The Pros and Cons of Circumcision

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

When you have a boy, you need to make a decision about whether or not you will have him circumcised. For a few parents, the decision is easy to make, based on their own religious tradition or personal convictions. But for most parents, it is a decision that requires at least a bit of thought. Do you believe that all males should be circumcised or not? Here are some pros and cons.

Health and Hygiene

Many people who decide on circumcision do it because of a desire to keep their child healthy. In fact, a circumcised penis is easier to keep clean, and studies have shown that there is a decrease in the risk for contracting HIV and developing certain cancers for circumcised men. However, the debate still rages on, with medical experts making statements, retracting statements and then restating the first set of statements. So the health benefits of circumcision may not be as large as once thought. For example, recent studies have shown a decrease in the number of uncircumcised men who contract HIV.

Practicing good hygiene and health can reduce the risk of infections and other health conditions related to an intact foreskin.

There are some conditions that are never seen in circumcised males. One of the most common is paraphimosis. This condition occurs when the foreskin is retracted and then cannot go back to its original position. Blood can pool in the veins, leading to swelling and a large amount of pain.

Pain and Discomfort

At one time, doctors didn't believe that newborns could feel pain while circumcised. We all know of course that this is untrue. Modern circumcisions can be done with an anesthetic, and even without one, doctors describe the pain as more discomfort than pain. A recent study showed that baby's who were given a pacifier dipped in a sugar solution at the beginning of the procedure did not show any signs of discomfort.

Circumcision does require cutting and there is bleeding involved. Diapers and urine can irritate the tip of the penis after a circumcision. However, if a circumcision is done later than infancy, the procedure is much more complicated with greater pain and risks.

There is a lot more involved with the decision on whether or not to circumcise. Would you like to learn more about this topic? Do you have your own opinion on the procedure?

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, online content manager, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania in the middle of the woods but close enough to Target and Home Depot.

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