What is circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the sheath of tissue
covering the head of the penis. It is an ancient practice that has its origin in
religious rites. Today, many parents have their sons circumcised for religious
or other reasons.
How is circumcision done?
During a circumcision, the foreskin is freed from the head of the penis (glans),
and the excess foreskin is clipped off. If performed on a newborn, the procedure
takes about five to 10 minutes. Adult circumcision takes about one hour. The
circumcision generally heals in five to seven days.
When is circumcision done?
Circumcision usually is performed on the first or second day after birth. (For
Jewish children, circumcision is done on the eighth day.) The procedure becomes
more complicated and riskier in older babies, children, and men.
Is circumcision necessary?
The use of circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that continues
to be debated. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend routine
circumcision for newborn males. The procedure might be recommended in older boys
and men to treat phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) or to treat an
infection of the penis.
Parents should talk with their doctors about the benefits and risks of the
procedure before making a decision regarding circumcision of their sons. Other
factors, such as your culture, religion, and personal preference, also will
affect your decision.
What are the benefits of circumcision?
There is some evidence that circumcision has medical benefits, including:
- A decreased risk of urinary tract infections
- A reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men
- Protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical
cancer in female sex partners
- Prevention of balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and
foreskin)
- Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin)
and paraphimosis (the inability to return the retracted foreskin to its
original location)
Circumcision also makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean.
Note: Some studies show that good hygiene can help prevent certain problems
with the penis, including infections and swelling, even if the penis is not
circumcised. In addition, practicing safe sex is an important factor in reducing
the risk of STDs and other infections.
What are the risks of circumcision?
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with circumcision.
However, the rate of problems associated with circumcision is low. Risks
include:
- Pain
- Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision
- Irritation of the glans
- Increased risk of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the
penis)
- Risk of injury to the penis
References
Circumcision. The American Academy of Pediatrics. healthychildren.org.
Accessed 4/18/2011.
Circumcision. The American Urological Association Foundation.
urologyhealth.org. Accessed 4/18/2011.
Moreno MA. Male Circumcision. New Information About Health Benefits. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, Vol 164 (No. 1), Jan 2010,archpediatrics.com. Accessed 4/18/2011.