Newborn Circumcision Explained: Choices, Procedures, and Care

Deciding whether to circumcise your newborn is a deeply personal choice—one that often comes with a mix of cultural, medical, and emotional considerations. Understanding what the procedure involves, the potential benefits and risks, and how to care for your baby afterward can help you make an informed decision with confidence. This guide offers a clear, compassionate overview of newborn circumcision so you can choose what feels right for your family.

What is Circumcision?

First, an anatomy lesson. At birth, the head of a human penis is covered by a layer of skin (the foreskin). The foreskin is attached to the tip of the penis and cannot be pulled back to expose the head. As an intact penis grows, the foreskin begins to separate from the tip, and can usually be fully retractable between the ages of 3 and 10 years old.

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin from the rest of the penis. People have been performing this procedure for thousands of years, and it is highly significant to Judaic and Islamic faiths. In 2022, overall about 49% of male babies in the United States were circumcised; the rate is about 30% in Canada, and about 15% in the U.K.

How is Newborn Circumcision performed?

Newborn or Neonatal Circumcision is usually done within a few days or weeks of the baby’s birth in the hospital, in a doctor’s office, or at home. It may be performed by an OB/GYN, pediatrician, pediatric surgeon, or a religious figure like a mohel.

The baby will be awake and will have a topical anesthetic applied to the surface of the penis and/or have numbing medication injected into the base of the penis. The baby may also be given a sugar-covered pacifier. The foreskin is first separated from the tip of the penis with forceps and cut with surgical scissors or a scalpel. Then a special device is used to clamp and cut the foreskin. There is usually very little bleeding, and the procedure takes about 15-30 minutes.

Why Some Parents Choose to Circumcise

Parents may choose circumcision for a combination of cultural, religious, or medical reasons. For many Jewish and Muslim families, circumcision holds spiritual or traditional significance and may be a milestone that families can celebrate together. Some parents believe it may support hygiene and lower the risk of future infections. Parents may also feel societal pressure to circumcise if the procedure is common in their family or in their area. As with any procedure or intervention, it is important to weigh both the risks and the benefits of having a newborn circumcised, as well as the risks and benefits of leaving the penis intact. 

What are the potential benefits to Newborn Circumcision?

Medical studies suggest that circumcision may lower the risk of recurring urinary tract infections in infancy and reduce the likelihood of certain sexually transmitted infections in populations with high infection rates. Specifically, studies have shown that circumcision is associated with lower rates of HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to penile cancer and cervical cancer. Circumcision can also prevent foreskin-related issues such as phimosis (tight foreskin) or inflammation. For many families, circumcision provides peace of mind about hygiene and long-term genital health.

What are the potential risks of Newborn Circumcision?

Like any surgical procedure, circumcision carries potential risks. The most common complications include bleeding, infection, irritation, and discomfort during healing. In some cases, too much or too little skin may be removed, leading to cosmetic or functional concerns. Adhesions or uneven skin removal may require additional surgery to correct. While death due to circumcision complication is rare, it has been reported (usually due to bleeding, infection, and shock).

The overall complication rate for Newborn Circumcision in the United States is about 1.5%. More complications are seen with non-medical providers and non-hospital-based procedures. Circumcision is not recommended for premature infants, infants with any active illness or medical condition that requires monitoring, or an infant with a family history of bleeding disorders. 

Why is circumcision controversial?

Every family weighs the risks and benefits of newborn procedures differently based on their background, their personal experience, and their values. For one family, a small risk may be completely worth it; for another family, any risk may be an automatic NO.

Disease prevention

The data showing that circumcision lowers rates of HIV and HPV infection and transmission were mostly collected with heterosexual men in African nations where the infection rates are very high. These studies have not been replicated in the United States, where HIV rates are low and predominantly spread through same-sex male partners. Many experts emphasize that consistent condom use, safer-sex practices, and vaccinations are more reliable ways to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and related cancers, and carry no surgical risks.

While research does show that Newborn Circumcision can prevent urinary tract infections, this was only true for babies with recurrent UTIs. The rate of UTI for healthy infants is about 1% for both circumcised and intact newborns, and this rate declines as the child ages.

Ethics

The debate over Circumcision often centers on balancing parental rights, cultural values, and a child’s autonomy. Circumcision is controversial because it involves permanently altering a child’s body without their consent. Supporters note that parents routinely make both medical decisions and religious choices for their children before they can consent, such as getting them vaccinated or baptized. 

However, others liken circumcision to elective cosmetic surgery, something that would never be allowed on an infant. Opponents argue that because there are alternative methods for disease prevention (like condoms and safer sex practices) as well as religious traditions (for example, a Brit Shalom, a naming ceremony for Jewish families who choose not to circumcise), permanently altering the child’s body is no longer necessary. 

Official Medical Recommendations

Recommendations from medical groups and governments are inconsistent. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the health benefits of newborn circumcision outweigh the risks enough to justify access to this procedure for those that want it. However they also state that the health benefits are NOT great enough to recommend routine circumcision for ALL male newborns. In contrast, the CDC’s detailed report on circumcision calculates the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks by 100 to 1. 

How to care for a circumcised penis

After circumcision, gentle care will help to ensure proper healing. Parents should keep the area clean and dry, changing diapers frequently and applying petroleum jelly or ointment as directed to prevent the penis from sticking to the diaper. Caregivers may wash the area with warm water and mild soap daily or when soiled. The circumcision site may appear red or slightly swollen for several days, and a yellowish film may form as part of normal healing. Most circumcisions heal within 7 to 10 days. If there is excessive bleeding, pus, or persistent redness, parents should contact their pediatrician.

How to care for an intact penis

For uncircumcised babies, care is simple—just wash the penis with warm water during regular baths and diaper changes. The foreskin should never be forcibly retracted; it will naturally loosen and separate from the glans over time, often not until later in childhood. Once it becomes retractable, children can be taught to gently pull back the foreskin, rinse, and replace.

How can an overnight doula help?

An overnight doula can be a valuable support for families navigating the early days after a circumcision. She can help monitor the baby’s comfort and healing, manage diaper changes gently, and provide tips for soothing a fussy newborn during recovery. Doulas also offer reassurance for parents—answering questions, ensuring proper aftercare, and allowing the family to rest knowing their baby is cared for with expertise and compassion.

If you’re overwhelmed and need immediate support, our team offers in-home overnight newborn care so you can finally get some peace of mind. Book a call today to get support for you and your baby.