When considering circumcision for your child, we know it is essential to understand the pros and cons of circumcision so you can make an informed decision.
Benefits of Circumcision
It is important to discuss circumcision pros and cons before we opt for it. While circumcisions have been performed for hundreds of years under typically religious or cultural motivations, modern medical evidence has shown that there are several health benefits of circumcision for babies.
-
More Hygenic
Genital hygiene (washing the entire penis, including the glans, with soap and water while bathing) is important for all males and is generally easier in the absence of a foreskin.
Uncircumcised boys should be taught the importance of washing beneath the foreskin on a regular basis when the foreskin is fully retractable. Good hygiene may prevent many problems associated with the foreskin, but can be difficult to maintain in uncircumcised boys, even in developed countries. Studies of middle-class British and Scandinavian schoolboys concluded that penile hygiene is usually not well-maintained.
-
Reduction in HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Observational studies performed in Africa and in developed countries since the emergence of HIV/AIDS have suggested that uncircumcised men are at higher risk for HIV infection.
There is also evidence that circumcision benefits sexually by possibly reducing the chances of becoming infected with HPV and HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type 2).
The female partners of men circumcised have shown in studies a lower prevalence for certain vaginal infections including Trichomonas vaginalis infection, bacterial vaginosis, and genital ulcer disease
Circumcision does not protect against infection from gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis, or syphilis.
Although circumcision can decrease the risk of acquiring and transmitting STIs, it should be emphasized that other preventative measures, including abstinence, the use of condoms and other safe sex practices, must continue to be taught and practiced.
-
Reduction in Penile Inflammation and Retractile Disorders
Properly performed neonatal circumcision prevents certain penile conditions including phimosis (scarring and thickening of the foreskin), paraphimosis (infection or inflammation of the foreskin) and balanoposthitis (infection or inflammation of the penile glans).
A reduction in penile inflammatory and retractile disorders is important because, although they can often be treated medically, chronic inflammation and repeated forceful retraction may cause scarring and secondary phimosis, which sometimes requires surgical intervention.
However, good penile hygiene also may prevent penile inflammatory and retractile disorders, highlighting the importance of teaching uncircumcised boys routine penile care and hygiene.
-
Reduction in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
While UTIs are uncommon in males of any age, they are more prevalent in infants than in older boys and men. UTIs in infants can result in pyelonephritis (kidney infection) requiring hospitalization, and rarely, sepsis and death.
An analysis that included one randomized trial and 11 observational studies found that UTI was decreased by 90% in circumcised infants.
-
Reduction in Risk of Some Cancers
Compared with uncircumcised men, circumcised men appear to have a lower risk of penile cancer, and their sexual partners may have a lower risk of cervical cancer.
The Comfortable Choice
Dr. Mohamad Akil has a desire and commitment to providing the best care possible. The comfort of you and your family is our top priority, making us the most comfortable choice.
The Potential Risks
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with circumcision, however, complications are rare and more common among premature newborns, those with genetic anomalies, bleeding disorders or through poor technique. Various studies have estimated there is approximately a 0.2% chance your child will have circumcision risk in the month following the procedure, such as:
- Bleeding, though The Mogen Clamp technique, however, is usually bloodless
- Inadequate skin removal, scarring which may result in an unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance and revision of the procedure
- Infections, which is usually mild and treated by local antibiotics, but sepsis can occur and death has been reported
- Adhesions (skin bridges), which are easily released by simple retraction.
