Circumcision of baby boys is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis, often done during the first few days of life. Not medically necessary, circumcision is a ‘non-therapeutic’ procedure and therefore not an insurable expense. Parents who opt for circumcision often do so for cultural or religious reasons.

In order to make the right decision, parents should be fully informed of the risks and benefits of the surgery, and therefore should speak to their medical professional. The Canadian Pediatric Society does not recommend routine circumcision for newborn boys, and many pediatricians no longer perform them.

Although serious complications from surgery are rare, newborn circumcision has been associated with surgical mistakes including having too much skin removed. Other things to consider are that too much bleeding or infection may occur in the area, or urinary tract infections before the age of one.

Urinary tract infections can also occur in babies who are not circumcised, and some require circumcision later in life for medical reasons due to reoccurring infections. Older children who are circumcised may have more complications than newborns.