Dr Tendai Zuze
CIRCUMCISION is the surgical removal of the skin covering the tip of the penis. It is fairly common for newborn boys in certain parts of the world. Circumcision after the newborn period is possible, but it’s a more complex procedure.
Circumcision is a religious or cultural ritual for many Jewish and Islamic families, as well as certain tribes in Africa and Australia. It can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care.
Sometimes there’s a medical need for circumcision, such as when the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back (retracted) over the glans.
In other cases, particularly in certain parts of Africa, circumcision is recommended for older boys or men to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections and as part of ritual initiation into manhood.
Circumcision might have various health benefits, including:
Easier hygiene. Circumcision makes it simpler to wash the penis. Washing beneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis is generally easy, however.
Decreased risk of urinary tract infections. The overall risk of urinary tract infections in males is low, but these infections are more common in uncircumcised males. Severe infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later on.
Decreased risk of sexually transmitted infections. Circumcised men might have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV (Up to 60 percent reduction in HIV transmission). Still, safe sexual practices remain essential.
Prevention of penile problems. Occasionally, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis). This can lead to inflammation of the foreskin or head of the penis.
Decreased risk of penile cancer. Although cancer of the penis is rare, it’s less common in circumcised men. In addition, cervical cancer is less common in the female sexual partners of circumcised men.
Circumcision might not be an option if certain blood-clotting disorders are present. In addition, circumcision might not be appropriate for premature babies who still require medical care in the hospital nursery. Circumcision, however, is not without complications and the most common are bleeding and infection. Side effects related to anaesthesia are possible as well.
Rarely, circumcision might result in foreskin problems. For example:
The foreskin might be cut too short or too long
The foreskin might fail to heal properly
The remaining foreskin might reattach to the end of the penis, requiring minor surgical repair
Problems after circumcision are uncommon. It usually takes seven to 10 days to heal and you will be advised to desist from sexual activity for up to six weeks.
There might be a problem and you might need to contact your doctor if any of the following happens:
Normal urination doesn’t resume within 12 hours of the circumcision There’s persistent bleeding or redness around the tip of the penis
There’s foul-smelling drainage from the tip of the penis Now that you know the benefits, you should consider circumcision for yourself or your partner.