Circumcision Pros & Cons

Circumcision has been around for centuries. Years ago, it was predominantly practiced in the Jewish culture. Circumcision became more common in the United States in the 1800s. It was believed that circumcision would help prevent masturbation. Today, circumcision is commonplace in the U.S., but its rates are slowly declining as parents weigh the pros and cons of having their baby boy circumcised.

Types

• There are two common reasons for circumcision: circumcising for medical reasons and circumcising for religious reasons. Many parents believe that it is medically healthier for their child to be circumcised. Some studies show that circumcision can prevent penile cancer, phimosis and balantis. Phimosis occurs when the foreskin of the penis becomes tight and loses its elasticity. Balantis is the inflammation of the glans and/or the foreskin. Religious reasons for circumcision are mainly held by the Jewish culture. They believe that it shows an act of faith to have the newborn circumcised.

Procedure

• Usually, within a week after a baby boy is born, a doctor will cut off the foreskin of the penis. First the baby is restrained, and the area between the foreskin and glans is separated. Next metal clamps hold the foreskin in place and it is cut to one-third of its original length. Finally, the doctor places a bell over the head of the penis, and the skin is pulled over the bell and cut all the way around. The whole procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Pros

• For some, the benefits of a circumcision outweigh the risks. Circumcision reduces the likelihood of urinary tract infections. The risk of penile cancer may be lower in circumcised individuals. Sexually transmitted diseases are contracted less often as well. Infection and irritation are less common. The penis tends to be easier to clean, because the foreskin does not have to be pulled back. The appearance of a circumcised penis is also more attractive to some.

Cons

• As with any surgery, there are risks associated with circumcision, such as a chance of bleeding and infection. Circumcision is also painful for the baby, although most doctors will provide anesthesia for the procedure. Some circumcised men say that circumcision has made their penis less sensitive, therefore decreasing sexual pleasure. Even though there is an increased risk for infections in an uncircumcised penis, these infections are easily treated with antibiotics and are relatively minimal. Uncircumcised penises can be easily kept clean with the proper knowledge of penile hygiene.

Considerations

• For many the pros do not outweigh the cons. According to "Doctors Opposing Circumcision," circumcision rates are decreasing. In the United States in the late 1970s, the circumcision rate was 85 to 90 percent. As of 2009, that number dropped to 55 to 60 percent. Doctors feel that the decline in these rates is due to society's changing opinions on circumcision. Many parents now feel that circumcision is unnecessary and dangerous. Only time will tell whether these rates will continue to decline as more parents weigh the pros and cons of circumcision.