Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the skin that covers the end of a boy’s penis is taken off. In most cases, this procedure is done by the pediatrician when the baby is about one to three days old. Interestingly, circumcision is a somewhat controversial surgery. For instance, some studies performed by scientists determine there are medical benefits to this procedure but in truth, not all reputable pediatricians recommend it.
The bottom line, a circumcision is not a medical necessity, meaning that for a child to grow and develop into a healthy adult, circumcision is not required. However, circumcision dates back to Biblical days, a standard procedure followed generation to generation. Because most boys are circumcised, many parents feel not having their boy go through this procedure will lead to years of teasing in the locker room for being different in that the penis does have a slightly changed appearance.
For babies not circumcised, the only real change is hygiene. The fold of the skin would need to be cleaned better but other than that, not much has to be done. As mentioned, not all pediatricians support circumcision, believing it is done more for cosmetic appearance of religious beliefs. However, we wanted to provide you with some of the scientific findings so you can make your own decision.
Studies have shown that a circumcised boy will have a much less chance of developing urinary tract infections, especially during the first year of life. Additionally, these studies show that risk of cancer of the penis is also reduced. Keep in mind that penis cancer is extremely rare so this is not much of a worry. Risks for sexually transmitted disease is also reduced, although only slightly. Other factors associated with a circumcised infant include few to no foreskin infections, the prevention of phimosis, a condition whereby foreskin retraction can occur, and easier care from a hygiene standpoint.
Now, while you can see there are definite benefits to having your baby boy circumcised, you need to see the other side of the argument. For instance, although a common procedure performed hundreds of thousands of times each year, it is still surgery, meaning there are slight risks of infection, bleeding, or not cutting the penis foreskin properly. Some doctors actually feel the foreskin is there for a purpose, to help protect the penis’ tip. Finally, while not proven in any way, some pediatricians believe removing the foreskin reduces sensitivity, which could have an effect later in life.