Are you considering circumcision for your baby boy?
- Susan van Daal
- Dec 5, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2022
Source: World population review
Even though circumcision rates are starting to fall rapidly, the US (64%) and Australia (26,6%) have still the highest circumcision rates in the Western world. Why is that? And is it necessary?
Besides religious reasons, like the Abrahamic covenant, it gained popularity in Britain in the mid-19th century to prevent masturbation and to promote castidy. A little later it was conducted in the US to treat boys with tight foreskin and other health issues.
Potential benefits?
Some clinical trials in Africa show that it can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. There are some studies that show it could prevent UTI’s and other viral infections. Results vary per study and per socio-economic status (Tobian, 2011).
What to take into account:
* Circumcision desensitizes the penis (foreskin is loaded with nerve endings) (Collier, 2022).
* There is no informed consent (but parents are acting of course in the best interest of their children) (Tobian, 2011).
* You can argue the foreskin acts as a protective layer (Collier, 2022).
* 51% of men circumcised in adolescence meet the criteria of PTSD
* Heart rate of newborns go up by 55 bpm during the circumcision procedure (Goldman, 1999).
* Cortisol levels are 3-4 times higher during circumcision (Goldman, 1999).
Learn more about newborn procedures and the pros and cons of them in my Childbirth Education Class.
The article discusses whether baby boys should be circumcised, explaining it as a personal decision that can involve cultural, religious, and medical factors. It also mentions possible benefits like lower infection risk and easier hygiene, but also small risks such as pain or infection.
I remember reading something similar during a health class project, and it made me think how parents have to make careful choices. At that time, I was also handling coding tasks and used help with python assignment so I could stay on track with schoolwork and still focus on learning health topics like this. It shows how important it is to balance responsibilities and understand decisions calmly.