The wobbly flap of skin which covers the rounded tip of penis and safeguard it is known as glans. This skin comprises nerves, blood vessels and a small amount of muscle known as foreskin. When the baby boy grows into a teenager, the foreskin separates from the penis.

It is usually opted for circumcision when the boy is still a baby to the parents. But it can also be done even after the boy grows into a teenager.

Read More:Teenage Circumcision: Everything You Need to Know

In this article:

Facts about Teenage Circumcision
Procedure of Circumcision
Circumcision in Baby Boys
Teenage Circumcision – Circumcised Teen Boys
Advantages of Circumcision in Teen Boys
Care for Circumcised Teens
Teenage Circumcision Statistics
Uncircumcised Teen Boys
Care of the Penis in Uncircumcised Teen Boys
Effects of Teenage Circumcision
Recovery from Teenage Circumcision

All You Need to Know about Teenage Circumcision

Facts about Teenage Circumcision

• Circumcision is a surgical procedure where the doctor medically removes the skin present at the apex of the teen’s penis.
• The doctor never recommend the teens to undergo a routine circumcision, most parents do not prefer for this. Their decisions depend upon on cultural, religious and personal benefits.
• In the US, 55% of the babies get circumcised before leaving the hospital and country has a record of 3,000 routine circumcisions a day.
• Researchers conclude that teenage circumcision has its share of benefits and risks. One of the positive aspects is that it minimizes the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes and prevents urinary tract infections and penile cancer.
• The foul odors or bacteria buildup that occurs in the foreskin could hamper sexual health. The risks associated with it include infection, bleeding, severe pain, psychological trauma and sexual dissatisfaction.
• Circumcision is believed to have a positive impact on sexuality as it is said that they can satisfy their partners better.
• Uncircumcised boys are at a higher risk of transmitting or acquiring the human papillomavirus (HPV) which could lead to cervical cancers.

Read More:Circumcised vs Uncircumcised: Pros, Cons and Differences

Procedure of Circumcision

The procedure is straightforward and quick is performed by doctors at a medical facility. The doctor removes the foreskin and covers it with gauze after applying some petroleum gel on the operated part. There could be a few complications, though these are rare.

• Excessive bleeding
• Blocking of the opening of penis called urethra, for urination
• Delayed healing and infection or rashes
• Itching at the tip of the penis
• Elimination of surplus or insufficient foreskin

Circumcision in Baby Boys

In many cases, baby boys undergo circumcision just after the birth. There are several reasons behind this –

• In religions like Jewism and Islam, it is a cultural and religious conviction.
• It is a social block that the son could look different if he does not undergo circumcision.
• If it is done at a later stage, there could be high chances of medical and physical issues.

Teenage Circumcision – Circumcised Teen Boys

As there is no age limit for circumcision to be performed, parents may get it done once the boy reaches teenage. A few medical and personal reasons for opting for the procedure at a later age are as under –

• Infections, rashes or itching may repeatedly occur on the foreskin which does not get cured easily with medications.
• The foreskin is not pulled away from the apex of the penis easily.

Advantages of Circumcision in Teen Boys

There are a lot of advantages of this which are as follows –

• Cancer in the penis is a rare occurence but it could occur if teenage have a genital lump, numerous sex partners and smoke a lot.
• Rashers and itching of foreskin do not occur frequently.
• Urinary tract infection may occur in the urinary bladder, kidneys or urinary tracts and tubes through which it gets eliminated from the body. Researchers say that circumcised males have lesser chances of being affected with UTI than the uncircumcised ones.
• Circumcision makes it easy for the teens to maintain proper hygiene as penis can be washed easily. Due to the presence of the foreskin, it becomes difficult to clean the uncircumcised penis properly.

Care for Circumcised Teens

After the circumcision, the tip of the penis turns yellowish in colour. Doctors say that till the operated portion is healed, one should not allow water or soap to seep into it. The bandage should be changed from time to time, as it would help in minimizing the chance of any rashes or infection. Using petroleum jelly will help the area to remain moistened and will prevent the bandage from sticking to the operated area.

There are several instances where the doctor uses plastic rings as an alternative to bandages. In about eight days, the ring comes off. The teen should check the area regularly and should not panic if there’s a small amount of yellowish discharge from the incised region. Consult the doctor if there are following discomforts –

• The yellowish tip turns red even after 3-5 days of the operation and gets worse day by day.
• Continuous and excessive
• Accumulation of pus in the region or infection or rashes may be seen.
• Problem in urinating normally after 6 to 8 hours of the operation.

Teenage Circumcision Statistics

There are no proper statistics for this. The doctors based in Seattle opposing this procedure state that about 85% of people in the country are not circumcised. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) of USA gave the data in 2002 about 60% of teenage boys were circumcised.

A region-wise survey gives different results. In 2002, 81% of teenagers underwent circumcision in the Midwest. The number was lower in the Northeast at 69% and further down at 64% in the South. There was a 33% drop in West. The decline in the number is mainly due to religious beliefs as Hispanics, who rarely undergo circumcision, mostly in the Midwest.

Uncircumcised Teen Boys

In an uncircumcised teen, the foreskin starts to come off the glans when they are infants, by a process called foreskin withdrawal. Although it starts in infancy, there are cases when it takes years for the process to begin. As the teenager reaches adulthood, the major part of the foreskin can be entirely withdrawn. Never forcefully retract the foreskin as it may cause distress and blood loss.

Care of the Penis in Uncircumcised Teen Boys

Uncircumcised should maintain proper hygiene during teenage years. Make sure to retract the skin and wash it regularly to keep it clean. It will keep the penis protected from diseases and rashes. The American Academy of Pediatrics has given the guidelines to clean the foreskin –

• The foreskin should be retracted very gently from the glans.
• The inside of the foreskin and the glans should be rinsed and cleaned with mild soap and water.
• The foreskin should be left to return to its natural position.

Effects of Teenage Circumcision

• Pain – the surgical removal of the foreskin is painful and painkillers are prescribed.
• Cosmetic issues – the removal of the foreskin could lead to an unusual scar. Buried penis may occur in which the penis remains hidden under the scars.
• Sexual dissatisfaction – the glans become less sensitive.

Recovery from Teenage Circumcision

Recovery is not difficult. Following should be done –

• Activity – after surgical procedure teenage can have a normal life. Better  to stay away from sports and strenuous activities for a while as it may cause discharge from the operated region.
• Bathing – take sponge baths instead of direct shower. Regular baths can be taken thereafter, the incision part should be cleaned very vigorously. Only lukewarm or foamy water should be used.
• Incision care – the penile region remains bandaged after the operation, it should be removed after two days of operation. If the bandage gets dislodged from its position soon after the operation, which is a common case, consult a doctor immediately. The easiest and simplest way of taking off the bandage is to shower for 10 mins and then slowly open the bandage. The area can be kept open for some time to dry and Vaseline or petroleum gels can be applied several times to prevent friction between the inner side of the cloth and the incision region.
• Clothing – friction against clothes can worsen the case which leads to pain. Wearing loose clothes should help in the circulation of air by preventing the incision region from getting dry. A yellowish fluid discharge is a common occurrence and the teen should not be alarmed by it. A clean cloth or tissue can be used to clean it. If there is pain, consult the doctor.
• Pain relief – medicines like Tylenol or Tylenol with codeine can be used for pain relief.

Conclusion

Circumcision is a surgical procedure which is carried out for medical, religious or cultural reasons. It can be easily taken care of and recovery is also easy. It there is any complication, consult the doctor.

References

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/teenage-circumcision_00399648/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/circumcision-in-boys/