Circumcision in boys
Risks of male circumcision
The risks associated with circumcisions when carried out by qualified and experienced doctors are small.
The main risk is bleeding, both during and after the operation. The surgeon will seal off any bleeding during the procedure, and the dressing applied afterwards will absorb any further bleeding.
However, seek medical advice if your child's penis continues to bleed after they return home.
There are also risks associated with general anaesthetic, such as having a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) . However, these risks are small.
The anaesthetist will explain the risks to you before the operation. You can also read more about the complications and risks of general anaesthetic .
You can also havea headache or feel sick or dizzy after having a general anaesthetic. However, these side effects should pass quickly.
There's also a small risk of infection after having a circumcision.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about circumcision in boys, including why it's carried out, medical reasons for circumcision, what the procedure involves, recovery and risks.
Medical reasons for a boy to have a circumcision
It's rare for circumcision to be recommended for medical reasons in boys. This is because other less invasive and less risky treatments are usually available. The following conditions affect the peni
The procedure
Circumcision is usually carried out on a day patient basis. This means yourchild will be admitted to hospital on the same day he has surgery and won't need to stay overnight. Hewon't be able to eat o
Recovering after male circumcision
After the operation, a dressing will be put over the penis to protect the wound. It will be removed before your child goes home. He will be allowed home after he's passed urine, which may be slightly
Risks of male circumcision
The risks associated with circumcisions when carried out by qualified and experienced doctors are small. The main risk is bleeding, both during and after the operation. The surgeon will seal off any
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products