{"id":2534,"date":"2026-03-10T11:23:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T11:23:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/?p=2534"},"modified":"2026-10-13T16:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T16:10:11","slug":"at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Age for Circumcision: Ideal Timing, Benefits, and Risks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Circumcision is a surgical procedure that can generally be performed under appropriate conditions in male children from the newborn period onward for medical and hygienic reasons. Experts recommend performing it within the first year due to the low risk of complications and rapid healing.<\/p>\n<p>When evaluated in terms of the advantages of newborn circumcision, the recovery period after the procedure is shorter and the risk of infection is lower. The ability to perform it under local anesthesia and the fact that the baby is not psychologically affected are among the important factors supporting early circumcision.<\/p>\n<p>When determining the timing of circumcision during childhood, psychological development should especially be taken into consideration between the ages of 2\u20136. Since procedures performed during this period may create anxiety and trauma in the child, experts recommend avoiding this age range as much as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Pre-adolescent circumcision procedures are planned according to the individual\u2019s health condition and family preferences. The suitability of surgical conditions, the physician\u2019s experience, and the provision of a sterile environment are the main criteria for performing circumcision safely and without complications in every age group.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#Advantages_of_Circumcision_During_the_Newborn_Period\" >Advantages of Circumcision During the Newborn Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#Phimosis_and_Paraphimosis_Conditions_Requiring_Mandatory_Circumcision\" >Phimosis and Paraphimosis: Conditions Requiring Mandatory Circumcision<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#What_Happens_If_a_Boy_Is_Not_Circumcised\" >What Happens If a Boy Is Not Circumcised?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#Does_Circumcision_Reduce_the_Risk_of_Infection\" >Does Circumcision Reduce the Risk of Infection?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#Is_Circumcision_Healthy_for_Men\" >Is Circumcision Healthy for Men?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#Does_Circumcision_Cause_Loss_of_Sensation\" >Does Circumcision Cause Loss of Sensation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#How_Can_an_Incorrect_Circumcision_Be_Recognized\" >How Can an Incorrect Circumcision Be Recognized?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#Can_Incorrect_Circumcision_Cause_Hypospadias\" >Can Incorrect Circumcision Cause Hypospadias?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#How_Is_Urination_After_Circumcision\" >How Is Urination After Circumcision?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/at-what-age-should-circumcision-be-performed\/#The_Importance_of_Circumcision_Being_Performed_by_Urology_Specialists\" >The Importance of Circumcision Being Performed by Urology Specialists<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Advantages_of_Circumcision_During_the_Newborn_Period\"><\/span>Advantages of Circumcision During the Newborn Period<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Newborn circumcision includes procedures performed within the first month after birth and is one of the periods most recommended by urology specialists. The most important reason for this is both the very rapid healing process and the absence of permanent psychological effects on the baby.<\/p>\n<p>From a medical perspective, circumcision during the newborn period has many advantages. First of all, since vascular and nerve structures are still thin in this age group, the risk of bleeding during the procedure is very low. In addition, healing capacity is extremely high; tissues recover within a few days and the scar becomes almost unnoticeable. Since the baby is not highly mobile, the risk of complications after the procedure is also minimized.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of hygiene, newborn circumcision also provides important benefits. During infancy, the foreskin remaining closed may frequently lead to urinary tract infections. Circumcision performed at an early age greatly reduces this risk. Especially in conditions such as foreskin tightness (phimosis), the newborn period prevents future health problems.<\/p>\n<p>From a psychological point of view, the advantage of newborn circumcision is much more pronounced. Since the baby does not yet have body awareness during this period, no anxiety related to the procedure is experienced. There is no risk of fear, embarrassment, or traumatic memories that may occur at older ages. For this reason, many families prefer circumcision during this period rather than waiting for the child to grow and become conscious.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Phimosis_and_Paraphimosis_Conditions_Requiring_Mandatory_Circumcision\"><\/span>Phimosis and Paraphimosis: Conditions Requiring Mandatory Circumcision<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not every circumcision is performed only for cultural or religious reasons; in some cases, it becomes a medical necessity. Among the most common mandatory reasons encountered in children and young males are phimosis and paraphimosis.<\/p>\n<p>Phimosis is the condition in which the foreskin cannot fully uncover the tip of the penis, meaning the skin cannot be retracted backward. This condition may occur physiologically in young children and often improves over time. However, if it continues at older ages, it may cause difficulty urinating, frequent infections, bad odor, and even pain. In addition, incomplete emptying of urine may pave the way for urinary tract infections to progress to the kidneys. In order to prevent such complications, circumcision becomes a medical necessity in cases of phimosis.<\/p>\n<p>Paraphimosis can be defined as a more advanced stage of phimosis. In this condition, the foreskin is retracted backward but cannot be returned to its original position. As a result, the glans penis becomes trapped, circulation is impaired, and swelling develops rapidly. Paraphimosis is an emergency urological condition; if left untreated, serious circulatory disorders and tissue loss may occur in the penis. Although urgent intervention is required in most cases, the permanent solution is circumcision.