Male babies should be routinely circumcised why or not?

Arguments for routine circumcision:

- Reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs): Circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of UTIs in male infants, especially in the first year of life. UTIs can cause serious complications, such as kidney damage, in infants and young children.

- Reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Circumcision has also been shown to reduce the risk of certain STIs, including HIV, herpes, and syphilis. However, it is important to note that circumcision does not provide complete protection against STIs, and safe sex practices are still essential.

- Reduced risk of penile cancer: Circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of penile cancer, although the risk of penile cancer in men is very small.

- Easier hygiene: Some parents argue that circumcision makes it easier to keep their baby's penis clean and dry. However, this is a matter of personal preference, as there are different ways to properly clean both circumcised and uncircumcised penises.

Arguments against routine circumcision:

- Unnecessary procedure: Some parents argue that circumcision is an unnecessary procedure that should only be performed for medical reasons. They believe that the potential risks of circumcision outweigh the potential benefits.

- Risk of complications: Circumcision is a surgical procedure, and there are always risks associated with surgery, including infection, bleeding, and scarring. Although the risk of complications from circumcision is generally low, it is still a consideration.

- Ethical concerns: Some parents believe that circumcision should not be performed on a baby without their consent. They believe that circumcision is a violation of a baby's bodily integrity.

- Cultural and religious reasons: Some cultures and religions do not practice circumcision, and some parents may choose not to circumcise their son for cultural or religious reasons.

Conclusion

The decision of whether or not to circumcise a male baby is a personal one that should be made after considering all the relevant factors. There are both pros and cons to circumcision, and each family should decide what is best for their child.

References:

- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Circumcision policy statement. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en/policy/circumcision.html.

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Circumcision. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/circumcision/.