Should I Circumcise My Baby Boy?

The decision of circumcision will be one of the first decisions new parents will have to make for their child. It seems like everyone has an opinion on this topic. So, educate yourself with the facts before making your decision.

What is circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is skin that covers the end or tip of a boy's penis. Typically, the procedure is done in the hospital a day or two after birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend all newborn boys be circumcised. There is not overwhelming medical evidence to support newborn circumcision. Instead, the medical profession encourages parents to make their own decisions based on many factors.

Hygiene
There is a belief that a circumcised penis is cleaner. An uncircumcised penis can be just as clean as a circumcised penis if the boy is taught how to practice good hygiene. When the child is old enough and the foreskin is fully developed, the foreskin will need to be gently pulled back and the tip of the penis will need to be cleaned with soap and water daily. For a person who typically performs daily hygiene, it is only adding one more step (pulling back the foreskin).

Disease
The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that there is a slight benefit to being circumcised when it comes to disease prevention. Circumcision reduces the chance of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted infections. However, statistically the differences are minimal and it does not outweigh the risks of the procedure. Urinary tract infections in boys and penile cancer are very rare. Condom usage and abstinence are more effective ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases than male circumcision.

Culture
The World Health Organization estimates that 30% of males are circumcised. Parents are likely to make decisions based on what is acceptable within their culture. Male circumcision is more popular in Middle Eastern countries then it is in European or Asian countries. Also, Americans of Latino descent are less likely to be circumcised then Euro-Americans or African-Americans. These social norms may encourage parents to repeat the decisions of their parents.

Religion
The World Health Organization states that of the 30% of males who are circumcised, approximately two-thirds are Muslim. People of Jewish and Islamic faiths often decide to have circumcision performed as part of a ritual for religious reasons. Religious beliefs may sway parents' decisions about male circumcision.

Risks
The actual procedure of circumcision has risks associated with it. Parents should talk to their doctors to get a clear understanding of those risks. Examples of questions to ask are

How is the procedure done?
What are the benefits and risks of circumcision on a newborn?
Do you use anesthesia?
What are the risks associated with the anesthesia?
How do we care for the wound?
How long will it take to heal?
What is the plan for pain management after the procedure?

Whether or not to circumcise an infant is a very personal decision. The long-term risks and benefits related to hygiene and disease prevention are minimal according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to the World Health Organization, the cultural and religious influences are significant factors in parents' decisions to circumcise. However, parents need to have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the actual circumcision procedure before deciding what is in their child's best interest.

Resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org

World Health Organization "Male circumcision: global trends and determinants of prevalence, safety and acceptability" http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2007/9789241596169_eng.pdf