All About Circumcision

Care of the Uncircumcised Newborn

It is important to keep the uncircumcised penis clean. Gently wash the genital area while bathing your baby. You do not need to do any special cleansing, such as with cotton swabs or antiseptics.

The foreskin does not fully retract for several years and should never be forced. Once the foreskin fully retracts, around age 3, boys should be taught how to wash underneath the foreskin every day. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that you teach your son to clean his foreskin by:

• Gently pulling it back away from the head of the penis .
• Rinsing the head of the penis and inside fold of the foreskin with soap and warm water.
• Pulling the foreskin back over the head of the penis.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology; The Nemours Foundation

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.