Stating that the best period for circumcision in terms of the mental development of the child is under the age of 2 and over the age of 6, experts point out that circumcision must be performed by a doctor under hospital conditions. According to experts, when the child opens his eyes after circumcision, he should definitely find his mother by his bedside. Circumcision is not recommended between the ages of 2-6 unless it is necessary.

Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel Sarı Gökten said that circumcision will not cause a negative effect on the child as long as it is performed at the appropriate time for the child and in a way that does not harm him.

Avoid frightening information and behaviors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel Sarı Gökten stated that information and behaviors that may frighten the child before circumcision may cause traumas in the child and warned that "In cases where circumcision is performed without taking into account the age and developmental characteristics of the child, accompanied by information and behaviors that may frighten the child and with an intervention that can be called traumatic, it may cause the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in the child and even some mental problems in later ages."

2-6 years is not a suitable period

Stating that circumcision can be performed at any age when there is a medical necessity, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel Sarı Gökten said the following:

"For example, phimosis, serious infection, frequent recurrence of urinary tract infections, circumcision can be performed at any age with the recommendation of the doctor. However, it can be said that the period between the ages of 2-6 is not a suitable period for circumcision in healthy cases. The child between 2-6 years of age becomes developmentally aware of his/her body, perceives the difference between his/her own body and others and becomes aware of gender characteristics.

Traumatic interventions can cause problems

During this period, post-traumatic stress symptoms may occur after circumcision of the child with a traumatic intervention. For example, symptoms such as waking up at night with fear, being alert during the day, feeling anxious, feeling withdrawn may occur. In later ages, it may cause personality traits such as being overly anxious about the body."

He should find his mother at his bedside when he wakes up

Stating that the best period for circumcision is under the age of 2 and over the age of 6, Gökten said, "Under the age of 2 and over the age of 6 are the right times for the child's spiritual development. In the period before 2 years of age, the child should be circumcised by a doctor, under appropriate hospital conditions and without interrupting maternal support. When he opens his eyes after circumcision, he should find his mother at his bedside. After the age of 6, the child should be informed about circumcision without frightening him, and emotional support should be maintained after circumcision."

Listen to these suggestions

Emphasizing that the child who will be circumcised should be informed about this issue in a correct language beforehand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel Sarı Gökten made the following recommendations:
"It should be explained that he will be with his parents or loved ones before and after the intervention, that he will not feel pain and that he will return to his old life after a short time.
It is normal for the child to worry and cry a little before circumcision. In this case, he should be calmly reassured, told that it is perfectly normal for him to be anxious and that he can cry if he wants to.

The feelings of the child should be reflected to him/her in an empathetic language. (It is very normal to feel fear, you should be told that I understand you, emotional support should be provided to the child by hugging and kissing with body contact).
It is not a correct method in terms of mental health to have the child circumcised without feeling that the child is ready, without obtaining his/her approval, and by grabbing him/her by the collar."