
What are the Benefits and Risks of Male Circumcision?
October 28, 2024
Naturally, different genders possess their specific physical structure. It is not only about appearance; various organs are specialized for particular functions and purposes. Moreover, these organs require different care in terms of hygiene or medical issues. These choices may not always be non-surgical. Although not compulsory, more beneficial Benefits and Risks of Male Circumcision are popular nowadays.
Male Circumcision is an excellent operation which aims to eliminate the elimination of foreskin of the penis. Reasons for surgery vary concerning religious or social demands or for any other medical or hygienic purpose. Is there any medical benefit of male Circumcision? Can it be risky, even done for religious purposes? This blog can provide comprehensive answers to possible questions about the benefits and risks of male Circumcision.
Medical Benefits of Male Circumcision
Male Circumcision is the surgical process of the excision of the prepuce, which is the other name for the foreskin of the penis. It is strongly associated with historical, religious, and cultural implications. Deciding to get a circumcision has become a sensitive issue for many men because of its perceived benefits and potential complications. Here are some highlights that can explain the medical benefits and risks of male Circumcision, thus enabling appreciation of the procedure.
Lowering the rate of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Perhaps the best-known medical advantage is a reduced incidence of urinary tract infections, particularly during infancy, as one of the main reasons for Circumcision. If the boy is uncircumcised, research proves that he is more likely to develop UTIs, which in the long run may cause kidney damage. In males, UTI occurrence is generally low, but Circumcision significantly reduces this probability in the first year of life.
Decreased risk of sexually Transmitted infections (STIs)
Some research has found that male Circumcision decreases the chances of getting some of the STIs, such as HIV, genital herpes, and HPV. The World Health Organization studies proved that men who have been circumcised have a chance of getting HIV from heterosexual contact reduced by up to 60%. The circumcision process minimizes the area of skin that the virus is capable of penetrating. Additionally, it excludes a tissue lining that encourages virus penetration. Furthermore, research has also supported that surgery is helpful in preventing the chance of HPV.
Phimosis and Paraphimosis
Pathologic conditions such as phimosis and paraphimosis result from complications of the lesions of the foreskin in the ability to retract over the head of the penis. These conditions can be easily prevented through operation. It causes complications of hygiene and infection and is painful when issues of urination and bathing become complex. Sometimes, it develops into conditions causing erections that are painful or urine leakage. Thus, the removal of the foreskin through Circumcision eliminates these risks. Moreover, it serves as a shield against the development of such problems in the future.
Reduction of infection rates
Men who don’t get Circumcision have a higher risk of developing infections like balanitis, which is an inflammation of the head of the penis. This is because the skin covering the penis can trap moisture and bacteria, making infections more likely. The procedure helps lower this risk by removing the root cause, that is, the foreskin. Thereby, it makes hygiene easier and makes it unlikely to cause disease. Moreover, this is especially the case where Circumcision can offer a whole range of preventions.
Lower Risk of Penile Cancer
It was found that circumcised males are very unlikely to develop penile cancer in comparison with uncircumcised men. Professional associations have noted that by circumcising a male child, one excises a portion of the male genitals, which is vulnerable to carcinogenic processes and contributes to a lower risk of penile cancer. Although it is a rare disease, Circumcision is a healthy practice as it has the effect of preventing penile cancer.
The Medical Risks of Male Circumcision
Circumcision, on the other hand, also comes with certain dangers. However, like any other procedure, side effects are nevertheless possible and can be negligible. These are:
Surgical Complications
As with any other surgery, complications may arise following Circumcisions, such as bleeding, infections, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Although these issues are rare, they can occur in non-sterile environments or when non-medical people perform the procedure.
Pain and Discomfort
Circumcision involves a certain level of pain during the surgery and after the operation. Most medical practitioners perform Circumcision on newborn babies without using any form of anaesthesia despite the increasing awareness of the amount of pain that the baby actually undergoes during the process. Sometimes, local analgesia may be applied to minimize pain, but patients report pain and irritation. In children, it produces a great deal of discomfort. However, in older children and adults, it may be severe, and the period of healing may be more extended.
Cosmetic Concerns
Some men may have scarring or uneven healing after Circumcision, and this may make them cosmetically dissatisfied. Some circumcisions cause minimal scaring, but differences in the harmony of healing provoke anxieties towards the shape and outlook of the penis. Sometimes, complications can arise from the surgery, including the removal of too much skin or injury to nearby tissue, which leads to even worse cosmetic or irreversible consequences.
Loss of Sensitivity
Among all the risks, the loss of penile sensitivity is one of the most common. Circumcision opponents state that the removal of the foreskin, which contains a large number of nerve endings, may result in less sensitivity during intimate relations. Some studies have found that sensitivity may decrease slightly after Circumcision. At the same time, others have shown no differences in sexual function and satisfaction between circumcised and uncircumcised males.
Psychological Impact
Circumcision at a young age is not likely to have psychological implications because the child cannot recall when it was done. But, if someone undergoes Circumcision during adolescence or adulthood, the experience can be more equally traumatic. