Do Baby Boys Need Circumcision?

In Taiwan, most parents take a cautious and observant approach when it comes to circumcising baby boys. The society and healthcare system generally do not encourage routine circumcision in newborns unless there is a clear medical necessity, such as severe phimosis (tight foreskin) or recurrent infections. With proper hygiene practices, good genital health can be maintained even without circumcision. Therefore, not circumcising is the norm in Taiwan.

Even in the United States, where circumcision was once very popular, recent medical studies and recommendations from international pediatric associations have led to a shift in perspective. Many American doctors now advise against routine circumcision, noting that most boys' foreskins naturally loosen as they grow, and proper cleaning is sufficient to maintain hygiene. Thus, circumcision is not considered a necessary medical procedure but rather a cultural or personal choice.

Pros and Cons of Circumcision

Medically, circumcision is not essential. Potential benefits may include a reduced risk of urinary tract infections during infancy, fewer issues with inflammation or phimosis, and a lower chance of certain sexually transmitted infections later in life. It may also simplify hygiene routines. However, circumcision is an invasive procedure that can cause pain, infection, or poor wound healing. It may also impact future sensitivity.

The Medical Community’s Changing Attitude Toward Circumcision

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), while circumcision may provide some minor health benefits—such as a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—these are not significant enough to warrant routine circumcision for all newborns. The AAP states: "The final decision should be made by parents based on cultural, religious, or personal beliefs."

As an invasive surgery, circumcision involves pain and a recovery period. There are risks such as bleeding, infection, and complications with wound healing. From our experience at JiaDuobao in caring for circumcised infants, the pain and distress they experience during dressing changes and cleaning can be heartbreaking. For healthy babies with no special urological issues, natural development and proper cleaning are sufficient for maintaining foreskin health. Below are some common misconceptions about circumcision versus the actual facts:

JiaDuobao: Providing the Highest Standard of Baby Care

Preventing genital infections is a crucial aspect of infant care. A newborn’s immune system is still developing, so maintaining proper hygiene is essential. We change diapers regularly and gently clean the genital area with warm water and soft cotton cloths or medical-grade wipes to ensure no urine or feces residue remains, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. After each cleaning, we also keep the area dry to prevent rashes and eczema.

All our caregivers are professionally trained and follow strict hand hygiene protocols. We use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products to safeguard your baby’s skin and reproductive health. Our commitment goes beyond routine care—it lies in our unwavering attention to detail and sense of responsibility, offering peace of mind to parents even from afar. For more information about our services, please contact us via Line/WeChat: jdbmom828 or WhatsApp: +1 828-866-8886.