Circumcision debate – to snip or not to snip

Circumcision debate – to snip or not to snip

Any couple conceiving a baby boy will have to make a decision soon after birth – to circumcise their son or not.  Male circumcision has been practiced for centuries mainly as a religious or cultural ritual for many Jewish and Islamic families, as well as certain aboriginal tribes in Africa and Australia.  The practice can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care.  There can also be cases of where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back or retracted over the glans making it a medical need to do so. 

What is male circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin covering the tip of the penis.  Usually the procedure is performed in the first two to 10 days after birth, either at the hospital or as part of a religious ceremony at home. 

Around the globe, only 10 percent of baby boys are circumcised even though the practice is still widely accepted in the United States.  However, the number of males in the U.S. getting snipped has been steadily declining from 80 percent in 1980 to an estimated 60 percent at present. This decline in the procedure reflects the conflicting debate over the pros and cons of the practice. 

Why circumcise?

As stated above, there are a number of reasons why a couple will make the choice to circumcise their son.  Medical necessity, social, cultural, and religious reasons all are components that are a determining factor in what that choice will be.  For people of Muslim and Jewish communities the practice dates back thousands of years and is mentioned in detail in religious texts.  It wasn’t until the 1920’s when circumcisions became more popular in the U.S. when doctors believed it would reduce the rates of STDs like syphilis and reduce the urge to masturbate.  Nowadays, the most common reason for choosing circumcision has more to do with hygiene especially in those of Christian or secular backgrounds.

Health benefits of circumcision

One of the reasons why circumcision has become popular in the U.S. over the years is because of various health benefits it provides such as:

·      Easier hygiene making it simpler to wash the penis.

·      Reduced risk of urinary tract infections.  Even though urinary tract infections are low in males, they are more common in uncircumcised males. 

·      Reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases.  Men who are circumcised have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.  Safe sexual practices however, are still essential.

·      Prevention of penile problems. Occasionally the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract.  This can lead to inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis.

·      Reduced risk of penile cancer.  Cancer of the penis is rare but it is even less common in circumcised men.  In addition, cervical cancer is less common in female sexual partners of circumcised men. 

Health concerns of circumcision

There can be the possibility of complications from circumcisions that occur in between two and 10 percent of circumcised males.  These complications include the following:

·      Bleeding and post-op irritation.  This could lead to infection which is one of the most common side effects.

·      Possible scarring.  This can cause pain or numbness and possibly discomfort and pain during an erection.

·      Psychological damage.  The American Academy of Pediatrics has voiced concerns due to studies which showing psychological damage of men circumcised.  These studies have focused on cognitive development showing experiencing such intense pain as a baby can cause brain chemistry resulting in anxiety, attention problems, and hyperactivity. 

Making the decision

The decision to have your baby boy circumcised needs to be based on careful, thoughtful consideration of both sides of the argument.  Becoming educated about the potential risks and consequences by doing your own research can make you a better informed parent to make the right decision for your son.  This is a one-time, personal decision and you want to be sure you are choosing the best option that makes you feel the most comfortable and at peace with.  Each family making this choice needs to keep in mind what is right for one family may not be for another.  Respecting others personal choices just like you want others to respect your choice, will help make whatever decision you choose, that much easier.