Pros and Cons of Circumcision

The debate on whether or not to circumcise newborn baby boys is a topic of much debate as it carries cultural, religious, and personal weight. The common belief that all boys should be circumcised is up for argument, as there are as many pros with the procedure as there are cons. This article will examine the pros and cons of circumcision to help you make your choice.

What is circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure typically done to newborn babies, but can be done by adults, that removes the foreskin on the penis.

Pros of circumcision

• Lower risk of STDs- According to medicinenet.com, circumcised males have a reduced rate of STDs, including gonorrhea, HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2, HPV, syphilis, and cancroids. The reason for the reduced rate of STDs is that growth under the foreskin is reduced as the foreskin is removed.

• Easier to clean- As a circumcised male, cleaning is very easy and requires no special work.

• UTI- Urinary tract infections have a higher correlated risk associated with uncircumcised males than that of circumcised males under the age of one.

• Cancer of the penis- According to medicinenet.com, one in 600 uncircumcised males will develop cancer of the penis, whereas no cases have been reported of circumcised males circumcised as babies developing the same cancer.

• Religion- The Jewish religion practices the art of circumcision by what they call a "mohel" and not by a doctor. The art of circumcision by the Jewish faith is a special occasion and a rite of passage for the new baby boy.

Cons of circumcision

• Loss of sensitivity- The foreskin has nerve endings, which are utilized during sexual intercourse. Uncircumcised men do not have the added sensitivity, which can decrease sex drive and feeling.

• Surgical problems- Circumcision is a surgery which can have complications. Complications can range from uneven cuts, scarring, excessive bleeding, and even infection. I know from personal experience that scarring is an issue.

• Sexual intercourse- The foreskin on the penis acts similar to lube during sex, which not only makes sexual intercourse easier, but also requires less synthetic lubrication. Although as parents you will probably not consider the sexual cons of your child, you should consider them as he will one day grow up and face these problems.

• Hurts the baby- Think about it, you are cutting skin off the penis that has nerve endings, and of course, this will hurt the baby. Although circumcised males cannot remember their circumcision if it happened as a baby, it is still a traumatic event for the young child.

Overall

The decision on whether or not to circumcise your child is personal and should be made by the parents of the child. However, the procedure can always be carried out upon older age with anesthetics, which can leave the choice up to the child in his future.

Sources:

http://www.naturalfamilyonline.com/go/index.php/15/12-no-to-circumcision

http://www.medicinenet.com/circumcision_the_medical_pros_and_cons/page5.htm