In the olden days, the journey to manhood involved a manunuli (circumciser).

To start the process, the child would be asked to chew on some guava leaves for its antibacterial and wound-healing properties. A sharp knife is then used by the manunuli to slice the upper skin of the patient’s penis, exposing the glans. Once the guava leaves are chewed, they are applied on the cut and the penis is wrapped in the bandage. After which, the boy is sent off to wash the wound in a nearby river.

These days, getting circumcised is a lot easier and more accessible. Every summer, you might find your local barangay holds a free circumcision session for children. These often raise concerns regarding the safety and cleanliness of the procedure. To avoid any unwanted problems, consider choosing a hospital for your son’s circumcision.

“From sterilized surgical instruments to oxygen on standby, a hospital operating room has everything needed and more, even for a routine and safe procedure,” says Dr. Dennis M. Galimpin from Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Should any complications arise, like excess bleeding, they can be addressed immediately.”

Still having doubts? Here are three reasons why a hospital would be an ideal place for such a procedure:

Sterile environment: Circumcisions outside a hospital setting might not adhere to the hospital standards of hygiene, pain management, technique, and postoperative care.

Managed by medical experts: For hospitals like MakatiMed, board-certified pediatricians and general surgeons are on call for the process. “They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to perform the procedure using precise techniques that minimize complications like infections and improper healing,” notes Dr. Galimpin. Doctors on standby can also answer any questions regarding the procedure and aftercare to help put everyone at ease.

Privacy: Undergoing such a process is best done in a private setting. It will keep your son’s mind at ease, as going through a community circumcision might expose him to others experiencing discomfort or anxiety. These feelings could extend to your son.

Overall, circumcision is an important procedure that shouldn’t be taken lightly. As recommended by MakatiMed, take this time to talk with your son about how he wants to go through with it. “Since it’s his body, ask your son to decide how he wants to go about it,” suggests Dr. Galimpin. “Speaking up, taking charge of his health, and understanding the pros and cons of his decision are the true signs of manhood.”