Penile Circumcision

Penile circumcision has been practiced for centuries. It is done for both religious and medical reasons, and is usually done shortly after birth. Penile circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis through a surgical technique. When an boy infant is born, there is a fold of loose skin that covers the end (the glans) of his penis. This fold of skin is what is removed during penile circumcision, and reveals the glans of the penis.

A lot of mothers will have their sons circumcised after birth. Today, the reasons are usually hygienic, as people who are for circumcision state that uncircumcised penises have a greater chance of developing infections or medical conditions. Older males may choose to get circumcised for health reasons. If they are experiencing chronic infections or irritation, their doctor may advise circumcision. In either babies, young boys, or older males there are two significant types of problems that can occur with an uncircumcised penis.

If the foreskin is not able to be retracted back over the glans, this is called Phimosis. It is important to be able to retract the foreskin for hygienic reasons. Males are usually advised to retract the foreskin for cleaning. If the foreskin is not able to be retracted, fungus or bacteria can develop between the foreskin and the glans. This can cause infections of the glans, or other types of infections. The individual may also experience pain during arousal with phimosis. In this case, the individual may be required to have a circumcision. This condition is most often found in children, however.

Paraphimosis is the condition in which the foreskin is retracted and is not able to be put back into place. This is a very dangerous medical condition. When the foreskin is not able to be put back into place, there can be significant swelling. This swelling combined with the foreskin placing pressure around the glans of the penis can lead to loss of blood flow. If this condition is not treated, death of the glans can result. This condition is an emergency, and does require a circumcision.

Today, around 50% of male infants are circumcised after birth, compared to about 80% of infants 20 years ago. This is due to change in thoughts of American people. Some people feel that it is more natural to be uncircumcised, and in fact, that it is cruel to circumcise a child.

Usually, penile circumcisions done on infants are done right in the hospital. The doctor will place a numbing gel around the entire area of the penis and wait around three quarters of an hour. He will then place surgical ring clamps around the foreskin of the penis. With the foreskin clamped, the doctor is able to remove it and stitch the remaining skin together. He will most likely use dissolvable stitches that will be gone in about a week.

At birth, penile circumcision is the choice of the mother. Some researchers argue that there is a lower risk of developing certain cancers of the penis if the foreskin is removed. They are met with just as many researchers who are against circumcision that state that there is minimal medical evidence that backs up that theory. Ultimately, it is up to the mother to choose what she believes, and as the male grows, he then can decide what is best for himself.