Circumcision is an operation to remove the foreskin of the penis. While recent research suggests that there may be some medical reasons for circumcision, it is mostly performed on babies for family, religious or cultural reasons. In Australia today, less than 10 per cent of boys are circumcised.
A choice for parents
Circumcision has been performed on boys for thousands of years and for many reasons. Circumcision became a routine practice in most English-speaking countries by the 1950s. However, the trend has reversed over the past 50 years and today less than 10 per cent of baby boys are being circumcised.
Most circumcisions today are performed for family, cultural or religious reasons, or because the look of a circumcised penis is preferred. When considering circumcision for your baby, you need to be aware of the possible risks and benefits.
Some medical reasons for circumcision
Recent research suggests that there may be some medical benefits of circumcision, for example:
- Some studies have shown that infants who are circumcised have a significantly reduced risk of getting a urinary tract infection in their first year of life.
- Circumcision eliminates the risk of infants and children getting infections under the foreskin.
- Circumcision almost eliminates the risk of getting cancer of the penis, a very rare condition.
- Circumcised men may have less risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases than men who are not circumcised (these studies have not been scientifically confirmed).
Some reasons not to choose circumcision
There are also good reasons why parents choose not to have their sons circumcised, such as:
- Wanting to avoid surgery that is not essential and carries some risk of complications, even though these are small.
- Concern that removing the foreskin may reduce sensitivity of the tip of the penis and, therefore, reduce sexual pleasure later in life.
- Wanting to avoid the pain of circumcision that can occur at the time of the operation and for some time after.
Circumcision of older boys and men
Some older boys and men need to have a circumcision due to medical problems, such as:
- Scarring of the foreskin that stops it from retracting (phimosis)
- Recurrent inflammation or infections of the penis
- A foreskin that is too tight and causes pain
- A very long foreskin that can cause discomfort.
Some men choose to have a circumcision for social reasons, such as a belief that the foreskin is unattractive or pressure from their partner to have the operation.
If circumcision is to be performed
Parents and their doctor should make sure that the circumcision is performed by an experienced and competent person using appropriate anaesthetic. To reduce discomfort for the child, it is best for the operation to be performed under a general anaesthetic when the child is older than six months.
Circumcision for older boys or men can be performed using a local or general anaesthetic.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Your local community health centre.
Things to remember
- Most circumcisions are performed for family, cultural or religious reasons.
- In Australia today, less than 10 per cent of boys are circumcised.
- Recent research suggests that there may be some medical benefits related to circumcision.
- When considering circumcision for your child, you should be aware of the possible risks and benefits.
You might also be interested in:
Circumcision - surgical procedures.
Foreskin care.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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