Purpose of Circumcision?

Question

I am just wondering the overall benefit versus risk of circumcision of men and women....WHY does it take place and what are the risks involved?

Answer 1

What is the purpose of circumcision?

The practice of circumcision is thought to have originated 8,000 to 10,000 years ago in east Africa. Circumcision is referenced in the Old Testament of the bible, in the book of Genesis, and this is perhaps the basis for the practice in the Jewish culture. Circumcision became common in the United States and England in the late 19th century, because it was thought to stop boys from masturbating. At this point in time, the United States is one of the only countries in which circumcision is still a regular procedure for all newborn boys.
As for its purpose, anthropologists surmise that circumcision was first used to protect men against infection and/or irritation due to dirt or sand getting underneath the foreskin. Circumcision continues to have religious and cultural significance for people around the world, but whether or not it still offers health benefits is an issue currently under much debate.

Circumcision proponents cite increased occurrence of urinary tract infections, STDs and penile cancer in uncircumcised men, as well as phimosis (inability to extract the penis from the foreskin), as evidence for why the procedure is still medically relevant. On the "con" side, research suggests that proper hygiene can eliminate almost all problems associated with not being circumcised. Some people propose that circumcision decreases sexual sensitivity, although no valid research has been done on this subject. Also, some fear that the pain of the procedure psychologically affects the infants, although circumcision is now being done under local anesthesia.

Perhaps the strongest argument against circumcision is the possibility of mistakes and complications inherent in any surgical procedure. A recent study concluded that one in 486 circumcised infants has some sort of complication. Although most are minor, some can be significant, so, new parents should thoroughly research the subject before deciding whether or not to circumcise their child.

Answer 2

I recently had a circumcision due to phymosis.
There is little discussion of medically induced circumcisions. A lot of circs are done for cosmetic or hygienic reasons. To each their own, but had I not had phymosis, I would probably not pursued a circumcision.
The circumcision will relieve me of the discomfort of phymosis, for which I am glad that I had a circ. Some people will suggest that I still would not need a circ because of phymosis, but I do not believe that to be true. We tried everything that was possible to make it work and the circ was a last resort.
My tight foreskin never gave me any problems in terms of hygiene or health. As for the transmittal of STDs, wear a condom!!

Answer 3

Circumcision is part of the fitrah of Prophet Abraham. This also includes shaving your pubic hair, cutting nails, etc every 40 days. The purpose can be found via science. If you are circumcised, you would know that the foreskin is very sensitive and delicate. When the boy is in the womb, he is all coiled up and the penis might rub the legs and hurt it and to prevent it, it is covered by foreskin. After birth, the skin is not required due to which it is removed.

Answer 4

The question (and answer) is very different for boys and girls.

Whereas male circumcision has become commonplace in much of the world (esp. the US), female circumcision is generally considered barbaric and abusive. While there are relatively small groups of people that protest male circumcision, female circumcision is often protested as a human rights violation.

Male circumcision is performed primarily for two reasons: religion and health. Jews and Moslems, for example, circumcise male babies as a mark of the covenant Abraham had with God.

While studies vary, many studies show a lower rate of STDs and other diseases in circumcised males.

Risks involve infection, deformation, urinary and sexual problems.

Answer 5

In some religions, circumsion is a must. So that is one reason why people do it. Other people do it so their sons penis looks like their dads.
The biggest thing I was told about circumsion before my son was born was that it greatly lowers the risks of getting serious infections.
If you want a full list of the pros and cons, webmd has tons of information on it. I found it very useful when making the decision on whether or not to have my son circumsized.

Answer 6

Circumcision began in this country as a way to try to discourage masturbation.

There are no significant benefits of circumcision. That is why the AAP now recomends against routine circumcision of infants.

The "so called benefits" of circumcision can be taken care of by teaching the boy good hygeine and safe sex practices.

Read the links below to learn more.

Answer 7

My step son was not circumcised when he was born. When he was 7 he had to have it done because his mother was a dirt ball and he kept getting infections from being unclean. As long as you pull back the skin and keep it clean, there is no reason for it to be done.

Answer 8

For good hygiene...not much risk on it for as long as it will not get infected.

Answer 9

it is just to help from infections. but as long as u keep it clean it shouldnt really be a problem.

Answer 10

infection in the future!!! urinary infection, the extra skin causes build up and bacteria and can get an infection that can develop on or inside the head of the penis