To
Circumcise or Not To Circumcise? That is
the Question!
When you are pregnant, it is
best to think over whether you plan to have your baby boy circumcised, as this
is not really a decision that you want to make after the baby is born when you
are busy with nighttime feedings and numerous diaper changes. It will also allow you adequate time to find
a physician who is willing to do the surgery, if you do choose the circumcision
route.
What exactly does
circumcision involve?
Every baby boy is born with
a foreskin that covers the glans (head) of the penis. Circumcision involves a surgical procedure to
remove the foreskin. Contrary to popular
belief, the surgery is performed with anesthesia in American and Canadian
hospitals and clinics. Always ensure
that an anesthetic will be used. To do
so without anesthesia, would be very painful for your baby.
How many newborn babies are
circumcised every year?
In the United States,
approximately 55% - 65% of newborn boys are circumcised annually. The United States, Canada, and the Middle
East have the highest rates of circumcision.
Some areas in Asia and Europe are examples of geographic locations with
lower rates.
There has been a decreasing
trend in circumcision in some countries such as Canada in recent years.
Why is circumcision
performed?
The main reasons for
circumcision are religious, cultural, and esthetics. In some circumstances, it is also performed
for medical reasons such as when the foreskin does not retract.
In any case, circumcision is
not performed routinely. You want to
make an informed decision, and the only way to do this is by gathering
information.
Here are some arguments
against circumcision:
* If you are born with the
foreskin, then God must have wanted it there (the religious viewpoint), or it
must still serve a purpose (the evolutionary viewpoint).
* The foreskin is filled
with nerve endings, reportedly increasing sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
* According to one study
published in the International Journal of Men's Health, circumcised men had
higher incidences of erectile dysfunction, compared to their uncircumcised male
counterparts. It is thought that this is
because a circumcised man has less sensation in his penis due to the missing
foreskin.
* Although the risk of
infant death due to circumcision is very low in industrialized countries, there
still is a higher rate of infant mortality related to circumcision when
compared to the risk of developing penile cancer in uncircumcised males.
* There is always the
possibility of a botched surgery.
* There may be pain after
the surgery.
* There is always a risk of
infection or bleeding with any surgery, although the risks are low.
* You want to allow your son
to be the one to decide when he is of age.
Here are some arguments for
circumcision:
* It is your religious
belief, cultural or social expectation to have it done.
* You want your son to look
like his brothers and your husband.
* You want to decrease any
possible medical risks such as urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and
contraction of sexually-transmitted infections (STI's) such as HIV.
* You want to decrease the
risk of putting your son's future partner at risk of developing a
sexually-transmitted infection.
So what does the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommend?
The latest stand is that
circumcision can be advantageous and even offer possible medical benefits, but
it also offers risks. At this point in
time, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is not enough
evidence to suggest circumcision be done routinely.
To conclude, there appears
to be both advantages and disadvantages to circumcision in newborn boys. It is up to you to review all the information
and discuss it with your healthcare provider, so that you feel like you make
the best decision for your baby.
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