Circumcision - All You Should Be Aware About!

Circumcision is the surgical removal of a part of the human penis called the foreskin. The foreskin covers another part of the penis known as the head. The procedure is generally performed for a variety of reasons and can be helpful in the treatment of uncomfortable diseases like phimosis, in which the foreskin becomes impossible to draw back, to expose the head.

Circumcision is best carried out when the individual is extremely young and has been born only for one or two days. The risks associated with this surgery increase as the infant reaches childhood, then adolescence, and finally becomes an adult. However, if done properly, there are very fewer risks and good effects instead, like aiding male genital cleanliness.

If circumcision is so beneficial, does every baby have to have it done?

No, that is not necessarily the case. Even though it does turn out to be beneficial on the whole, there is no need for every baby to be compulsively circumcised. No worldwide medical board has ever prescribed generalized and mass circumcision till date. Moreover, the large number of males living uncircumcised and healthy till date provides testimony to the fact that circumcision is not indispensable to a healthy life. 

However, there are certain proven benefits circumcision may provide one. They are-

• You will be at lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) if you have yourself circumcised. And urinary tract infections can prove to be very painful in specific cases.
• You will be at lower risk for certain sexually transmitted diseases
• You will be at lower risk for penile cancer, and in turn, afford greater protection to your sex partner against cervical cancer
• You will never develop either phimosis or paraphimosis

Are there any cons to this procedure?

There are only a few cons to the procedure of circumcision, including the following-

• Irritation/scarring at the site of surgery
• Pain and redness
• Bleeding
• Inflammation and swelling

Circumcision is a medical procedure with well-defined pros and cons. It provides protection against certain conditions and has rendered biological benefits to a majority of the people. However, there is a chance of the surgery backfiring as well, and leading to harmful effects. Before you opt for the surgery, consult a doctor and discuss the surgical procedure in detail to avoid any side effects.