Pros and Cons of Circumcision

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Pros and Cons of Circumcision

Although circumcision is among the oldest medical procedures, male circumcision has become one of the most discussed topics worldwide. Giving parents a pause in deciding whether to put their kids through the minor but highly controversial surgery. For some people, whether to circumcise their male child is a question of religious or cultural practices. So, what should parents understand about the medical benefits and risks of circumcision?

Dr. Lazare, urologist Brooklyn New York at LAZARE UROLOGY skilled in performing traditional and cosmetic circumcision, shares some pros and cons of circumcision.

What Is Circumcision?

This is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue that covers the head of the penis. Circumcision is an ancient practice that traces its origins in religious rites. Today, most parents get their sons circumcised for religious, cultural, or other reasons. Circumcision is normally done on the first or second day after birth. The procedure is done on the eighth day among the Jewish culture.

The procedure becomes complicated and riskier for older babies, kids, and men. During circumcision, the doctor frees the foreskin from the head of the penis and clips off the excess foreskin. The provider uses an anesthetic shot or numbing cream to prevent the patient from feeling a lot of pain.

 Pros and Health Benefits of Male Circumcision

•   Hygiene. Circumcision makes it easy to wash and keep the penis clean.
•   Prevents various penile problems. In some cases, the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis might be impossible or difficult to retract; a condition referred to as phimosis. This can cause inflammation of the penis head.
•   Reduced risk of urinary tract infections. The risk of urinary tract infections in the early stages of life is relatively low. However, the infections might be ten times more common in uncircumcised boys than circumcised boys.
•   Reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases. It is essential to engage in safe sexual practices. However, circumcised men have a slightly lower risk of contracting sexually transmitted illnesses, including HIV, which causes AIDS.
•   Lowered risk of penile cancer. Although penis cancer is rare, it is much less likely to occur in circumcised men.

Cons of Circumcision

•   Circumcision is often traumatic and painful. This sometimes results in the change of the infants and disruption of the mother-son relationship.
•   According to some opponents of circumcision, the health benefits are exaggerated or even untrue. According to various studies, circumcision might contribute to several health issues, mainly in premature infants, a family history of bleeding disorders, and particular penile anomalies. More so, all circumcision comes with a risk of surgical complications.
•   Harmful effects might occur later in life as circumcision might interfere with male orgasm, sexual satisfaction for women partners of circumcised men, and other sexual functions.  Various research has linked circumcision to negative feelings and post-traumatic stress disorder in adult men.

In conclusion, parents should talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of circumcision before deciding whether to circumcise their male child. Other factors you should involve in your decision include religion, culture, and personal preference. If you are interested in circumcision, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Lazare, a board-certified urologist and expert surgeon at LAZARE UROLOGY today.