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Circumcision for baby boys: Weighing the pros and cons
If you have a baby boy, you'll need to decide whether to have him circumcised. Consider the pros and cons.
By Mayo Clinic staffCircumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. The procedure is fairly common in certain parts of the world, including the United States and Canada. But is it right for your son? Here's help making an informed decision.
Opinions are mixed
For some parents, circumcision is a religious ritual. It can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. For others, however, the procedure seems unnecessary or disfiguring.
In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy statement that says the benefits aren't strong enough to recommend routine circumcision for all male newborns. Today, the AAP leaves the decision up to parents — and supports use of pain relief for infants who have the procedure.
The benefits
Circumcision may have health benefits, including:
- Easier hygiene. Circumcision makes it easy to wash the penis — although it's simple to clean an uncircumcised penis, too.
- Decreased risk of urinary tract infections. The risk of urinary tract infections in the first year is low, but these infections may be up to 10 times as common in uncircumcised baby boys. Severe infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later on.
- Prevention of penile problems. Occasionally, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis may be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis). This can also lead to inflammation of the head of the penis.
- Decreased risk of penile cancer. Although cancer of the penis is rare, it's less common in circumcised men.
- Decreased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Safe sexual practices remain essential, but circumcised men may have a slightly lower risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases — including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The drawbacks
Circumcision also has drawbacks, including:
- Surgical risks. Excessive bleeding and infection are uncommon, but possible. The foreskin may be cut too short or too long or fail to heal properly. If the remaining foreskin reattaches to the end of the penis, minor surgery may be needed to correct it.
- Pain. Circumcision hurts. Local anesthesia can block nerve sensations during the procedure.
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