Potential Medical Benefits and Risks of Male Circumcision

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

05 May 2009 10:30 AM

Now that we have talked about a general overview of the pros and cons of circumcision in male infants, let's dig a little deeper and get into some of the actual medical benefits and risks of the procedure, a sort of doctor's version of the pros and cons. We'll talk a little more about things such as urinary tract infection and complications related to the procedure.

If you read the previous post on this issue, you'll see that I was very right about this being a controversial subject (you already knew it was). As I commented on that post, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the standard board for which many physicians and parents look to for medical pediatric policy and procedure, put together a task force to examine the practice of circumcision. The opening statement of their current report states: "Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision."

In other words, they believe that there is some benefit to the circumcision of male infants, but not enough proven benefit to actually recommend the practice. So, as a parent, you have to make the decision based on your own opinion and what is best for your child. Your child's pediatrician should fully explain what the benefits and the risks are for the procedure.

Most studies support circumcision as reducing the incident of penile problems in boys and men, with risks for any issues varying by the age of the male (some issues are more prevalent in younger boys and some in older boys and men). Urinary tract infection are well documented as reduced for all ages.

On the other side of the issue, there have been fewer studies on complications resulting from male circumcision. The information we do have lists light bleeding as the most common complication followed by minor infection. Rarer complications have included necrotizing fasciitis, sepsis, meningitis and even amputation of a portion of the glan penis. Further studies should be encouraged.

You can see the AAP report here: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/3/686

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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