What is circumcision?

Circumcision is a small surgical operation. It is done to remove the foreskin. This is the sleeve of skin that covers the end of the penis.

This article is about male circumcision. All forms of female genital mutilation (FGM), which is sometimes known as female circumcision, are illegal in Australia. FGM is harmful and does not have medical benefits.

​​​​​​​Why might I choose to get my baby circumcised?

Parents may choose to circumcise their children for a range of reasons. In 2019, less than 2 in 100 babies under 4 years of age in Australia were circumcised.

Male circumcision may be performed for health and hygiene reasons.

It is also a normal and important ritual in some cultures and religions.

There are health benefits associated with circumcision, such as:

• lower rates of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• some protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• lower rates of foreskin problems such as phimosis in uncircumcised males

Circumcision is sometimes recommended for older males who have frequent problems with their foreskin.

​What does circumcision involve?

If you are thinking of circumcision for your child, you should discuss the process with a trained medical professional. They should explain what happens during the operation so that you can make an informed choice.

During circumcision, the medical professional will separate the foreskin from the glans (head) of the penis. They will then remove the foreskin. Your child may require stitches.

​​​​​​​Are there any physical risks associated with circumcision?

Circumcision is generally a safe operation, but like all surgeries, it does carry some risks.

Complications associated with circumcision are:

• bleeding at the surgical site
• infection of the penis
• damage to the penis
• complications from any anaesthetic or medicines used during or after the procedure

Circumcision is usually a more straightforward operation in newborns than in adults. It doesn't appear to affect sexual function.

Circumcision surgery can cause pain, both during the surgery and in the days after.

It can be a difficult process for both a newborn or adult.

​What is the health advice on circumcision?

In Australia, current health advice only supports routine circumcision for medical reasons.

However, it is considered reasonable for parents to consider circumcision for their own child's situation. This means thinking about the risks and benefits of the procedure when deciding whether to circumcise their child.

If you choose to circumcise your child, make sure the procedure is performed safely by a properly trained professional.

Here are some questions you may like to ask your doctor or surgeon:

• How do you perform the procedure?
• What type of pain relief will you use?
• How do I care for my child after the procedure?
• How will you manage any complications?

How can I prepare my child for a circumcision?

It is important to speak to your medical professional before choosing to circumcise your child. Your doctor can give you advice on how to prepare your child for surgery.

​​​​​​​How soon will my child recover after a circumcision?

After circumcision, your child should be able to go home after 2 hours. They should recover 5 to 10 days after the operation.

After circumcision, the penis might look red or swollen. There may be crusting or discharge around the wound. This is normal and should go away in a few days.

If you are concerned about your child, see your doctor.

Seek medical attention if after the operation, your child:

• has severe swelling around their penis
• has a fever
• vomits multiple times
• has pus coming from the wound
• is bleeding from the wound

After healing, a circumcised penis does not need any special care. Teach your child to wash their penis in the same way as the rest of their body while bathing.

Your child can return to school when they feel comfortable in their uniform.

​How do I care for my child after a circumcision?

Ask your doctor or surgeon how to care for your child's penis after the procedure.

Your child should avoid long baths for 1 week after the surgery. They should also avoid activities such as trampolining and bike riding for 10 days after surgery. If they had stitches, they will usually dissolve on their own.

If your child is in pain, you can give them pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen. You should never give aspirin to your child unless instructed to by your doctor.

​How does the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis separate?

You may choose not to circumcise your child. If so, over time the foreskin will naturally separate from the tip of the penis. Your child may experience some redness or pain when urinating (weeing). This is normal and usually gets better on its own over time.

Your child may also notice smegma. Smegma is a build-up of oil from the skin and dead skin cells. It is normal. It may look like a cheesy substance under the foreskin. It may also look like white or yellow lumps under their foreskin.

Every child is different, and foreskin separation can normally happen at any time through a wide range of ages. The age at which your child will be able to partially retract (pull back) their foreskin may vary. The foreskin should usually fully separate by puberty.

Rarely, the foreskin does not separate from the head of the penis. This condition is called phimosis and may need medical treatment.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your child's foreskin.

​How do I care for an uncircumcised penis?

It's important to care for your child's uncircumcised penis and foreskin. This will keep it healthy and prevent foreskin problems in the future.

Never forcibly retract the foreskin. This can cause:

• pain
• injury
• scarring

The foreskin should only be pulled back as far as is comfortable for your child.

Once your child's foreskin can be fully retracted, you can teach them to retract it while bathing or showering.

When the foreskin is pulled back, the visible part of the penis can be washed with the rest of the body. After washing, teach your child to rinse off any soap and replace the foreskin to cover the head of their penis.

The inside of the foreskin does not need to be cleaned.

Always check with your doctor before applying any antiseptic creams or lotions to the penis or foreskin.

If the foreskin is retracted and becomes stuck, seek urgent medical attention. This is known as paraphimosis.

​Resources and support

For more information, you can visit the:

• The Royal Australasian College of Physicians website for information on circumcision for parents
• Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne website for a fact sheet on penis and foreskin care
• Children's Health Queensland

Languages other than English

You can find translated resources in languages other than English through the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne.

​​​​​​​Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has information on sexual health for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.