Parents of male babies often encounter this confusion or struggle: Is the size of our baby’s thing normal?
Other boys have their foreskin cut, should my baby be cut?
What will be the problem if it is cut, and what will be the harm if it is not cut?
Will it affect the development?
Will it affect future sexual function?
Will it affect fertility?
In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that circumcision of newborns could have health benefits. This Society statement was based on evidence that circumcised men have a significantly lower risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer and some sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, compared to previous studies. However, the Society does not recommend circumcision for all men because there are still some risks associated with the procedure. And since circumcision is a family decision, parents need to weigh the pros and cons, not just the clouds.
The Society notes that in addition to religious, ethical and cultural beliefs, parents should also consider: Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the head of the penis. Although anesthetics are used, the procedure can also cause discomfort in children.
Complications from the procedure are rare – especially in infants and young children. However, no surgical procedure is 100% successful, and there can be bleeding and infection, and even more rarely, penile injury. There is no evidence, however, that circumcision affects sexual function.
Circumcision is not necessary for a child’s personal hygiene. However, by removing the foreskin, it reduces the chance of germs remaining and makes it easier to keep the penis clean.
Circumcision does not guarantee a child’s physical health. However, circumcised men have a lower risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases and penile cancer.
Circumcision is gradually declining in the United States, but slightly more than half of American men have still had the procedure.