If you chose to circumcise your son, problems afterward are rare. However, call your baby's health care provider right away if:
your baby doesn't urinate normally within 4 to 6 hours after the circumcision (this will be monitored if you are in the hospital)
there is continued bleeding
there is redness around the tip of the penis that seems to be getting worse.
You will need to provide special care to the penis until it is healed. For about 7 to 10 days, you need to:
Completely cover the tip of the penis with petroleum jelly after each diaper change or use an antibiotic ointment if your baby's health care provider ordered it.
Look at the tip of the penis each time you change your son's diaper. If there is any new bleeding, new or increased swelling, foul-smelling drainage, or reddened skin on the shaft of the penis, call your baby's health care provider.
Do not use baby wipes until the tip of the penis has healed.
Occasionally, a doctor will use a circumcision device called a "plastibell." This is a plastic ring that is placed under the foreskin and secured during the procedure. This will fall off 5 to 8 days later. Care for the penis as listed above, but do not apply any petroleum jelly or ointment to the end of the penis.
Ask your health care provider for recommendations and advice about any other treatment or procedure.
When to call your health care provider
Problems after circumcision are rate. However, call your health care provider right away if:
your baby doesn't urinate 4 to 6 hours after circumcision
there is bleeding that doesn't stop or new bleeding
there is new or increased swelling
there is foul-smelling drainage
there is reddened skin on the shaft of the penis
there is redness around the tip of the penis that seems to be getting worse.
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If you chose to circumcise your son, problems afterward are rare. However, call your baby's health care provider right away if: 