Although circumcision is popular in Kenya, some tribes have only embraced the activity after HIV awareness campaigns. Let’s grasp the necessary information about the act.
When is it done?
Depending on parents’ wishes, religious and traditional beliefs, you can have the procedure at any point in your son’s childhood. Some will prefer having it done 40 days after his birth, others at the age of 10 or even after completion of their primary education.
It’s important to have your child circumcised before they become adolescents. This way, they will not be affected by the numerous changes that come with this stage.
Pros and cons of circumcising your baby boy
Research shows that baby boys who undergo circumcision may have the following benefits:
- The wound heals fast unlike in older children
- It is easy to keep a circumcised penis clean
- It reduces their chances of developing penile cancer in later years
- It reduces the risk of HIV infection
- It limits the risk of attaining a urinary tract infection
In most cases, babies recover from the process without any problem. Complications associated with circumcision may include:
- No peeing within 12 hours of the procedure
- Worsening of a swelling or redness around his penis
- Presence of pus
- Foul smelling with a cloudy drainage from his penis
- When the plastic ring involved in the procedure does not fall off after 2 weeks
There are benefits of not circumcising your son:
The advantages of your baby having a foreskin include:
- The foreskin may protect the glans from abrasions
- The inner foreskin may enhance higher sexual response in later years
- The foreskin enhances penile development
- The foreskin enhances proper lymph flow
Risk of not removing the foreskin may include:
- Difficulty in foreskin retraction leading to inflammation
- Increased risk of urinary infections that may cause kidney problems later
- Need for more hygiene care
Whether or not to circumcise
One of the primary questions on the procedure is whether to uphold the traditional techniques or adopt modern ones. Often parents who consider circumcision of their babies do it for cultural, social, or religious reasons. Traditionalists believe that circumcision in medical facilities is watering down their culture, while religious groups view it as Godly.
Paediatricians in Kenya advise that there should be no need of any worry if a qualified person does the procedure.
Planning for the procedure
If you want to make a decision about your baby’s circumcision, you can talk to your practitioner about associated benefits and risks. You may ask for examination by a paediatrician to decide if your baby should delay for circumcision. You may choose to be present in the circumcision room or not.
Disclaimers:
#Please note that development differs from one child to another.
#Content intended for educational purposes only, and should notbe substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
#Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed January 2019
Sources: caringforkids, kidshealth, webmd
