Is Circumcision a Bad Idea?
When it comes to routine circumcision, many people have conflicting opinions.
For some parents, the decision is clear since it is based on cultural beliefs or religious practices. Moreover, children who are born with conditions such as phimosis (where the foreskin is too tight and cannot be pulled back) may need to be circumcised because of medical necessity.
However, other parents may feel that removing or changing what is natural isn’t necessary or recommended, and that any procedure that alters the appearance of the body must be made when the child is old enough to make that choice for himself.
Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand what’s involved in the procedure, as well as the associated pros and cons.
What is circumcision?
Circumcision removes the foreskin covering the head of the penis. Generally, the procedure is performed in the hospital within the first 10 days of birth and takes no longer than 10-15 minutes. During this procedure:
- Baby is laid on the operating table.
- Penis and foreskin are cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- Topical numbing medicine or injectable anesthetics are administered so the baby does not feel pain. Pain relief medication such as acetaminophen may also be given.
- Foreskin is separated from the head of the penis and removed with a scalpel.
- Antiseptic cream and gauze dressing are applied.
After the procedure, the doctor may advise taking special care of the operated site, such as clearing the area gently with warm water and patting it dry. Every time the baby’s diaper is changed, a new bandage with antiseptic ointment must be applied.
Minor swelling or redness with some bleeding may occur in the first 1-2 days. If the baby’s swelling increases or experiences fever, rash, pus discharge, or inability to urinate within 12 hours of the procedure, parents must seek medical help.
What are the potential benefits of circumcision?
Circumcision may have several health benefits, including:
- Better genital hygiene, since because a circumcised penis is easier to clean
- Reduced risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), especially during the first year of life
- Lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Reduced risk of penile cancer
Contrary to a popular belief, circumcision does not affect (enhance or reduce) fertility or sexual pleasure.
What are the potential complications of circumcision?
Although circumcision is a minor surgical procedure, in rare cases it can cause complications such as:
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Swelling
- Pain
- Hematoma (collection of blood in the tissues under the skin)
- Injuries or scarring
- Allergic reactions to anesthesia
- Irritation
- Urethritis (inflammation of the opening at the tip of the penis)
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the benefits of circumcision outweigh the potential risks associated with it.
Nonetheless, due to the lack of enough scientific evidence, the AAP does not recommend circumcision as a routine procedure. Therefore, parents must make an informed decision in consultation with their doctor about whether they want their newborn son to undergo circumcision.