4 Notable Health Benefits of Circumcision

Considering circumcision for your newborn and whether it has any health benefits? At the Center for Advanced Pediatrics in Darien and Norwalk, Connecticut, our team of dedicated and board-certified pediatric providers is here to help you make an informed decision. 

Circumcision is a common practice that involves the surgical removal of the foreskin covering the tip of your baby’s penis. The process is relatively quick for infants, and the recovery period is usually short and uncomplicated. Most importantly, your baby experiences minimal discomfort.  

As a parent, you want the best for your baby. Keep reading to learn about four lifelong health benefits circumcision offers your son. 

1. Simpler hygiene

Circumcision makes it easier to keep the penis clean. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist places. By removing the foreskin, it’s harder for bacteria and germs to multiply. 

Plus, the benefits of simpler hygiene continue into adolescence and adulthood. This makes circumcision a practical choice for many parents. 

2. Decreased risk of developing penile cancer

Choosing circumcision is a good way to reduce your son’s lifelong risk of penile cancer. Although penile cancer is rare, circumcised men face a lower risk of developing this type of cancer compared to those who are not circumcised. 

Researchers believe this is because removing the foreskin minimizes the areas where cancerous cells might develop. By choosing circumcision, you're making a decision that improves your child’s health and reduces the risk of facing this rare but serious form of cancer.

3. Fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be difficult, especially in infants, where they can lead to hospital trips. Research shows circumcision decreases the risk of UTIs.

Remember, bacteria love moist, warm places, and the foreskin creates an environment that makes it easier for infections to develop. Removing this extra skin creates a cleaner and less bacteria-friendly environment. 

This extra line of defense is especially important in your son's first year of life, when UTIs can be more severe and lead to other health complications. In other words, circumcision gives your child a healthier start in life.

4. Lowered risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

While STDs aren’t yet a risk for your infant, as he grows into an adult, being circumcised can reduce his risk of contracting this type of infection. 

Circumcision definitely isn’t a foolproof protective measure. Safe sex practices should always be observed. But since circumcision helps lower the chances of getting bacterial and viral infections, this includes many STDs and HIV. 

This means that when your circumcised son is ready for sexual activity, he’s better protected. Circumcision can help your son have a healthier sex life as an adult, and it works to prevent the spread of infection to others, too. 

Questions about circumcision? 

If you’re struggling with the decision of circumcision, we recommend talking to one of the pediatric experts at the Center for Advanced Pediatrics. Our providers address your concerns, answer any questions, and discuss the benefits and potential risks associated with the procedure. 

Our goal is to make sure you understand the procedure and any risks so that you feel comfortable making a decision that meets your family’s goals and values. 

To learn more about circumcision or to set up a procedure for your son, schedule an appointment online or over the phone at The Center for Advanced Pediatrics today.