Circumcision has been around for hundreds of years, but the reasons parents decide to have their child circumcised can be for a variety of reasons- cultural, religious, personal preference, as well as health benefits. However, it is the medically relevant issue that inspires so much controversy in regards to circumcision. If you are considering having your newborn child circumcised, you have probably spoken to your obstetrician to get his or her opinion on the benefits of the procedure. Because circumcisions have been classified as not medically necessary, they are not considered a routine part of the birthing experience. However, health practitioners do agree that there are health benefits that coincide with being circumcised. Therefore, it is up to the parents to elect the procedure on behalf of their newborn.

The two main health advantages that come with circumcision are a lower risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and less vulnerability to acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Studies have shown that uncircumcised males have the potential to suffer from an increased number of UTIs, especially in the first year of their life. However, UTIs are generally not a common problem in males, so this benefit may not be overly significant. Although some parents may not choose to circumcise their child at birth, he may have a malformed urinary tract that will require circumcision when he is older. The other main benefit of circumcision of males is a decrease in contracting STDs, including HIV/AIDS. However, it is important to point out that circumcision in men after the age of 20 do not gain this benefit of the procedure. Having a circumcised penis does guarantee your child will get an STD or contract HIV, and it is important to still teach your circumcised child the importance of practicing safe sex.

There are other medical benefits to circumcision, but their importance is not universally agreed upon. One such benefit include protection from penile cancer, although this level of protection is from disease is usually only applicable on newborn circumcision, and not for men who are circumcised at a later in childhood or as an adult. In other cases, circumcision is medically necessary, and the procedure could be mandated at any point in a child’s life depending on the condition that develops. One such condition is phimosis, which occurs when the foreskin of a penis does not naturally retract, which can lead to unsanitary hygiene practices and increased risk of disease.

Your internal medicine physician can provide more detailed information about the medical benefits involved in choosing to circumcise your child, and you are encouraged to start a frank and open discussion with your health care provider about the issue.

Posted in Circumcision

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