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Docteur Jean-Philippe Bercier BSc, MD, CCFP

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circumcision

What should I know about circumcision?

It’s estimated that about one-third of Canadian men are circumcised. A circumcision is a surgical procedure generally performed on male babies to remove the foreskin on the penis. If you’re considering circumcision in Gatineau or Ottawa, get answers to your questions from an experienced doctor.

Why do boys get circumcised?

There are many reasons people choose circumcision for their son. Religious and cultural traditions are common reasons. Some choose circumcision because the father is circumcised. Circumcision is a choice, but there are some important benefits. It makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean. There is less risk of urinary tract infections and a reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections in men.

What age is best for circumcision?

A circumcision can be done at any age, from infancy to adulthood. Traditionally, circumcisions are done before the baby goes home from the hospital following birth or in the first few weeks after being born. In some religious or cultural traditions, circumcision is usually done when the boy is 7 or 8 days old. Men can choose to be circumcised as an adult if they were not circumcised at birth.

Is a circumcision painful?

Surgical procedures generally cause some degree of pain. During the procedure, the doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area that is cut. Without pain management techniques, a circumcision is painful. The circumcision only takes about 5 to 10 minutes on a baby. Generally speaking, Infant Tylenol may be recommended for pain following the surgery, but it is neither needed nor recommended for longer use beyond the first few days.

How long does it take for circumcision to heal?

Babies who are circumcised usually heal in a few days to two weeks. The area may appear a little bruised or red for a few days.

Does circumcision affect performance?

Many studies have been done to determine whether circumcision affects sexual performance when the boy grows up. Researchers have not found any adverse impact on penile sensitivity, orgasm, sexual function, satisfaction, and pleasure. Circumcision does not cause erectile dysfunction or pain during sex—those are simply myths!

Get information about circumcision.

If you’re becoming a parent to a baby boy and you have questions about circumcision, our office can help you get answers. Make an appointment for a consultation for circumcision in the Ottawa or Gatineau area.

 



READ OUR REVIEWS

Rob CarterRob Carter
21:19 02 Aug 23
Had my vasectomy performed by Dr Dumais, who has taken over for Dr Weiss who has since retired. She was absolutely excellent. Great bedside manner, clear explanations of what was happening and any potential discomfort that might be felt during each step. Entire procedure from freezing to finish took under 10 minutes.Before beginning Dr Bercier confirmed my age (31), that I had no children, and that I was 100% certain I never wanted to have any (and that my partner felt the same way). She reiterated that while surgical reversal is sometimes possible, the procedure should be considered permanent.Nurses/office staff were friendly and efficient. Got up from the table a bit too quick and ended up sitting down in the chair and fainting. They were right on top of things and immediately went into their usual routine for when those things happen. We had a little chuckle about it, and at no point did it feel weird or judgemental which I very much appreciated.A couple of other notes based on some things mentioned in a few other reviews here:- Total out of pocket fees are $170, consisting of a $20 deposit and $150 on the day of the procedure. Those costs are detailed in the attached photo of the “Pre and Post Vasectomy Kit”. As detailed on the page patients can choose to pay only for the specific items/services they want, and they also give you a week post-procedure to request a refund and pay only for the needed items. This information is not provided anywhere before going in, so most will just pay the $170 and be done with it. While some of these costs are certainly quite highly inflated, they do help make up for the fairly minimal compensation the clinic receives from OHIP for each procedure.- Website is a bit of a mess, although most of the important bits are easy to find (and all the most important info is attached to the emails you’ll get). Specifically one thing they have changed is that you do *not* need to travel to the office to pick up your vasectomy package before the procedure! You are given it after your appointment just before leaving.- To the few complaining about pain/discomfort lasting more than the first week and “not being made aware of the risks”… did you not bother to fully read through the documentation available both on the website as well as repeatedly sent to you in the emails? All of the risks and rates of various complications are explicitly laid out in advance. Every body is different, and there is a small chance of a variety of complications. Choosing to ignore the provided information and then complaining that you wouldn’t have gone through with it if you knew is just ridiculous.One last recommendation for the doctors here: I highly recommend investing the few thousand dollars towards having a professional web design company re-build you a new website from the ground up. The current site is a mess, particularly on modern phones, and this is something that will radically improve the patient experience.
Gaignun KukaiGaignun Kukai
03:43 18 Jul 23
Dr. Valerie Dumois did my vasectomy, and she was really quite kind willing to answer questions. It was for the most part painless and the pain you feel is minimal. Reception was also pretty great they answered all my questions to male sire I heal properly. Was great meeting them all and doing it the modern way or a scalpel and needle is definitely in every males favour. Thank you so much for being such great people
Garlic Jr.Garlic Jr.
18:19 06 Jul 23
Half an hour to my appointment they told me to wait outside(35 degrees celcius) until exactly my appointment. Dr. Bercier if you can call him a doctor had the most rude and disrespectful attitude I've had from a doctor. I asked him three questions to which he said he didn't care. During the procedure I simply asked how long does it take and he replied with "How long do you think it takes? Did you see me with the other patients?" I think his attitude was racially motivated because I'm not French. Don't come here! Go somewhere else!
BongoBongo
19:58 19 Jun 23
Great clinic, 5 stars all around. Leading up to the appointment they provide you with fantastic information that explains everything in detail. Great communication, super organized, friendly and professional. Everyone from reception, to the nurse, to the doctor - all were pleasant, efficient, and professional. It was a huge piece of mind. The doctor played my choice of music during the procedure. It was practically painless, with only minor discomfort for a brief moment, and it was quick. I am now recovering comfortably with very detailed instructions about how to enhance my recovery. Thank you Dr. Weiss and Dr. Bercier! Highly recommend.
Louis KearnsLouis Kearns
16:14 28 Apr 23
Marc BourgonMarc Bourgon
17:45 11 May 22
The process of getting my vasectomy was quite efficient. From walking in the office door to sitting down in my car again was only 20 minutes. The staff was very friendly in greeting you and providing instructions and Dr. Bercier was pleasant to deal with, friendly and gentle. Dare I say the experience was enjoyable! Any trepidation one has about the procedure, don’t worry! Thanks to all.
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