Circumcision is a very common practice in Muslim world. In fact, you may already know that its a ‘Sunnah’ in Islam. In Pakistan, circumcision is commonly known as ‘Khatnay karna’.
It is basically cutting off of a small portion of an infant’s penis. It is normally performed in the infant period, but can be done at any age level. Circumcision styles are different which many may not know about.
In this article, you will get to know all about circumcision styles, methods and techniques used to perform an effective circumcision.
Table of Contents
What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin which is the skin covering the tip of the penis. In healthy newborns, it is usually not needed but most people get it done for religious reasons.
It’s a tradition which is performed on the 7th day of a baby’s birth. The Aqeeqah is performed as well, which is the sacrifice of goats, guests from the extended family are invited.
Circumcision is not common in Muslims only. Jews perform it as well.
What is Foreskin which is Cut-Off?
Foreskin is the layer of skin which covers the round tip of a baby’s penis. In a newborn baby, the foreskin is completely attached to the penis. As time progresses, this foreskin separates from the head of the penis. It may get retracted or pulled back.
According to expert urologist of Karachi Assist. Prof. Dr. Tanveer Ahmed, sometimes, it doesn’t separate when itr should and remains tight. This is a condition called Phimosis. It requires further intervention or circumcision is done to correct it.
Read about different authentic tips to increase penis size.
Why is Circumcision Important?
Circumcision is important from a religious point of view. Majority of us might not know the secret behind this Sunnah. It’s not just an obligation, but has many health benefits behind it. Some of them are as follows:
Easier Hygiene
Circumcision makes it simpler to wash the penis. However, boys with uncircumcised penises can be taught to wash regularly beneath the foreskin.
Decreased Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
The risk of urinary tract infections in males is low, but these infections are more common in uncircumcised males. Severe infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later.
Decreased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Circumcised men might have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Still, safe sexual practices remain essential.
Prevention of Penile Problems
Due to a tight skin that is difficult to retract, there is a risk of inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis.
Decreased Risk of Penile Cancer
Although cancer of the penis is rare, it’s less common in circumcised men.
How Common is Circumcision?
Studies show that circumcision is common in the United States and parts of Africa and the Middle East but less common in Europe and some countries. Apart from religious and personal reasons, it is done for:
- Aesthetic preference
- Lowered risk of medical conditions
- Desire of fathers for their sons to look like them
Circumcision Methods: Types of Circumcision Cuts
Different circumcision methods are prevalent. Although there isn’t a preferred method by families, circumcision styles indicate that different circumcision methods have different results. Two most common aspects of a circumcision style are amount and flexibility. On this basis, there are four different circumcision methods:
High and Tight Circumcision
In this circumcision style, most of the foreskin is removed. It produces a scar line that is closer to the middle of the penile shaft. The skin gets tighter during an erection.
Low and Tight Circumcision
In this circumcision method, the scar line is closer to the glans which is the rounded head of the penis. However, as with a high and tight circumcision, the skin gets tighter during an erection.
Low and Loose Circumcision
With a low and loose circumcision, the scar line will be closer to the penile glans, but less foreskin will be removed. This results in looser skin during an erection.
High and Loose Circumcision
As with a low and loose circumcision, less foreskin is removed during a high and tight circumcision. However, the scar will be further from the penile glans and closer to the middle of the shaft.
Best Circumcision Method: How to Know?
It’s best to ask your healthcare provider about the best circumcision method, but to give you a general idea, I’m listing some methods here which are used frequently:
- Forceps guided method
- Sleeve method
- Clamp method
- Freehand method
These methods are performed by using glue, stitches, Shang ring device, CircCurer staplers, or combinations of these.
Circumcision Ring Vs. Cut
As discussed earlier, a circumcision style using a cut is performed through a knife. It’s almost a surgical procedure, done by a general surgeon or a urologist. This circumcision style appears to be painful and bloody. It takes 15-30 minutes.
On the other hand, a circumcision can be done using a shaft ring as well. It is quick and bloodless, as a ring is inserted on the foreskin. Although the ring needs to be removed after a few days, the recovery is difficult.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Circumcision?
Although, circumcision is a routine, safe procedure. Almost all the children in Pakistan go through with it. As with any surgery, there are some risks, though. These include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Reaction to Anesthesia
- Pain
- Cutting the foreskin too long/too short
- Irritation on the tip of the penis
- Meatitis (inflamed opening of the penis).
In rare cases, the foreskin doesn’t heal properly and can adhere to the end of the penis, known as penile adhesion. If that happens, the child may need a second procedure.
How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Penis After a Circumcision?
Your doctor who performed the circumcision will explain all about taking care of your baby’s circumcised penis afterwards. A few basic things that you need to do are:
- Apply Vaseline at each diaper change
- Use pain relief recommended by the doctor, including frequent breastfeeding or medications for infants.
- Wash the area gently as it heals
Read more about how breastfeeding benefits your baby’s health.
The Last Word!
There are multiple benefits of circumcision. Circumcised men have a lower risk of contracting certain STDs than uncircumcised men. And you don’t need to worry about the sensitivity of the penis as it isn’t altered due to circumcision styles.
If the penis doesn’t seem to be healing correctly or you have more concerns, consult a well-known urologist to get your queries about your baby’s circumcision satisfied. You may book an appointment via Healthwire.pk or call at (042) 32500989.
