Circumcision of the foreskin is a process associated with the removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis through surgical intervention. The procedure is quite common for newborn boys in some parts of the world, and it is also performed among adult men. For some families, circumcision is a religious ritual. Surgery can also be a family tradition or a preventative medical measure. However, for some people, it seems unnecessary or disfiguring. So what is it and why do many circumcise the foreskin?
Causes
Circumcision is a religious or cultural ritual for many Jewish and Islamic families, as well as some indigenous tribes in Africa and Australia. Boys are born with a skin hood that covers the glans penis. When circumcised, the foreskin is surgically removed, exposing its end.
The need for circumcision arises when the skin hood is too tight. In this case, the operation helps to pull it back. In other cases (this is especially the case in parts of Africa) male and female circumcisions are performed to reduce the risk of contracting a number of sexually transmitted infections.
Who needs?
There is no need for circumcision in healthy newborns. However, some families remain faithful to this procedure for several reasons. Other reasons for this procedure:
- personal choice;
- aesthetic prerequisites;
- an attempt to reduce the risk of contracting certain infections.
Circumcision in older children and adults can also be done for the same reasons. In addition, adult children or men may need circumcision to treat certain diseases, including:
- balanoposthitis (inflammation of the tip and foreskin of the penis occurs);
- phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin);
- paraphimosis (occurs when the foreskin is removed and cannot be returned to its original position).
Cultural background
One of the most common reasons for circumcision is religious tradition. So, the laws of Judaism and Islam require that newborn boys be circumcised.
In Judaism, the rite is usually performed as part of a religious ceremony at home or in the Mohel synagogue. Mochel receives religious and surgical training for ritual circumcision. The procedure is almost always performed when the boy reaches 8 days of life. However, it can also be done in a hospital.
In Islamic culture, ritual circumcision is called chitan. In parts of the Islamic world, the procedure is a religious ceremony. In other parts, this is done in a hospital. So, in most Islamic countries, chitan is performed in infancy, but circumcision can also be done when a boy enters puberty.
pros
So, do doctors recommend this operation? Let's look at the main benefits of circumcision.
- Simplification of personal hygiene. Circumcision makes washing the penis easier. However, boys with uncircumcised foreskin can also be taught to wash it regularly to avoid bacteria accumulation.
- Reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Thus, circumcised babies are less likely to catch an infection (UTI), especially in their first year of life. It is worth remembering that the transfer of severe infections at an early stage of life can lead to problems in the functioning of the kidneys. The risk of urinary tract infections in adult men is low, they are more common in newborns and young children. Nevertheless, in uncircumcised men, UTIs are diagnosed approximately 10 times more often than in circumcised men. However, even with such a high level of risk, less than 1% of people without circumcision actually suffer from them.
- After circumcision, the risk of infection is reduced, which is transmitted during sexual contact. Uncircumcised men are at risk: they are much easier to catch this type of disease. Nevertheless, safe sexual practices remain an important aspect for men, both with and without circumcision.
- Reduce the risk of penile cancer. Although it is a fairly rare disease, it most often occurs in uncircumcised men. In addition, cervical cancer in most cases affects women whose sexual partners are uncircumcised.
But doctors argue that with proper care for the penis, the above risks are not terrible.
Reasons not to circumcise
In some people, this procedure cannot be performed. For example, if a child has certain bleeding disorders. In addition, it may not be acceptable for premature babies who still need medical attention. Also, in most cases, the circumcision is not performed in babies born with penile abnormalities.
It is important to understand that circumcision does not affect fertility, nor does it enhance or reduce sexual pleasure in either men or their partners.
The risks
Although circumcision has some medical advantages, it also carries potential risks, in fact, like any other surgical procedure. These risks are small, but before deciding on the operation, it is important to become familiar with all the possible benefits and risks. So, according to statistics, complications in newborns after circumcision occur in 0.2-2% of cases.
The most common complications associated with circumcision are bleeding and local infection. Side effects associated with anesthesia are possible. Occasionally, it leads to the development of problems of the foreskin. For instance:
- it may be too short or too long;
- the foreskin may not heal properly;
- its remnants may rejoin the end of the penis, requiring minor surgical intervention.
Usually, before the procedure, the doctor explains all its risks and benefits. Regardless of whether you plan to have it for your child or yourself, you will need to provide written consent for the operation.
Circumcision of the foreskin: reviews of specialists
The benefits of the procedure outweigh its risks. Doctors, although they recognize the positive effect of the operation, do not consider all of the above reasons to be sufficiently strong to recommend circumcision without exception to all infants and men.
Instead, parents must decide for themselves whether their child needs this procedure. Also, before the operation, you must carefully familiarize yourself with all the medical information, as well as weigh the pros and cons in the context of their religious, ethical and cultural beliefs and practices.
Studies by scientists from Africa have shown that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection by 40-60% in men. There is also evidence that it reduces the risk of papilloma infection and infection with some strains of genital herpes.
Circumcision can prevent the transmission of certain sexually transmitted diseases, since the area under the foreskin is considered a kind of "trap" of pathogens. In addition, the foreskin itself contains a larger number of skin cells that facilitate the entry of HIV into the body.
The procedure for circumcision in children
Surgery in newborns is often performed in the hospital, usually within 10 days after birth.
In the case of newborns, the boys are laid on their backs, holding their arms and legs. After the penis and the surrounding area are cleaned, an anesthetic is introduced into the base of the penis or it is applied directly to the penis in the form of a cream. A special clip or plastic ring is attached to the penis, and the foreskin is removed.
After that, the penis is covered with ointment, for example, a local antibiotic, and tightly wrapped with gauze. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes.
For adults
Male circumcision is similar to adult male circumcision. However, in most cases, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The recovery period also takes longer, and the risk of complications increases. In the modern world, laser cutting of the foreskin is also practiced.
How to recover
Recovery after circumcision usually takes 7 to 10 days. At the same time, it is quite normal if the tip of the penis hurts and the penis looks red, swollen or bruised. Also, a small amount of yellow liquid may be released at its end.
How to care
If the baby continues to be fussy, after the termination of the anesthesia, try to keep it cautious and avoid pressure on the penis. Remember to wash your penis even during the healing period.
So, in newborns, it is necessary to change the bandage with each diaper change and apply vaseline ointment to the tip of the penis so that it does not stick to it. Change your baby’s diaper regularly and make sure it’s not crushing. If instead of a bandage a plastic ring is fixed on the penis, then it will come off by itself within a week. Once the penis heals, wash it with soap and water while bathing.
Problems after circumcision
Of course, like any other surgical intervention, the procedure has a serious impact on the body. That is why it is worth noting the importance of the need to see a doctor if the following complications are observed after surgery:
- normal urination does not resume within 12 hours after circumcision;
- severe bleeding;
- an unpleasant odor emanates from the tip of the penis;
- the plastic ring remains in place two weeks after cutting.
Be careful and attentive! The manifestation of any of the above complications should be a signal of the need to visit your doctor.
To summarize
Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin, the skin that covers the tip of the penis. Possible benefits include: a lower risk of developing urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases.
There is a low risk of bleeding or infection. The child may also feel some pain. Parents must make decisions based on benefits and risks, as well as their own religious, cultural, and other personal beliefs.