Circumcision, more accurately called male circumcision, refers to the removal of the foreskin from the penis. While it's a common surgical procedure in many countries, it's still heavily debated in others, which often leads to confusion as to whether it should be done at all or not.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about circumcision, including what it is and why people choose to have it done. We'll also examine some of the health risks involved with this surgery and get into the politics surrounding whether or not parents should have their boys circumcised in hospitals when they are newborns.
What is circumcision?
The term circumcision is often used interchangeably with brit milah, or brit for short. It's a Jewish religious custom dating back thousands of years that centers around a ritual circumcision performed on newborn boys in their first days of life.
Is circumcision necessary? How do you get circumcised? What is foreskin restoration? How much does circumcision cost? These are some of the questions most people have about circumcision. To help you learn more about what it is, here's a look at some of its key facts.
Male circumcision can be done for a number of reasons. Doctors may recommend it for medical purposes, such as to treat an issue with a man's foreskin or urinary tract.
It can also help prevent certain health problems later in life and lower a man's risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Men who are circumcised are also less likely to get penile cancer, according to multiple studies.
While medical male circumcision is a popular option in certain countries, it's not available everywhere. If you're considering getting circumcised, your doctor can help you determine if you're a good candidate and explain any risks and benefits involved.
Before making a decision, be sure to research circumcision techniques, like those used in Jewish brit milah ceremonies, so that you know what to expect.
The function of foreskin:
The foreskin is a flap of skin at the end of an uncircumcised penis. It protects and lubricates your glans. The foreskin contains a lot of nerve endings, so it gives penile tissue increased sensitivity. This doesn't mean that circumcised men don't enjoy sex or can't climax - it just means their penises aren't as sensitive.
Because of all these benefits, many medical organizations recommend keeping your child's foreskin intact. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that infant circumcision has no health benefit.
They also say that it's more painful than any potential complications. Infant circumcision rates have dropped in recent years, thanks in part to these recommendations. Currently, about half of boys born in America are circumcised at birth.
However, circumcision is still a common practice in America and many other countries. It's also a personal decision that only you can make for your son. This guide will help you understand why circumcision happens and what it does to your baby boy's penis.
Benefits of circumcision in adulthood:
Preventing urinary tract infections can help men avoid serious kidney damage, especially if they have diabetes. In females, penile cancer is less common in circumcised men than in uncircumcised men.
Men who are circumcised may also be less likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and syphilis. They are also less likely to transmit it to their sexual partners.
In addition, most of the world's men are circumcised. The United States is one of only a few countries that circumcise males for non-religious reasons, but there are potential benefits.
Recent research shows that circumcision may lower a man's risk of getting HIV and certain other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or conditions. The use of condoms is still recommended to prevent transmission of STIs and unwanted pregnancy.
In adults, circumcision can reduce your risk of getting an infection called HPV (human papillomavirus). This virus is most commonly spread through sexual contact.
Is it safe to circumcise during adulthood?
In a word, yes!
When you have an adult circumcision, your surgeon will use anesthesia and pain-relieving medication. The procedure is also significantly faster than a circumcision performed on an infant or child (those typically take about 20 minutes). Because of these factors, most adult circumcisions only take about 10-15 minutes.
After recovery, your doctor will likely recommend some form of physical therapy and light exercise in order to speed up your healing process. Light stretching of your penis, or taking a warm bath can also help make post-surgery life more comfortable. Within a week or two, you should feel back to normal.
Fortunately, complications are rare. If they do occur, they're usually minor and include bleeding and infection. The incidence of post-surgery infections is around 0.5%.
When problems do occur, your doctor should be able to treat them right away with little lasting damage. A 2007 study found that patients who had undergone adult circumcision were just as satisfied with their results as those who'd been circumcised in infancy or childhood.
Are there any side effects?
Well, there are a few things you should be aware of before having a circumcision. For one, it can take six weeks or longer for your penis to fully heal after having been circumcised; during that time, you may experience discomfort and swelling.
It's also possible for stitches or cuts to become infected - in which case you'll need treatment from your doctor. Otherwise, though, there aren't any long-term risks associated with having a circumcision.
But aside from those things, there aren't any serious risks associated with getting a circumcision. Just remember that if you choose to have a baby boy circumcised, he'll need regular checkups with his doctor in order to ensure that everything is healing properly.
If you notice anything unusual or suspect that your son has an infection, contact your doctor right away. An infected circumcision site can lead to scarring and damage - and may even require another procedure down the road if left untreated.
It's also worth noting that your child may experience some changes in sensitivity during sex as a result of being circumcised. The glans (head) of his penis will be covered by a protective layer of skin, and his foreskin may have been removed - which means he'll feel less stimulation than before.
If your son isn't circumcised, it's possible that he could suffer from phimosis later on in life - an inability to retract his foreskin during sex.
When should a male child be circumcised?
The right age to circumcise a male child is when they are at least 4 years old. This can vary, so it's important that you consult with your pediatrician and make sure that your son is at an appropriate age.
A medical professional will be able to explain all of your options as well as inform you of what would be best for your family. If you decide not to have him circumcised until he's older, then you may want to wait until he's about 10 years old.
How does circumcision work?
Circumcision involves removing some or all of your foreskin. It's most often done with a single blade called a scalpel, which is extremely sharp and used under sterile conditions. The procedure typically takes place in an office, hospital, or clinic setting but can also be performed at home.
What are your aftercare instructions?
After you have been circumcised, it's important that you follow all of your aftercare instructions. This will help prevent infection and aid in healing. The area will be sensitive, so take a little extra time to clean and change your bandages on a regular basis.
Once you've completed your aftercare instructions, you can go ahead and enjoy life without worrying about any issues.
Where can I go for adult circumcision?
Now that you've decided to get circumcised, it's time to find a doctor. While pediatric circumcisions are sometimes performed by urologists, adult circumcisions are usually performed by general practitioners. If you decide you want your procedure done in a hospital instead of an outpatient clinic, there may be more options.
Your best bet is to speak with your primary care physician about it. If you don't have a doctor, ask friends or family members for recommendations. Once you narrow down your choices, make sure they are board-certified by either the American Board of Urology or American Board of Family Medicine.
If you don't know a doctor who will perform circumcisions, use online physician directories. Search by location and interest, such as circumcision. Then call each doctor's office to schedule an appointment.
Conclusion
When all's said and done, circumcision is generally considered a safe surgery with low risks. However, it is important that you educate yourself on everything from possible side effects (some of which are minor) to post-op care, so you know what you're in for if you choose circumcision as your son's birthright.
Now that you know how circumcision works, what are your thoughts on it? Are you in favor of circumcision? Do you think it is something that should be done? Let us know in the comments below!
We'd love to hear from you.
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