One topic that gets a lot of controversy is whether you should circumcise your baby boy. Not even all physicians agree on this. On a past episode of the popular American television show, “The Doctors,” this disagreement was evident.
When you are pregnant, it is best to think over whether you plan to have your baby boy circumcised, as this is not really a decision that you want to make after the baby is born when you are busy with nighttime feedings and numerous diaper changes. It will also allow you adequate time to find a physician who is willing to do the surgery, if you do choose the circumcision route.
What exactly does circumcision involve?
Every baby boy is born with a foreskin that covers the glans (head) of the penis. Circumcision involves a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin. Contrary to popular belief, the surgery is performed with anesthesia in American and Canadian hospitals and clinics. Always ensure that an anesthetic will be used. To do so without anesthesia, would be very painful for your baby.
How many newborn babies are circumcised every year?
In the United States, approximately 55% – 65% of newborn boys are circumcised annually. The United States, Canada, and the Middle East have the highest rates of circumcision. Some areas in Asia and Europe are examples of geographic locations with lower rates.
There has been a decreasing trend in circumcision in some countries such as Canada in recent years.
Why is circumcision performed?
The main reasons for circumcision are religious, cultural, and esthetics. In some circumstances, it is also performed for medical reasons such as when the foreskin does not retract.
In any case, circumcision is not performed routinely. You want to make an informed decision, and the only way to do this is by gathering information.
Here are some arguments against circumcision:
- If you are born with the foreskin, then God must have wanted it there (the religious viewpoint), or it must still serve a purpose (the evolutionary viewpoint).
- The foreskin is filled with nerve endings, reportedly increasing sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
- According to one study published in the International Journal of Men’s Health, circumcised men had higher incidences of erectile dysfunction, compared to their uncircumcised male counterparts. It is thought that this is because a circumcised man has less sensation in his penis due to the missing foreskin.
- Although the risk of infant death due to circumcision is very low in industrialized countries, there still is a higher rate of infant mortality related to circumcision when compared to the risk of developing penile cancer in uncircumcised males.
- There is always the possibility of a botched surgery.
- There may be pain after the surgery.
- There is always a risk of infection or bleeding with any surgery, although the risks are low.
- You want to allow your son to be the one to decide when he is of age.
Here are some arguments for circumcision:
- It is your religious belief, cultural or social expectation to have it done.
- You want your son to look like his brothers and your husband.
- You want to decrease any possible medical risks such as urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and contraction of sexually-transmitted infections (STI’s) such as HIV.
- You want to decrease the risk of putting your son’s future partner at risk of developing a sexually-transmitted infection.
So what does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend?
The latest stand is that circumcision can be advantageous and even offer possible medical benefits, but it also offers risks. At this point in time, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is not enough evidence to suggest circumcision be done routinely.
To conclude, there appears to be both advantages and disadvantages to circumcision in newborn boys. It is up to you to review all the information and discuss it with your healthcare provider, so that you feel like you make the best decision for your baby.