If you choose to circumcise your son, it's usually recommended that you do it soon after he's born.

It can be risky later in life-- because adults require general anesthesia...

but newborns don't.

Here are a few things to know about the procedure.

Both a circumcised penis and a natural penis need to be kept clean.

A natural penis requires a little more attention to cleaning.

Circumcision has some slight health benefits.

For example, it may lower the chances of cancer of the penis...

which is rare...

and it lowers the risk of urinary infections and sexually transmitted infections.

Circumcision also carries some slight risks, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to the urethra.

None of these are common.

But it's important to weigh the slight benefits against the slight risks.

The surgery itself only takes a few minutes.

The baby's arms and legs will be secured in place to keep him still.

The baby may get local anesthesia to numb his foreskin.

A clamp or device is placed on the head of the penis.

And then the doctor removes the foreskin with a scalpel or scissors.

Most babies go home the same day.

At first, the penis may look swollen and discolored.

It should look better in about a week.

There may be a bandage or a small plastic ring around the penis.

You'll get instructions on how to prevent infection and care for your son's penis-- which may include giving pain medicines, washing the penis with warm water...

or covering the penis with petroleum jelly.

So, now you know a bit more about circumcision...

and you can ask your doctor any other questions you may have.