Is it Better to Circumcise Your Newborn or Not?

If you’re preparing to welcome your baby boy, you may be wondering whether or not you should circumcise your newborn.

Some parents feel strongly about circumcision because of family traditions, religious beliefs, or personal preferences. Others wonder whether the potential health benefits outweigh the risks of an elective procedure.

The truth is, no single answer fits every family. At The Birth Center of New Jersey, Nicola Pemberton, MD, FACOG, Dahlyt Case-Berezinbahr, CPM, LM, Jennifer Torres, CPM, Lesley Franco, LM, CPM, and Kasey DiVine, MSN, CNM, believe informed decisions begin with understanding your options. 

Read on as we share what you should know about newborn circumcision, including its potential benefits, risks, and what happens if you decide against it.

What is newborn circumcision?

Circumcision is a procedure that removes the foreskin, the fold of skin covering the tip of the penis, in a brief procedure using local anesthesia. 

Circumcision is optional for most newborns. Unless there’s a specific medical indication, the decision typically comes down to your family’s preferences, beliefs, and understanding of the potential benefits and risks.

What are the potential benefits of circumcision?

Circumcision has been associated with several health benefits, including:

 1. A lower risk of urinary tract infections

Circumcised infants have a lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly during the first year of life. 

This benefit is even more valuable to boys who have antenatal hydronephrosis, a condition in which one or both kidneys become swollen due to a buildup of urine before birth. Some babies with this condition have a higher risk of UTIs, making circumcision potentially more beneficial.

2. A reduced risk of certain infections

Circumcision can reduce the risk of acquiring certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In fact, it can reduce the risk of STD transmission by up to 50-60%. 

These benefits are more relevant later in life and don’t eliminate the need for safer-sex practices or other preventive measures.

3. Prevention of certain foreskin-related conditions

Circumcision prevents conditions involving the foreskin, such as phimosis, in which the foreskin can’t be retracted because of abnormal tightness.

However, it’s important to distinguish this condition from normal development. A newborn’s foreskin is naturally attached to the head of the penis and usually cannot be retracted. This is normal and doesn’t require treatment.

4. Easier hygiene for some families

Without a foreskin, cleaning the penis may be somewhat simpler. That said, an uncircumcised penis is also easy to keep clean with proper care. Circumcision isn’t necessary for good hygiene.

5. Reduced risk of some penile cancers

Circumcision can also help reduce your son’s risk of certain cancers, including penile cancer. In fact, it helps to reduce the risk by 30%.

What are the potential risks of circumcision?

Although newborn circumcision is generally considered a low-risk procedure when performed by a qualified clinician, it isn’t risk-free.

Potential complications include:

• Bleeding, although this is usually minor 
• Infection 
• Pain and discomfort 
• Healing complications 

More serious complications are rare, but parents should understand that circumcision is permanent and cannot simply be reversed.

Certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders and some penile abnormalities, may make routine newborn circumcision inappropriate or require specialist evaluation. When needed, our team consults with a pediatric urologist for conditions such as testicular torsion.

How do you decide what's right for your baby?

The decision to circumcise your newborn is personal, and it’s worth discussing before your baby arrives.

Consider asking yourself:

Are there religious or cultural traditions that influence our decision?

For some families, circumcision is an important part of their religious or cultural identity.

How do we feel about an elective procedure?

Some parents value the potential preventive health benefits, while others prefer to avoid a medically unnecessary procedure and let their child decide later in life.

Do we understand the benefits and risks?

Circumcision may offer certain health advantages, but most uncircumcised boys remain healthy. Neither choice guarantees freedom from future health problems.

Have we discussed our questions with a healthcare professional?

Our team at The Birth Center of New Jersey is here to answer your questions, explain the benefits and risks of circumcision, and help you make an informed decision for your baby.

If you choose circumcision, we walk you through what to expect during the procedure, how we manage your baby’s comfort and pain, and how to care for the area afterward to promote proper healing.

Decide with confidence

At The Birth Center of New Jersey, we believe pregnancy and birth care should include open conversations about the decisions you make for your growing family. Our team is here to support your questions, respect your preferences, and help you prepare for your baby’s arrival.

If you’re expecting a baby and want compassionate, personalized support throughout your pregnancy and birth experience, call our team at The Birth Center of New Jersey to schedule a consultation.