Do you know why some newborn males get circumcised and some don’t? If you ever become the parent of a baby boy, you should.
The National Center for Health Statistics estimates 65 percent of American newborn males get circumcised. This has dropped since 1979’s high of 85 percent.
Still, trends occur according to religion, race and geographical region. White males are 13 percent more likely to be circumcised compared to black newborns. Followers of the Jewish and Islamic faiths believe in circumcising their sons.
Don’t rely on your doctor to make the decision for you. When it comes to their recommendations, this subject is widely disputed.
Those doctors in favor of circumcision rely on its potential medical benefits. Studies show a correlation between circumcised males and defending against STDs and penile cancer. However, studies often offer conflicting results. Urinary tract infections also seem to be less common in circumcised infants. But these infections are rare.
This small percentage of advantages is not enough for the American Academy of Pediatrics to mandate circumcision. The AAP reported earlier this month, “the benefits of circumcision are not significant enough to recommend circumcision as a routine procedure and circumcision is not medically necessary.”
Doctors opposed to circumcision contend circumcision is a surgical procedure involving risks. Some have formed an anti-circumcision association, Doctors Opposing Circumcision. DOC members argue circumcision is, “unethical and possibly criminal.” Their views rely heavily on possible complications due to the surgery such as pain, reduced sexual sensation, bleeding, infection and, in extremely rare cases, death.
The amount of pain the newborn endures is a key issue to consider. In 1997, up to 96 percent of infants circumcised in Canada and the U.S. received no anesthesia. One of the reasons was infants were thought to experience little pain during the procedure. Another was that at such an early age the babies don’t remember the process or pain.
However, a study of circumcision done without anesthesia proved this theory incorrect. Infants suffered great amounts of pain without anesthesia. Even topical anesthesia proved insufficient. Some suffered severe pain, choking and difficulty breathing. The study was quickly halted due to its disturbing results.
As doctors’ opinions vary, the decision ultimately lies with parents. The AAP says doctors must provide adequate pain relief, such as local anesthesia. Not to do so is tragic.
If the decision of circumcision is ever yours, ask questions, including the following:
* Who will be performing the procedure?
* Does the doctor use anesthesia? If not, why? If so, what kind? What are the anesthesia’s potential side effects?
* How many circumcisions has the doctor performed? What has the complication rate been?
In addition, do research. Pay special attention to new studies with information of possible benefits. Take into account cultural, religious and ethnic customs.
Once an informed decision is made, your son will surely thank you.