Circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the prepuce? or foreskin? of the penis of male human beings. Approximately one-third of human males in the world have been circumcised, though that percentage is falling since the practice has been largely discredited. The practice of this procedure predates written history. It probably started in drier countries of the world where lack of water and ignorance of the benefits of regular bathing caused problems such as infections? and undesirable odors due to the collection of smegma? under the foreskin. Over time, the practice has developed support by several religions, notably Judaism. In recent times, with increased medical knowledge of bacteria and the benefits of cleanliness, many are now considering its practice unnecessary, even barbaric (especially when performed without anaesthesia as is common).

Current medical opinion¹ is that, given proper hygiene, there is no good medical reason for routine circumcisions. Circumcision may still be indicated in cases of recurrent balanitis? or paraphimosis?.

Neonatal male circumcision is the most common paediatric operation carried out in the U.S. and in Australia today, though only on a minority of newborn males. The United Kingdom also practices circumcision on a minority of males. The practice is almost unknown in the rest of Europe and all of Asia, except as a religious ritual. The only country that still routinely circumcises a majority of male infants is Israel. Today, most paediatric surgeons will discourage this common practice.

Some advocates point to studies purporting to show that circumcised males have a reduced risk of [penile cancer]?, or that their mates have a lower risk of [cervical cancer]?. These studies are not credible, and the [American Cancer Society]? has come out against them: "We would like to discourage the [American Academy of Pediatrics]? from promoting routine circumcision as a preventive measure for penile or cervical cancer...Perpetuating the mistaken belief that circumcision prevents cancer is inappropriate." The AAP has ceased to promote routine circumcision since then.

See also female genital mutilation.

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Notes:

¹ The [American Medical Association]?, the [British Medical Association Guidelines]?, the [American Academy of Family Physicians]?, [American Academy of Pediatrics]?, the [Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons]?, the [Australian College of Paediatrics]?, and the [Canadian Paediatric Society]?, among others, now no longer recommend routine circumcision.

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