A lot of planning goes into adding on to your family. Not only do you need to set up a nursery and buy clothes and other baby necessities, but you also have to make certain health calls on behalf of your unborn child. For example, parents are often asked to decide whether or not they want their son to be circumcised during the latter stages of pregnancy so the surgery can be performed after birth. The following looks at three reasons this procedure is done.

What Are the Health Benefits of Circumcision?

1. Easier Hygiene

An uncircumcised penis has a foreskin that covers the tip. Usually, before puberty, this area becomes retractable. Once this happens, your son will need to pull the foreskin back to properly wash. If not thoroughly cleaned, it can trap germs or bacteria and potentially cause infections.

A circumcised penis allows for an easier hygiene routine as there’s no foreskin to wash under or around.

2. Lower Risk of Urinary Tract Infections

According to CMAJ, urinary tract infections are much more prevalent in uncircumcised infants versus circumcised ones. This condition causes pain when using the bathroom, bloody urine, and, in some cases, nausea. While the risk of UTIs remains low for males, severe infections can lead to kidney issues later in life.

3. Decreased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Circumcision lowers the chance of a male getting HIV. It’s also been shown to lower herpes by 25% and HPV by 35%. 

This is possibly because removing the foreskin causes the skin underneath to toughen, preventing micro-tears and allowing fewer germs, viruses, and bacteria to penetrate the head. On the contrary, in an uncircumcised penis, the foreskin may trap germs, allowing them more time to cause infections.

If you want the best care and advice during your pregnancy, contact the team at Innovative Women's Health Specialists in Chattanooga, TN. Their specialized team can help you through conception, pregnancy, and post-partum care. They even have an after-hour line for their OBGYN patients. Visit their website to learn more or contact them at (423) 771-9680 to schedule an appointment.