it's done in the hospital that said some called for religious beliefs we'll do it outside of the hospital -- Seven days.

Now the question the mom is always asking me does that hurt.

It doesn't hurt.

What do you think.

So there are physiological markers that lead us to believe that there is increased stress levels in the body of president -- I still remember -- of course if if it.

It's just sensitive area of course so what -- -- -- measuring it we can say yes the baby is off and yes you'll have an increase in heart rate and in blood pressure OK so so what -- we do to minimize that.

So there's a couple things that can -- at the very at least.

The babies will get sugar water which is a form.

They'll get a little bit of solution on a -- fire releases endorphins and -- the baby.

That's the very least usually nowadays the practice we'll include using a topical light -- -- cream and numbing cream.

On the penis -- -- -- if you well.

As well.

Or that or you can use a local anesthetic that any.

Absolutely so the most common dangers are or risks of -- procedure is bleeding.

It certainly if there's any family history of -- or pedophilia or anything like that although a lot of times the bleeding can be remedied just with some -- -- pressure.

Unfortunately infection is also -- back -- happen.

It can it's usually resolved after a short trial of antibiotics.

On but in rare cases can lead to worsening and factions also there's the cosmetic standpoint.

Sometimes too much for too little skin is removed than it needs to be -- -- right.

Other any.

Times of anatomical.

Deviations.

Of the now on the button on the penis that would make this circumcision Contra indicated.

Absolutely so before circumcision is even offered in the newborn nursery.

A pediatrician nor the obstetrician will make sure and look over the baby to make sure that that anatomy allows for it.

Certain things well old.

We'll -- maybe not eligible to get a circumcision.

One of the most common being if theory -- Part where the urine comes out is not placed centrally on the head of the will defer the circumcision in the hospital.

And let.

The -- urologist take a look at it a lot of times the force in.

Needs to be -- to be used later in a surgical procedure and.

Now let's wrap it up with a couple of things are what do you think are some common.

Misconceptions.

When it comes to circumcision.

So you know we touched on some of them some is a lot of people think that.

Doctors are advocating for this 100% it's not it's certainly a personalized decision -- like -- said the American academy of pediatrics.

Kind of -- the fence on this one and leaves it up to the parent.

There's the issue of of pain in an -- -- which we've touched on.

The other thing I suppose.

Is the after care a lot of parents think.

Weaker south yet so a lot of times.

You leave it alone.

And it heals on -- -- -- after -- circumcision.

A bandage is placed around where the incision was made and that usually fall off in 24 to 48 hours after that routine bathing a normal hygiene can resume.

A lot of times it's recommended that parents will leave the diaper a bit looser.

And also to apply -- out before to the head of the penis and balls inside of the type effort to reduce friction.

But other than that to -- around and go about your normal business and -- hygiene.

All right so give me a final.

-- Did give to parents.

No pun intended.

To sell I think the most important thing that I would recommend to the parents of newborns -- to the parents of any child if it.

Is to keep it open and constant dialogue with -- pediatrician.

Especially the newborn period a lot of parents have a million and a half questions especially when it's their first child and keeping a close communication with their pediatrician to ask any -- -- question does a great -- that's what we're here for.

Any questions any concerns.

Hopefully we have.

Cancer as well anyway great advice.

You know you're still very well as usual but I have to say -- I am going to given advice to parents because you know I deliberately -- take care of them I.

Just make the decision.

Early in the game absolutely -- don't wait until the babies -- -- in the room and you guys start fighting.

I don't want circumcised yes I want of circumcised because it drives everybody crazy.

And then you make decisions that you may regret that later on.

So make them weigh in then that's right I agree OK there you'll thank you.

And -- added Saturday how top usual adult debate about email me -- -- I've got to many of fog does not come until next time.

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