Foreskin from the penis can be removed by circumcision surgery. It falls on both medical and cultural discussion as a hygiene practice. Removing the foreskin may reduce bacterial load around the urethral opening by lowering the chances of infection. In this blog, let’s see the connection between circumcision surgery and urinary tract infection.
What is circumcision surgery?
Circumcision surgery is mostly done in newborn male infants Circumcision surgery is typically a simple and quick procedure for infants. Compared to infants, surgery for older children or adults is more complex and may require stitches and a longer healing time.
Medical conditions that need circumcision surgery:
Medically, circumcision surgery is recommended for conditions such as phimosis, recurrent infection, or other foreskin-related issues. For safe and effective treatment, it’s recommended to consult a best general surgeon in Coimbatore, it can also help to get a clear idea about the surgery process. This surgery is done under local anesthesia for infants and general or regional anesthesia for older males.
What are the benefits of circumcision surgery?
- This surgery has both medical and hygienic benefits. Individual health and circumstances can play a major role in the benefits of circumcision surgery.
- It improves genital hygiene. Without foreskin, it’s easy to clean the head of the penis, which may help prevent the buildup of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
- This helps younger children who may not yet have consistent hygiene habits.
- Circumcision has also been associated with a reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially during infancy.
- Circumcision surgery can reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and human papillomavirus. This is particularly noted in areas with high rates of HIV transmission.
How are circumcision surgery and urinary tract infections related?
There are many connections between circumcision and a reduced risk of urinary tract infections, especially in infants. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection in the bladder, urethra, and kidneys that leads to urinary infection symptoms such as pain. UTIs are also common in females but mostly affect males within the first year of life. Studies have shown that uncircumcised male infants are more likely to be affected by urinary tract infections.
How does the foreskin help bacteria to survive?
The warm temperature will be created by the foreskin, which helps the bacteria survive because the foreskin is a fold of skin covering the head of the penis. The circumcision surgery helps to remove the foreskin and exposes the head of the penis, making it easier to keep clean and reduce the buildup of bacteria. UTIs in infants can be serious as they cause kidney infection or long-term kidney damage. This is a reason there is a reduced risk of infection when circumcised
What is the most effective age for circumcision surgery?
The surgery can be performed at various stages of life. The effectiveness, safety, and ease of recovery will vary depending on the age when it is done. Neonatal circumcision is performed within the first few weeks after birth, considered the most effective stage of the procedure. Studies show neonatal circumcision carries a lower rate of bleeding, infection, and pain, especially when the surgery is done under proper medical supervision.
Urinary tract infections in men are a common health condition. If the surgery is delayed, the procedure becomes more complicated. Surgery in adults and older children requires general anesthesia and a longer recovery time, so circumcision surgery in the infant stage is easier.
What are the benefits of neonatal circumcision?
Circumcision surgery can reduce penile cancer. If surgery is done a few days after birth, infants do not retain the memory of surgery, which may reduce psychological stress compared to older adults or children. In newborns, the foreskin is thinner, so the surgery takes only a few minutes to complete, and the healing process will be faster. Since the procedure is simple, the circumcision surgery cost in Coimbatore is low when compared to the surgery performed in a later stage of life.
Can circumcision help prevent recurrent UTIs in males with anatomical abnormalities?
Yes, circumcision surgery helps prevent recurrent UTIs in males. UTIs are less common in girls compared to boys but higher risk for individuals with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), posterior urethral valves, or narrowing in the urinary tract. These conditions cause abnormal urine flow, making it easier for bacteria to grow and cause repeated infections. In some cases, circumcision surgery is suggested as a part of a treatment plan when a boy keeps getting UTIs when other antibodies do not work. Anatomical issues can act as urinary infection causes when combined with the presence of foreskin.
Hygiene ideas to prevent UTIs in boys:
- Clean the area daily with warm water during bath time.
- Clean the area from front to back with soft cloths (for infants and toddlers).
- Teach your children proper toilet hygiene.
- Hydration can remove bacterial formation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can protect ourselves from UTIs by taking small steps like regular hygiene and lifestyle changes. Though not necessary for everyone, the surgery can be a preventive measure to avoid infections. If we can’t cure the infection, circumcision surgery is suggested under proper medical help, as this has both medical and hygienic benefits.