Circumcision is one of the most common surgeries performed every year on infants involving removing the fold of skin that normally covers the glans penis. In the US the frequency of circumcision varies ranging from 81% n Whites to 54% in Hispanics. 

Traditionally, the procedure has been done for cultural reasons.  The origins have been speculated to arise in Egypt around 15,000 years ago, with the practice spreading though prehistoric migrations.  Ritual circumcisions in Middle Eastern cultures have been practiced for at least 3000 years, and late in the 19th century the ancient ritual evolved into routine medical practice.

Routine neonatal circumcision has become a controversial issue in the past 2 decade as it is associated with both potential benefits and risk.  And although many children still have the procedure done, it is not necessarily considered a procedure necessary for a child’s well-being anymore. The American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision states that while there is some scientific evidence of the potential benefits of newborn male circumcision, the data is not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision.

What are risks of male circumcision?

1.     Contraindications: prematurity, anomalies of the penis, hypospadias, episadias, ambiguous genitalia

2.     Bleeding: most common early complication, can usually be controlled with pressure

3.     Infection: second most common but usually minor and easily managed with oral and topical antibiotics

4.     Meatal stenosis: the most common long term complication

5.     Pain

What are the benefits of male circumcision?

Recent reports have supported a protective effect of circumcision against UTI, HIV, and penile cancer.  Non-circumcised male infants have a 10-12 fold increase risk of UTI. Also circumcision appears to be protective against recurrent UTI’s.  The mechanism to explain the increased risk for STDS in uncircumcised males is unknown. Some other benefits are the following:

·       Easier hygiene

·       Decreased risk of penile cancer

·       Decreased risk of UTIs

·       Decreased risk of STIs

For some, there are medical indications for circumcision, where it becomes necessary.  Phimosis is one of these conditions.  This is the inability to retracted foreskin, and becomes a urologic emergency.