Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis. The procedure can be performed at any age, but it’s most common in infancy and childhood. It’s typically done between the ages of one and seven. Although complications are more common when circumcision is done on newborns and infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that the health benefits outweigh the risks of this procedure.
The most common reasons for getting circumcised include medical and religious reasons. In particular, doctors perform the procedure to help prevent diseases and infections. Some great resources state that removing the penile foreskin may reduce a man’s risk of developing pearly papules.
Moreover, many men choose circumcision because they believe it’ll make them feel more comfortable with themselves or their partners. Others think it makes sex more pleasurable for both parties involved.
Nonetheless, read the points below to know the pros and cons of circumcision.
The Pros Of Circumcision
There are many benefits to circumcision, including but not limited to these:
- Decreased Risk Of Urinary Tract Infections
A study published in the World Journal of Men’s Health found that circumcision is associated with a lower risk of urinary tract infections, which can be painful and affect a person’s quality of life.
The study, which looked at the effect of circumcision on the incidence of urinary tract infections in men, found that circumcised men had a significantly lower risk than uncircumcised men. The researchers found that circumcised men had a 75% lower risk of developing an infection than uncircumcised men.
Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, uncircumcised male babies are at a higher risk for developing urinary tract infections than circumcised ones because the foreskin provides a reservoir for bacteria and viruses that can cause infections if they get inside the body.
- Protection From Penile Cancer
Circumcision has been linked to a reduced risk of penile cancer. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that circumcised men have a lower risk of penile cancer than uncircumcised men. However, the reason for this is not conclusive.
In another study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, researchers found that men who were circumcised as infants had a reduced risk of penile cancer compared to uncircumcised men. According to the authors, circumcision may protect against penile cancer through an increased immune response, along with reducing environmental exposure to carcinogenic substances.
- Lowered Risk Of Sexually Transmitted Infections
A study based on three randomized trials found that circumcision reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis and human papillomavirus infection.
In addition, circumcision may also lower the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The World Health Organization recommends that all men older than 24 get tested for HIV before they are circumcised so they can know their status and take precautions accordingly.
The Cons Of Circumcision
There are potential downsides to circumcision. These include the following:
- Pain And Discomfort
The main drawback of circumcision is that it causes pain during and after surgery. The pain may be moderate or severe, depending on how much tissue is removed, the site at which it’s done, and the baby’s pain tolerance. In most cases, babies don’t cry during or after circumcision. However, they can become irritable or restless until they fall asleep.
It’s also worth noting that pain can be managed by pain medication. However, if a child doesn’t want to take medication or can’t tolerate it, the doctor may give them an injection of local anesthesia before surgery begins. It’ll help them relax and feel less anxious about the procedure.
- Bleeding And Infection
Bleeding after a circumcision can be dangerous if it’s not controlled with medication. The amount of blood loss depends on the size of the skin removed, how old the child is, and the type of circumcision. If the child bleeds too much, he may need surgery to stop the bleeding.
Wound infection is a common problem following circumcision. If this occurs, seek immediate medical attention because it may lead to bacterial meningitis, which can be fatal in newborns.
- Irritation Of The Glans
The glans is the tip of the penis. It contains specialized Langerhans cells that play a vital role in immunity and wound healing.
During circumcision, the foreskin is removed to expose the glans. This procedure may lead to irritation or inflammation of the glans due to inflammation caused by bacterial or fungal infections or prolonged exposure to dry air during cleansing or drying after washing with soap or water.
Conclusion
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of whether or not to circumcise your child, it can be helpful to look at it from a purely medical perspective. As with any medical procedure, there are potential benefits and risks that you should consider before making a decision. Talk with your partner and your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
About Author: Jordan Cooke
Jordan Cooke is a clinical researcher whose done work in various medical fields, including circumcision. He has acquired much knowledge through his seven years as a researcher. When he’s not running a clinical trial, he is penning guest posts and blog articles about health-related topics. During his free time, he goes motorcycling if the weather allows it.
