Circumcision is a procedure performed in many societies from past to present for both traditional and religious reasons, and it offers various medical benefits. However, it is known that this procedure can negatively impact children's psychological and sexual identity development, especially when performed between the ages of 2 and 5. Therefore, the most appropriate time for circumcision in children is considered to be the newborn period and the first six months of life. Furthermore, it is crucial that the procedure be performed by a qualified physician and under appropriate conditions.

It is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of a boy's genitals (the preputium). However, it's important to remember that this is a serious surgical procedure and can be performed using several different methods.

It's important to remember that this is a surgical procedure, particularly for boys, that protects their sexual health and function as they age. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure that it's performed under appropriate conditions and by an experienced healthcare professional.

Circumcision and Child Development: Things to Consider Between Ages 2-5

Children's development is important not only physically but also psychologically. While circumcision can technically be performed at any age, it is generally recommended against the age of 2-5. During this period, children begin to develop sexual identity and awareness. Therefore, performing the procedure on a child in this age range can have traumatic effects and negatively impact their psychological development.

Appropriate Environment and Procedures for Circumcision

This procedure must be performed in a strictly sterile hospital environment by an experienced physician. Local anesthesia is generally preferred for newborns and 3-month-olds, while general anesthesia may be more appropriate for older children. Before the procedure, all necessary equipment is sterilized in the hospital.

Before the surgery begins, preparations are made after administering local or general anesthesia. The skin fold at the tip of the penis is incised and bleeding is controlled. The surgical site is sterilized, and the skin is sutured to fit the new anatomy.

The stitches are usually self-dissolving, so they do not need to be removed postoperatively. All these procedures must be performed with care and expertise to ensure the child's health and comfort.

Advantages of Circumcision in the Neonatal Period

Performing the procedure in the newborn period offers several advantages. This procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia, allowing the baby to be comfortable without fasting or the need for general anesthesia. Newborns experience less swelling after the procedure, and wound healing is faster.

Additionally, the baby doesn't feel any pain during the procedure, and any pain that may occur in the first 24 hours after circumcision can be easily controlled with painkillers. Therefore, performing this procedure during the newborn period offers significant advantages for the child's comfort and health.

The Sunnah of the Prophet and the Postponement of the Sunnah

In some cases, circumcision may not be necessary for children. One such condition is hypospadias, commonly known as the Prophet's circumcision. In the Prophet's circumcision, the urinary meatus is not in its normal location, and the foreskin is used for correction. Therefore, the procedure is not initially recommended in this case. However, it can be performed after corrective surgery.

It's also important to conduct the necessary tests and take precautions before circumcision is performed on patients with hemophilia and other blood clotting disorders, those prone to bleeding, or those with congenital reproductive disorders. These conditions may require anatomically corrective surgery as a priority. Therefore, the procedure should be planned with consideration for the child's health and postponed if necessary.

Important Medical Benefits of Circumcision

While the procedure is generally performed for religious and traditional reasons in our country and around the world, it is also sometimes performed for medical reasons or preventative purposes. Both circumcision for religious and traditional reasons and circumcision for medical purposes offer various health benefits. These benefits can be listed as follows:

• Cleaning and hygiene of the penis after the procedure is easier, which helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infection in circumcised men.
• The lower incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) contributes to the reduced risk of STDs in circumcised men.
• The less common narrowing (phimosis) that can be seen in an uncircumcised penis in circumcised men helps reduce the risk of inflammation in the glans penis.
• The lower risk of penile cancer in circumcised men suggests that circumcision may be effective in preventing this rare type of cancer.
• The lower risk of cervical cancer in sexual partners of circumcised men indicates that it may also contribute to the protection of women from this type of cancer.

Considering all these health benefits, it appears to be a medically important procedure and can provide various health benefits when performed correctly.

The Importance of Performing Circumcision Under Appropriate Conditions

It's crucial for parents considering circumcision to take this procedure seriously. Because it's a surgical procedure, it must be performed by a qualified surgeon under appropriate conditions. Performing the procedure under inappropriate conditions can result in injuries to the shaft or head of the penis, as well as cosmetic issues. Furthermore, serious surgical interventions may be necessary in cases of injuries to the urethra or other vital areas, such as the shaft and glans.

These types of errors can sometimes be impossible to correct, and serious complications can arise, even including organ loss. Therefore, it's crucial that the procedure be performed under the most appropriate conditions for the child and by a qualified surgeon to prevent potential future problems.

It is vital for parents to carefully select the healthcare facility and surgeon they choose for the circumcision procedure and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken before and after the procedure. This ensures the child's health and safety are protected to the highest degree possible.

Things to consider after the procedure

• During the first two days after the procedure, the child may experience pain, redness, and swelling (edema) at the tip of the penis. These symptoms subside quickly with the use of painkillers and avoiding prolonged periods of standing. The penis usually returns to its normal appearance within two weeks.
• You can take a bath at the end of the second day. However, be careful about the temperature of the water to avoid irritating the area.
• For children who wear diapers, looser diapers should be preferred for the first 3-4 days after the procedure. Children who have already developed toilet habits should wear circumcision briefs appropriate for their age and weight.
• In some cases of circumcision, slight bleeding may occur after the surgery. In this case, it is important to consult a physician.
• After 2 weeks following the procedure, the child can swim in the pool or sea, as long as they are clean.

If you experience persistent bleeding, difficulty urinating, a foul-smelling discharge, or a fever exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius, you should consult a doctor immediately. These symptoms may indicate a serious complication and require early intervention.