Ipapatuli mo ba ang anak mo? 8 things you need to know about circumcision

Navigating the journey of parenting brings forth various decisions, and for many Filipino parents, the prospect of circumcision for their children looms on the horizon. In the colorful mosaic of Philippine culture, circumcision holds a distinctive place, melding tradition with modern considerations. As your child approaches the age where this significant rite of passage is considered, join us in exploring the cultural tapestry and contemporary aspects surrounding circumcision in the Philippines, providing insights to help guide you through this pivotal parenting milestone.

Circumcision in the Philippines

If you’re raising a boy, chances are you already thought about when the day comes for him to get circumcised. Are you dreading it, or do you feel ready for it?

While circumcision (or commonly known as tuli in the Philippines) is considered a rite of passage for boys in the Philippines, there are still some parents who opt not to subject their sons to this procedure.

As parents, we want to teach our kids about consent, and advocating for their own bodies. So getting circumcised is definitely one of the things you should talk to your son about.

Meanwhile, let us present you with the facts and some important details about circumcision in the Philippines that can help you and your son make an informed decision about the whole process.

Circumcision meaning: What is circumcision?

Circumcision meaning: According to WebMD, circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head (glans) of the penis. It is an ancient rite of passage that is still being practiced in some countries, including the Philippines.

While it began as a primeval tradition to signify a boy’s journey to manhood, some medical experts have also advised boys to undergo this process as it does have some medical and hygienic benefits.

Benefits of circumcision

Being circumcised makes it easier for men to keep the end of their penises clean and lessen the possibility of infections. Some evidence shows that circumcision can:

Risks of being circumcised

Like any other surgery procedure, circumcision does not go without any risks. This is one reason why some parents are hesitant to have their child circumcised. Some of the problems or possible complications include:

• Pain
• Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision
• Irritation of the glans
• The foreskin might fail to heal properly

Before the procedure, the doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of circumcision. The parent might need to sign a consent form for the procedure.

Circumcision in the Philippines – how is it done?

Gone are the days when boys would have to line up by the river and subject themselves to excruciating pain via the traditional pukpok method using a knife and a sundang.

Now, circumcision is being done surgically in hospitals and pediatricians’ clinics. You can opt to have the procedure via these method:

• Traditional surgery using a surgical knife and stitching
• Cauterization, where heat is used to burn off the foreskin.
• Laser circumcision, which promises less pain, less bleeding, and a quicker recovery.  It’s a bit more expensive compared to regular circumcision practices, but it provides a cleaner cut compared to other methods.

Before the actual procedure, numbing cream or anesthesia will be applied to lessen the pain.  The foreskin is freed from the head of the penis, and the excess foreskin is clipped off.

After the doctor removes the foreskin, a topical antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly will then be applied to the area, then wrapped with gauze.

For the procedure, you can choose between two types of cuts –  the Dorsal Cut (or loose circumcision, with extra skin at the bottom of the shaft), and German Cut (or tight circumcision, removal of the extra skin so the shaft is very clean).

What is the ideal age for circumcision?

The ideal age for circumcision in the Philippines is between the ages of 8 and 13.

While there are a lot of superstitions and beliefs surrounding tuli or circumcision, the best way to know if you’re child is ready to get circumcised is if they’re willing and able, and if their foreskin can already be pulled down.

For younger kids, pulling down the foreskin causes some pain, so that means that they might not be ready to get circumcised yet. The best way to know would be to consult a doctor first.

And while some parents opt to instead circumcise newborn children, there might be some risks involved since the baby is still very young, and in some cases, the foreskin grows back. It’s best to wait until your son is ready and they should be the ones to decide when they want to get circumcised.

Price for circumcision in the Philippines

There are a lot of options when it comes to getting circumcised in the Philippines.

There are the free tuli clinics that the government and some hospitals provide as a service to the community every summer. These are quick circumcisions procedures that are done to accommodate a lot of kids. The upside is it’s free, but sometimes you have to line up for a long time, and you’ll still have to go to the doctor for follow-ups to make sure everything is going well.

If you opt to have your child’s circumcision done with a private doctor at your expense, expect to cash out between P1,000 to P10,000. The price for circumcision in the Philippines depends on the method used and the doctor’s fees.

Which clinics offer these services?