<\/p>\n<p>These two conditions can occur not only during childhood but also in adolescence and adulthood. Especially in children who experience recurrent urinary tract infections, constant difficulty urinating, or frequent redness and inflammation at the tip of the penis, the possibility of phimosis should be considered. Likewise, if sudden pain and swelling accompany the condition, the possibility of paraphimosis should not be ignored.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_If_a_Boy_Is_Not_Circumcised\"><\/span>What Happens If a Boy Is Not Circumcised?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most common problems that may occur in uncircumcised boys is foreskin tightness. In this condition called phimosis, the foreskin cannot be retracted, the child has difficulty urinating, and this causes both pain and incomplete emptying of urine. Phimosis may not improve spontaneously over time and may require mandatory circumcision. A more advanced condition, paraphimosis, occurs when the foreskin cannot return to its original position after being retracted. This requires emergency intervention and may cause circulatory disorders in the glans penis if left untreated.<\/p>\n<p>From a hygiene perspective, cleaning the glans penis is more difficult in uncircumcised children. This may lead to bad odor, frequent irritation, and recurrent redness. Such problems experienced during childhood may also continue at older ages.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to medical problems, being uncircumcised may also create social effects in some societies. In countries where circumcision is common, an uncircumcised child may feel different from peers. This may lead to self-confidence problems.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Circumcision_Reduce_the_Risk_of_Infection\"><\/span>Does Circumcision Reduce the Risk of Infection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most significant medical benefits of circumcision is its protective role against infections. The main reason for this is the elimination of the narrow space covering the tip of the penis after circumcision. In this way, the environment favorable for bacteria and fungi decreases and hygiene becomes easier.<\/p>\n<p>Scientific studies show that circumcision significantly reduces the risk of infection, especially during infancy. According to research, the probability of urinary tract infections during the first year is significantly higher in uncircumcised babies compared to circumcised babies. If these infections are not treated in time, they may progress to the kidneys and cause permanent damage.<\/p>\n<p>Circumcision not only reduces urinary tract infections but also decreases inflammations occurring on the glans penis. Balanitis and recurrent irritations frequently seen in uncircumcised males largely disappear after circumcision. Thus, genital health is protected both during childhood and adolescence.<\/p>\n<p>Some long-term studies have also revealed that circumcision reduces the likelihood of transmission of HIV and certain other sexually transmitted diseases. The World Health Organization has also published reports supporting the protective effect of circumcision on this matter.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Circumcision_Healthy_for_Men\"><\/span>Is Circumcision Healthy for Men?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When circumcision is performed during childhood, it helps prevent many health problems in the long term. One of its most important benefits is that it completely eliminates foreskin problems such as phimosis and paraphimosis. These conditions progress with difficulty urinating, pain, and situations requiring emergency intervention. Thanks to circumcision, these risks are eliminated for life.<\/p>\n<p>Another important contribution of circumcision is reducing the risk of penile cancer. Although penile cancer is a rare disease, one of its greatest risk factors is the foreskin remaining closed. The probability of this type of cancer is quite low in circumcised males. In addition, circumcision indirectly reduces the risk of cervical cancer in partners by decreasing the likelihood of HPV infections.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, circumcision helps reduce recurrent irritation, redness, and skin problems thanks to the glans penis remaining exposed. This positively affects both daily life comfort and sexual life at older ages.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Circumcision_Cause_Loss_of_Sensation\"><\/span>Does Circumcision Cause Loss of Sensation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Circumcision is the procedure of removing the skin tissue covering the tip of the penis and, when performed correctly, does not cause permanent loss of sensitivity in the penis. This is because the nerves responsible for sensation in the penis are located in deeper tissues and are not affected during circumcision.<\/p>\n<p>In some children, mild burning or sensitivity may occur during the first days after circumcision. The reason for this is that the glans penis is now constantly exposed. This is a temporary adaptation process and usually returns to normal within a few weeks. In other words, permanent loss of sensation does not occur after circumcision.<\/p>\n<p>The main point families should pay attention to is who performs the circumcision and under what conditions it is carried out. Incorrect circumcisions performed in non-sterile environments or by inexperienced individuals may lead to both aesthetic and functional problems. In such cases, the shape of the penis may be distorted or urinary function may be affected. However, with modern surgical methods and circumcisions performed by urology specialists, such risks are minimal.<\/p>\n<p>Scientific research shows that circumcision does not negatively affect penile sensation or function in males. On the contrary, easier hygiene helps maintain a healthier genital structure during childhood and later life.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Can_an_Incorrect_Circumcision_Be_Recognized\"><\/span>How Can an Incorrect Circumcision Be Recognized?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although circumcision may appear to be a simple procedure, certain problems may occur if it is not performed correctly. The important point for families is to recognize early whether the circumcision was performed incorrectly. Problems detected in time can be corrected with minor interventions.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common signs of an incorrect circumcision is insufficient opening of the tip of the penis. When too much skin is left behind, it may appear as though circumcision was not performed and the child may experience phimosis-like problems again. In the opposite case, when too much skin is removed, the tip of the penis becomes excessively exposed, which may lead to excessive sensitivity or aesthetic concerns during the healing process.