Circumcision

Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin from the penis. It is often done before a baby leaves the hospital. It is sometimes part of a religious ritual. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend circumcision as a routine medical procedure. The decision on whether or not to circumcise your son can be a difficult one for many families.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says that there may be some benefits in terms of potentially preventing several conditions. These include:

• UTI's and STD's - Some studies indicate that circumcision may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections. (Read about "Urinary Tract Infections" "STD's")
• Penile cancer - Some studies indicate that circumcision may reduce the risk of this rare form of cancer. (Read about "Penile Cancer")
• Paraphimosis - Some studies indicate that circumcision can reduce the risk of paraphimosis. Paraphimosis is a condition that can happen to men and boys who have not been circumcised. AAFP calls it a serious condition. It happens when the foreskin is pulled back and then becomes stuck behind the head of the penis. It can be painful, result in swelling and even infection, according to AAFP. You should consult a doctor immediately if the situation occurs.

But there can also be complications of circumcision. These include:

• Bleeding and infection - As with any surgical procedure, bleeding and infection in the area of the surgery are a risk. Uncontrolled bleeding may be a sign of a serious underlying blood disorder, such as hemophilia. (Read about "Bleeding Disorders")
• Meatal stenosis - This term refers to a narrowing of the opening of the penis. Meatal stenosis can be caused by a number of things. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says, though rare, it is most common in boys who have been circumcised. The narrowing is the result of scar tissue that formed when the tip of the penis was irritated during the healing process. AAP says the situation can develop in boys, usually between the ages of 3 and 7, and can be repaired by surgery.

Both AAP and AAFP say parents should discuss the issues with their doctors, the earlier the better. Circumcision becomes more complicated the older a male gets.