Clinics offering laser circumcision in the Philippines

SAA Medical Clinic
757 C Raymundo Ave, Maybunga, 1607 Pasig, Philippines
02.641.3912 / 02.576.3354 / 02.506.6381 / 0917.528.9335 / 0918.963.2728 / 0932.844.8994
Email: saahealthcare@gmail.com
Price: PHP 2,500.00 only (laser procedure only)

Med-Asia Aesthetic Center
CVS Homes 1, Felix Ave., Cainta, Rizal
Tel. (02) 240-6066, 0919-9962419
Price: Php 1,000.00 (Summer Promo, originally at Php 3,500.00) for Laser procedure only; Php 2,250.00 for Laser procedure with medications.  This is for Dorsal cut only.  German cut has a different price.

Californian Bloom Medical Spa
Room 295 MTVN Building E.Rodriguez Ave. QC
(02)4108424/ 09274612089
Price: Php 3,500 – Php 4,000 (laser procedure only)

Medico Global – Medical and Skincare Clinic
58 Bayani Road, Western Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila
Contact numbers: 7107064 and 09288937264
email admin@medicoglobal.net

Price: Php 1,500 (for Dorsal/basic cut) and Php 5,000 (for German cut)

READ MORE:

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

Maternity hospitals in Manila for 2021: Maternity packages and rates

Preschools in Metro Manila, a guide for parents

For surgery/cautery:

TopHealth Medical Clinics
2F SM San Lazaro, AH Lacson cor. Felix Huertas St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
(02)3534461 to 62

Price: Php 2,750.00 (Promo price for procedure only both surgical or cautery procedure)

The healing and recovery process

It usually takes between 5 to 10 days for the penis to heal. The tip of the penis will be sore at first, and the penis might look red, swollen, or bruised. You may even notice some fluid (color yellow) on the tip of the incision.

Just like any surgery, there’s a recovery period after being circumcised. Make sure your child takes it easy for the next couple of days. After 2 to 3 days, it’s usually okay for them to go back to school, however, remind them to be extra careful and avoid strenuous activities like biking, running, and most especially swimming.

Encourage them to drink plenty of water and other clear fluids to speed up the healing process. Icing the area for 10 to 20 minutes can also help numb the pain. They should also wear loose, comfortable underwear and keep the dressing over the area until the doctor says so.

Taking a bath is not advised, at least for the first 2 days after the procedure. But you can help your child clean his penis by damping a soft cloth dipped in warm water on the affected area. Some doctors allow their patients to wash their penises as it heals. Some put topical ointment on it for a few days.

It’s best to consult your doctor or surgeon on the proper wound care after circumcision.

When to call the doctor

Expect your child’s penis to heal naturally within a week, before his follow-up checkup. But if you notice the following symptom’s in your son a few days after the surgery, don’t hesitate to contact his doctor:

• Trouble peeing (he should be able to urinate within 12 hours after circumcision)
• Fever
• Any bleeding
• An unusual smell at the tip of the penis
• Blistering

Tips for parents

For parents navigating the decision of circumcision for their children in the Philippines, consider the following tips:

• Take the time to understand the cultural context surrounding circumcision in the Philippines. It’s essential to appreciate the historical significance and societal perspectives attached to this practice.
• Engage in open and honest discussions with healthcare professionals to gain insights into the medical aspects of circumcision. This will help you make an informed decision based on your child’s health and well-being.
• Assess your child’s readiness both emotionally and physically. Typically, the procedure is done during the pre-adolescent years. Ensuring your child is mentally prepared can contribute to a more positive experience.
• Research and choose a reputable healthcare provider for the circumcision procedure. A skilled and experienced healthcare professional can significantly minimize risks and ensure the overall well-being of your child.

• Familiarize yourself with the post-circumcision care requirements. Knowing how to properly care for your child during the recovery period is crucial for a smooth healing process.

• Maintain open communication with your child throughout the decision-making process and, if applicable, before and after the procedure. Address any concerns they may have and provide emotional support.
• Recognize that the decision to circumcise is personal and may vary among families. Respect the choices of others while making decisions that align with your family’s values and beliefs.

Remember, the key is to approach this decision with a balanced understanding of both cultural traditions and modern healthcare considerations, ensuring the well-being and comfort of your child throughout the process.

Discuss all this information with your child and let him decide if he wants to undergo the procedure and when he is ready to do it. Support his choice and let him know that manhood is not measured by just one procedure. If he has more questions about the process, you can seek the help of his pediatrician to explain it to him.

Updates by Jobelle Macayan

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