Circumcision 101: Truths and trivia on the Filipino boy’s rite of passage

Circumcision 101

In the Philippines, the summer months not only mean school vacations and family trips. It is also a time when parents arrange for their young sons to undergo circumcision.

The procedure, which is believed to serve as a rite of passage, can be intimidating for both the child and his parents. Here are some tips and trivia about circumcision to help your family prepare for the big day.

What is circumcision?

The Mayo Clinic staff describes circumcision as the removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis, known as the foreskin. This is done through a surgical procedure

Why is it performed?

The primary reason why circumcision is performed worldwide is for health and hygiene. The male organ becomes easier to clean after the foreskin has been removed.

It has been noted that there is a smaller chance of infants having a urinary tract infection for the first year of life after being circumcised. Circumcised males have also been observed to be at at a lower risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections and penile cancer as adults.

Circumcision is also performed in accordance with faith, and is an important practice in Jewish and Islam religion. Here in the Philippines, it is seen as a boy's rite of passage into manhood.

Does it hurt?

Because the surgery involves cutting and stitching, yes, the circumcision procedure does hurt. However, if you choose to have it done in a hospital or clinic, a local anesthetic may be administered before proceeding with the operation.

When should it be done?

A circumcision may be performed on infants within the first few days after they are born or when boys are in the pre-teen age, between 10 and 12 years old.

Most parents who choose to have their children circumcised at birth do so because they would rather not have their son go through the process when he is older and able to remember the pain and trauma. However, some argue that the pain of surgery still affects newborns the same way that it does older kids.

In some isolated cases, grown men undergo the procedure, usually due to medical problems like recurring UTI or inflammation.

The upside of infant circumcision

Here are some of the things to consider when deciding to have your child circumcised at birth.

1. There is a lower risk of the baby developing UTI.
2. The baby's penis becomes easier to clean.
3. The child will not be teased about being uncircumcised when he gets older.
4. There will be no need for the child to undergo the procedure later on at an age where this could be traumatizing.

Pre-teen circumcision pros

Here are the pros to waiting until your child is of pre-teen age before circumcising.

1. The boy can get that sense of having undergone a right of passage into manhood.
2. The decision of whether or not to circumcise becomes a conscious choice.
3. Preparing for circumcision and undergoing the process can become a bonding experience for father and son.
4. There is a

Where to get circumcised in the Philippines

Most major hospitals offer circumcision packages. If you are in search for a more affordable option, you may also have the procedure done at a reputable clinic. Below are some options that you can consider.

Manila Doctors Hospital - Marikina Satellite Clinic
2nd Floor, Blue Wave Strip Mall, Sumulong Hi-Way, Marikina
(02) 661-6869
Package cost: PHP 2,000

The Medical City Satellite Clinics
List of clinic locations available here
(02) 635-6789
Circumcision Package: PHP 2,000

Healthway Medical
Clinics located at Alabang Town Center, Festival Supermall, Greenbelt 5, Market Market, Shangri-La Plaza and The Block SM North EDSA
(02) 751-4929
Passage to Manhood Package: PHP 3,500 available from March 1 to June 30, 2015

Tokyo Healthlink Medical and Diagnostic Center
Sunnyvale Building (Kodak Building) #2247 Don Chino Roces Avenue Makati City
(02) 819-2010
Circumcision Package: PHP 3,000

Medico Global - Medical and Skin Care
58 Bayani Road, Western Bicutan, Taguig City, Philippines, Taguig, Metro Manila
(02) 710-7064
Regular price: Php3,000, 2015 Summer Package: 67% off available until May 31

Health Serv Los Baños Medical Center
8817 National Highway, Batong Malake, Los Baños Laguna
(049) 536-4858
Circumcision package: PHP 3,000 available from March 16 to June 15, 2015

Note: Package rates and prices may change

How to prepare your child for the procedure

To ensure that the circumcision procedure is not traumatizing for your child, you should prepare him physically and psychologically for it.

Start by explaining what will take place, from the administration of anesthesia to what happens during the surgery. Let him know that it will take about an hour to complete. Also tell him that he will be able to go home a few hours after.

Let your child know that there will be pain, but that there is no need to be worried because you have chosen a reputable clinic to go to for the operation.

On the day of the procedure make sure that your child takes a good bath before going to the clinic or hospital. Finally, explain to your son that there is a recovery period of at least three days, and that you or his dad will be helping him clean the incision at home.

Preparation tips for parents

In order for you to prepare yourself and your child for his circumcision, make sure that you do your research and gather all the information you can get. You should also be sure about your clinic of choice, and if possible pay them a visit beforehand to acquaint yourself with the facility.

On surgery day, listen closely to the instructions that the doctor will give for post-op home care, particularly if you will be in charge of cleaning the incised area.

Do not hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear. For example, how soon after the surgery can your son take a bath, and what pain medications can you give him at home?

You may also want to talk to other moms who have recently had their sons circumcised for additional information and advice.

Things to remember for post-op home care

Have loose clothing ready for your son when you return home after his surgery. Circumcision fashion in the Philippines includes things like grandma's house dresses, dad's giant boxer shorts, and your daughter's school skirts.

Assure your son that this is nothing to be embarrassed about, and wearing loose-fitting clothes helps make the healing process more comfortable.

Stock up on the prescribed pain medications, and antibiotics if they are deemed necessary to prevent infection. Make sure that your child bathes in warm water, and allow the area to air dry afterwards rather than wiping it with a towel.

In case of any of the following issues, call or see your doctor immediately:
- Your child develops a fever
- There is extreme redness or swelling of the penis
- A yellowish discharge is visible around the circumcised area
- The area bleeds profusely
- Your child does not urinate normally within 12 hours after the surgery

Do you have any circumcision stories to share?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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Written by

Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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