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Circumcision (also called prepucectomy) is the surgical removal of a portion 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. 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 and Islam. In recent times, with increased medical knowledge of bacteria and the benefits of cleanliness, many are now considering its practice unnecessary. A few even consider it barbaric, especially when performed without anaesthesia on the infant, as is common. |
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Circumcision (also called prepucectomy) is the surgical removal of a portion of the prepuce? or foreskin? of the penis of male human beings. |
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Current medical opinion1 is that, given proper hygiene, the small health benefits from circumcison do not outweigh the risks. As such, routine circumcisions are no longer recommended. Circumcision may still be indicated in cases of recurrent balanitis? or paraphimosis?. |
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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 and Islam. The Jewish ceremony of circumcision is called a Brit milah (Hebrew), or Bris (Yiddish). |
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The risks from circumcision, although small, are definite and can be servere. Complications of circumcision can include lifelong sexual dysfunction, severe mutilation of the penis, and most seriously death. |
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Approximately one-third of human males in the world have been circumcised, though that percentage is falling. The practice of this procedure predates written history. In recent times, with increased medical knowledge of bacteria and the benefits of cleanliness, many are now considering its practice unnecessary. A few even consider it barbaric, especially when performed without anaesthesia on the infant, as is common. Current medical opinion1 is that, given proper hygiene, the small health benefits from circumcison do not outweigh the risks. As such, routine circumcisions are no longer recommended. Circumcision may still be indicated in cases of recurrent balanitis? or paraphimosis?. |
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Some studies show that circumcised males have a slightly reduced risk of [penile cancer]?, or that their mates have a lower risk of [cervical cancer]?. Many question the conclusions of these studies, but in any case the health advantage that they show appears to be minimal. Many are concerned that the potential risk does not outweigh the benefit. The incidence of penile cancer is very low, and the number of deaths annually in the United States from penile cancer is less than the annual number of fatalities from complications of circumcision operations. Penile hygiene is equally effective as circumcision: "Clearly it is good hygiene, not the presence or absence of the foreskin that matters." (J.S. Black, Patient Management, March 1992, p. 71); "the relationship of |
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Some studies show that circumcised males have a slightly reduced risk of [penile cancer]?, or that their mates have a lower risk of [cervical cancer]?. Many question the conclusions of these studies, but in any case the health advantage that they show appears to be minimal. Many are concerned that the potential risk does not outweigh the benefit. The incidence of penile cancer is very low, and the number of deaths annually in the United States from penile cancer is less than the annual number of fatalities from complications of circumcision operations. The risks from circumcision, although small, are definite and can be severe. Complications of circumcision can include lifelong sexual dysfunction, severe mutilation of the penis, and most seriously death. Penile hygiene is equally effective as circumcision: "Clearly it is good hygiene, not the presence or absence of the foreskin that matters." (J.S. Black, Patient Management, March 1992, p. 71); "the relationship of |
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There are men who greatly regret having been circumcised. Some are activists who try to inform people that the procedure is no longer necessary. Some seek to regain their foreskin through medical procedures. More of them attempt nonmedical methods such as stretching the frenum? down over the [glans penis]? through techniques such as wearing weights on it. This process is known as [foreskin restoration]?. They report to have some success, although a great deal of patience and consistency is required to have any permanent affect. Cosmetic surgical procedures to repair the foreskin also exist; but none of these methods can repair the erotogenic nerves that are severed during circumcision. The Jewish ceremony of circumcision is called a Brit milah (Hebrew), or Bris (Yiddish). Despite the euphemism under which it some times called, "female circumcision", female genital mutilation is a much more invasive and damaging procedure. Circumcision has traditionally been presumed legal under British law, although no case has ever decided this issue. One recent case, Re J (child's religious upbringing and circumcision) (see [1]) found that circumcision was illegal without the consent of either both the child's parents, or the permission of the court. In recent years many have argued that male circumcision may be illegal under international human rights law. Article 24.3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that State Parties must "take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children..." Male circumcision may fall under "traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children". |
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There are men who regret having been circumcised. Some are activists who try to inform people that the procedure is no longer necessary. Some seek to regain their foreskin through medical procedures. More of them attempt nonmedical methods such as stretching the frenum? down over the [glans penis]? through techniques such as wearing weights on it. This process is known as [foreskin restoration]?. They report to have some success, although a great deal of patience and consistency is required to have any permanent affect. Cosmetic surgical procedures to repair the foreskin also exist; but none of these methods can repair the erotogenic nerves that are severed during circumcision. Some have tried to challenge the legal status of circumcision. |
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A research paper of the [Queensland Law Reform Commission]? (Circumcision of Male Infants) concluded that "On a strict interpretation of the assault provisions of the Queensland Criminal Code, routine circumcision of a male infant could be regarded as a criminal act", and that doctors who perform circumcision on male infants may be liable to civil claims by that child at a later date. |
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Despite the euphemism under which it is sometimes called, "female circumcision", female genital mutilation is a much more invasive and damaging procedure. |
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