As the college entrance examination and junior high school entrance examination have ended, primary schools and junior and senior high schools have also successively started their holidays. In Xiangtan, Ai Er Ren Hospital’s urology department once again welcomes the annual peak in “circumcision” consultations. “Circumcision” has become a hot topic of discussion among parents. The hospital outpatient department presents a unique “scenery” where young boys line up for circumcision. Parents and friends should know that although it is a minor surgery, it is very important for the healthy growth of boys.
“Should the foreskin be circumcised?” “When should it be done?” “What are the benefits of circumcision?” Today, let Dr. Zhang Weifeng from Xiangtan Ai Er Ren Hospital’s urology department answer those questions about circumcision for boys, and after reading, you will understand.
The three states of the foreskin in young boys
Normal foreskin: The foreskin is retracted behind the glans penis, exposing most of the glans.
Excessive foreskin: Refers to a state where the glans penis cannot be exposed naturally or can only be partially exposed.
Phimosis: Phimosis is the more extreme part of an excessive foreskin, characterized by the outer opening of the foreskin being too small, thus even with external force pulling back the foreskin, the glans penis cannot be fully exposed.
What harm can excessive foreskin and phimosis cause?
Both excessive foreskin and phimosis can lead to the retention of smegma between the foreskin and the glans penis, leading to recurrent inflammation, which may eventually cause penile cancer. Excessive foreskin or phimosis can make the glans penis like a “flower in a greenhouse,” lacking external stimulation, which may lead to some sexual dysfunction issues in adulthood. Phimosis and severe cases of excessive foreskin constriction can affect penile development, leading to a short penis; if forcefully retracted, there may also be strangulation and necrosis of the glans penis.
How to determine the need for surgery or treatment?
For boys over the age of 6 with phimosis, it is recommended to undergo circumcision as early as possible to avoid affecting penile development.
In addition, for instance:
1. Frequent inflammation
2. Tight foreskin encircling the glans penis, among other special circumstances
If any of these conditions are present, it is recommended to seek medical advice, discuss with a doctor, formulate a treatment plan, and promptly remove risks to create a favorable environment for the healthy development of the child’s penis.
At what age is it appropriate for boys to undergo circumcision?
Generally, the period from 6 years old to before adolescence is more suitable for undergoing circumcision.
What are the conditions under which circumcision should not be performed?
If the child has congenital genital abnormalities, such as hypospadias, epispadias, penile curvature, penoscrotal transposition, micropenis, concealed penis, etc., circumcision should not be performed. If the child is in the acute phase of phimosis balanitis or has abnormal coagulation function, surgery should only be done after treatment.
Currently, circumcision mainly consists of traditional methods and instrumental methods. Xiangtan Ai Er Ren Hospital’s urology department adopts the advanced surgical method of circumcision with a cutting and suturing device, which can be completed in about ten minutes, with the characteristics of short surgical time, minimal trauma, and fast healing. With summer vacation here, this holiday period is the golden time for young children to undergo circumcision. Parents can take the opportunity during the holiday to bring their children to a reputable hospital for genital development assessment, timely treatment of foreskin and phimosis, and other conditions. (Reporter: Tan Lu)
