Health Information
Circumcision
When to Call a Doctor
Your son's penis will be checked during routine Reference well-baby visits. But it is important to call your doctor if your baby has problems after circumcision.
Call your doctor right away if after circumcision:
- Your baby has a Reference fever Opens New Window.
- You see signs of infection of the penis or around the circumcision site. Signs may include severe swelling and redness; a red streak on the shaft of the penis; or a thick, yellow discharge.
- Your baby bleeds more than the doctor said to expect or has a bloodstained area larger than the size of a quarter on his diaper or on the circumcision site dressing.
- Your baby is very fussy or cranky, has a high-pitched cry, or refuses to eat.
- Your baby has not passed urine within 12 hours after the circumcision was completed.
If a Reference Plastibell device was used for the circumcision, call your doctor if the ring has not fallen off after 10 to 12 days.
Who to See
Doctors who usually perform circumcisions on infants include:
- Reference Pediatricians Opens New Window.
- Reference Obstetricians Opens New Window.
- Reference Family doctors Opens New Window.
- Reference Urologists Opens New Window.
- Reference Surgeons Opens New Window.
A urologist or surgeon normally will do circumcisions on older infants, children, and adults.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 1, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


