Category: Private parts
Posted by Dr. Molly OShea on Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 10:44 AMCircumcision pros and cons
Considering circumcision? There are two sides to every argument and let me tell you, both sides of this issue are passionate.
Circumcision has some concrete pros. Firstly, the rate of HIV and penile cancer in circumcised men is lower than those who are not. Secondly, the rate of HPV infection (the virus that causes cervical cancer in women) is much lower as well. Because women get colonized with this virus through sex with men who have it (and are usually without any symptoms themselves) this is a benefit for men and women. Third, hygiene is straightforward in the cirumcised penis. Lastly, boys who are circumcised are much less likely to have urinary tract infections than uncircumcised boys.
Circumcision has some concrete cons, too. It is a surgical procedure and has some small but real risks, including bleeding, damage to the head of the penis and pain. Second, men who have been circumcised as adults report a change in sexual sensation afterward, although reports of sexual enjoyment overall do not differ between circumcised and uncircumcised men.
If boys are taught good hygiene, men use condoms regularly unless they are in a long-term monogamous relationship, the medical advantages to circumcision diminish and what is left are primarily issues of culture. In many cultures, male circumcision is not the norm. Indeed, most of the world doesn't circumcise except for religious reasons. In the United States, however, circumcision has become very common - especially among white middle and upper classes.
I often get asked if an uncircumcised boy is more likely to be the object of teasing in school and my answer is no. I often suggest parents consider the circumcision status of the other male family members in the decision as well as their comfort teaching the hygiene and sexual practices that would minimize risk if they choose not to have their son circumcised.
Circumcision does have medical benefits, but given the fact that the risks can be minimized through good teaching about hygiene and sexual practices, the decision is still on the shoulders of parents.