<\/p>\n<p>Another sign is penile curvature or deformity. Incorrect cutting of the skin or improper suturing may cause the penis to pull to the right or left. When such problems are noticed, a urology specialist should definitely be consulted.<\/p>\n<p>Difficulty urinating after circumcision is also one of the indicators of incorrect circumcision. Especially if narrowing has occurred around the urinary opening, the child urinates in a thin stream or strains. Since this condition may lead to more serious problems in the future, it should not be neglected.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, if the healing process takes longer than expected or if frequent bleeding or infection develops, this may also be a sign that the procedure was not performed correctly. Under normal conditions, the wound heals within 7\u201310 days after circumcision. Problems lasting longer definitely require medical evaluation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Incorrect_Circumcision_Cause_Hypospadias\"><\/span>Can Incorrect Circumcision Cause Hypospadias?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hypospadias is a congenital condition seen in male children. In this disease, the opening of the urinary canal is located not at the tip of the penis but lower down, on the shaft or near the scrotum. In other words, hypospadias is a congenital anomaly that develops during fetal development in the womb. Therefore, it is not possible for an incorrectly performed circumcision to cause hypospadias.<\/p>\n<p>However, there is a very important issue that families should pay attention to at this point: children with hypospadias should not be circumcised. This is because the foreskin is often used during the surgical repair of this disease. If circumcision is performed before hypospadias is recognized, the tissue required for treatment is lost and surgical repair becomes more difficult.<\/p>\n<p>Incorrect circumcision does not cause hypospadias, but it may lead to other problems. For example, excessive remaining skin, penile curvature, narrowing of the urinary canal, or aesthetic deformities may develop.<\/p>\n<p>The most common symptoms in a child with hypospadias are urine flowing downward, penile curvature, and the foreskin being present only on the upper side. When families notice these findings, they should definitely consult a urology specialist before circumcision.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Is_Urination_After_Circumcision\"><\/span>How Is Urination After Circumcision?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Immediately after circumcision, it is normal for children to feel burning, stinging, and mild pain while urinating for a few days. Although this worries families, it is a temporary process and generally decreases significantly within 2\u20133 days.<\/p>\n<p>Since the urinary tract remains open after circumcision, there is no obstruction to urination. Children can urinate as usual. However, during the first days, urine contacting the wound surface may cause a temporary burning sensation. Especially young children may not want to urinate for this reason. In such situations, it is important for families to remain calm and supportive and comfort the child without forcing them.<\/p>\n<p>To facilitate the healing process, plenty of fluid consumption is recommended. Fluid intake dilutes the urine and reduces the burning sensation. In addition, keeping the area clean using antiseptic solutions or creams recommended by the doctor reduces the risk of infection.<\/p>\n<p>There are some points to pay attention to regarding urination after circumcision. If the child cannot urinate at all, if urine comes out only in thin drops, or if the child constantly avoids urinating due to severe pain, a doctor should definitely be consulted. Under normal conditions, these symptoms are not expected; however, if swelling or narrowing develops around the urinary opening, early intervention is required.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Importance_of_Circumcision_Being_Performed_by_Urology_Specialists\"><\/span>The Importance of Circumcision Being Performed by Urology Specialists<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Circumcision may appear to be a simple procedure from the outside. However, it is actually a surgical intervention that requires medical attention and experience. Incorrect circumcision may lead to both aesthetic and functional problems. Therefore, it is of great importance that circumcision be performed by urology specialists under sterile and safe conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Urology specialists are physicians who receive special training in the male reproductive system and urinary tract. In this way, they know not only the technical aspects of circumcision but also the anatomical structure of the penis and its vascular and neural relationships in the best possible way. Thus, they minimize the risk of vascular or nerve damage during the procedure.<\/p>\n<p>Among the problems frequently encountered after circumcision performed by unqualified individuals are leaving too much skin, removing too much skin, penile curvature, narrowing of the urinary canal, or aesthetic deformities. Such complications may cause both health and psychological problems for the child at older ages. In circumcisions performed by urology specialists, these risks are minimized.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, some children may have congenital problems such as hypospadias or phimosis. It is very important to recognize such conditions before circumcision. With the examination performed before circumcision, the urology specialist can identify these problems and prevent an incorrect intervention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Circumcision is a surgical procedure that can generally be performed under appropriate conditions in male children from the newborn period onward for medical and hygienic reasons. Experts recommend performing it within the first year due to the low risk of complications and rapid healing. When evaluated in terms of the advantages of newborn circumcision, the [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2533,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2534","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2534"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2534\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5156,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2534\/revisions\/5156"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2533"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2534"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2534"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2534"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}