FAQs

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1. Should I circumcise my child?

This is only a decision you and your family can make. Many families choose circumcision for hygienic reasons, disease prevention and because other male family members have been circumcised. Many others do it for religious reasons.

 

Families who choose not to circumcise may do so for several reasons including it not being medically necessary, and is  procedure that the child cannot consent to. Though not supported by research some are worried about future decreased sexual pleasure.

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For a list of risks and benefits please click here.

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Both parents must consent for this procedure, unless special circumstances exist.

 

2. Are circumcisions safe?

Yes. If performed by a trained professional and appropriate care is provided after the procedure.

 

3. When is the best time to perform a circumcision?

The earlier the better. Side effects, such as bleeding, are less when performed earlier in life. The ideal time to perform circumcision is within the first 2 months of age.

 

4. Do we need a referral for circumcisions?

No referral is required. We do recommend you notify and discuss circumcision with your primary medical team.

 

5. Are circumcisions performed in hospital?

Increasingly hospitals are not offering circumcisions for a whole host of reasons. CHEO will perform them in the operating room in older patients, patients with developmental concerns or in cases of anatomical abnormalities. Your primary care physicians can refer your child to CHEO Urology or General Surgery services for these.

 

6. Will my child feel pain?

Dr. Shefrin will inject a local anesthetic into the base of the penis. There is often some discomfort when this is injected and when it wears off. Letting your baby suck on some table sugar or sugar placed in the cheek will provide pain relief effect as well. This may be used at home as well. As with any procedure, infants may not like their movement restriction during the procedure or if they are cold.

 

Acetaminophen (eg: Tylenol, Tempra) may be used though not routinely recommended or required.

 

7. What should I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure it is normal to expect swelling of the glans (head) and the ridge where the foreskin was cut. In the first few days afterward the penis will look red, swollen and may have a white to light yellow crust or discharge. This should resolve by a week after the procedure. There should not be a foul odor or pain.

 

It is common to see bleeding after the circumcision. Most will almost fully resolve by the time you leave our clinic. At home, some oozing in the first hours is expected but active bleeding is not. In this case, pressure should be applied to the circumcision area for 10 minutes. If it is still bleeding please go to your nearest emergency department.

 

For any other concerns please see you family doctor or discuss with Dr. Shefrin.

 

8. Does OHIP cover circumcisions?

No. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan, and other provincial health plans do not provide cover circumcisions. Families are expected to pay the required fee and a receipt will be issued.

 

9. Can we see Dr. Shefrin for other care needs?

Unfortunately, Dr. Shefrin does not provide routine care.