Will My Child's Glans Regrow After Circumcision Complications?

During circumcision, the glans may be removed?

Doctor, my child is 8 months old.
During the circumcision, the glans was removed.
Will the glans grow back as he grows up? Will this affect his fertility?

jbm, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/21

Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology

1.
The external genitalia of children will noticeably enlarge as they grow, but the removed portion cannot be fully restored (the appearance may need to be assessed based on the extent of the injury).
2.
Sperm production occurs in the testes, so it should not be affected regarding the ability to conceive naturally; however, the extent of the injury will determine this.
It is recommended to visit a urology clinic for a thorough examination and consultation with a physician to fully address your concerns.

Reply Date: 2017/04/21

More Info

Circumcision is a common surgical procedure performed on infants and children, often for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. However, complications can arise during the procedure, including the accidental removal of the glans (the tip of the penis). In your case, it appears that your child experienced such a complication during circumcision.

To address your primary concern: the glans does not regenerate after it has been surgically removed. Once the glans is excised, it will not grow back. This is because the glans is a specialized structure made of sensitive tissue, and once it is removed, the body does not have the capability to regenerate it.
Regarding the potential impact on fertility, the removal of the glans itself typically does not directly affect a child's ability to reproduce later in life. Fertility is primarily dependent on the presence and functionality of the testes, which produce sperm. As long as the testes are intact and functioning properly, your child should be able to father children in the future. However, it is essential to consider that the glans plays a role in sexual function and sensation. The absence of the glans may affect sexual pleasure and function, which could have psychological and emotional implications as your child matures.

It is also important to monitor for any complications that may arise from the circumcision, such as infections, scarring, or issues with urination. If there are any concerns about your child's development or health, it is crucial to consult with a pediatric urologist or a specialist in pediatric surgery. They can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss any potential long-term implications of the surgery.

In summary, while the glans will not regrow after being removed during circumcision, your child's fertility is likely to remain intact as long as the testes are healthy. It is advisable to maintain regular check-ups with healthcare providers to ensure your child's overall health and address any concerns that may arise as they grow.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Short Frenulum in Circumcised Toddlers: What Parents Should Know

My son is currently two years old. He underwent a circumcision twenty days after birth at the suggestion of his sister (as newborn males in the U.S. are routinely circumcised by doctors). The procedure was performed by the attending physician. Now, at two years old, his glans is ...

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology
There is still much debate regarding whether newborns should undergo circumcision. The United States is the country that performs this procedure the most in the world. Once circumcised, the glans will be exposed, making it easier to clean. As for the current tightness issue, ther...

Post-Circumcision Complications: Managing Wound Healing and Concerns

Hello doctor, I underwent a circumcision on the morning of December 6th using a circumcision device. I had follow-up appointments on December 7th and 8th to check the wound and change the dressings. During these days, I was very careful to avoid erections to prevent the wound fro...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It has been a while, and it is unlikely to crack. The chances are low, and the doctor will evaluate it. Wishing you good health.

Managing Post-Circumcision Healing Issues in Infants: Expert Advice

Hello, Dr. Li. My baby underwent a circumcision surgery in Jordan when he was five months old (due to the religious beliefs of my husband's family, circumcision is a local custom). After the procedure, the wound gradually healed, but it ended up covering the entire penis, le...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! After applying the ointment, you should gently retract the foreskin to expose the glans. Do this once a day to gradually loosen the foreskin. After exposing the glans, push the foreskin back in place. This will help prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris. Changhua Hos...

Understanding Post-Circumcision Changes: What to Expect After Surgery

Doctor, I had a circumcision surgery last August. After recovery, I was able to clean the glans, but I noticed that the area around the surgery seems to have shrunk, making it difficult for me to clean the glans (previously, I could retract the foreskin, but now it gets stuck at ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Some individuals have a constitution that makes them prone to scar formation from wounds. In such cases, medical treatment may be necessary, and certain ointments can help improve the condition. Wishing you good health.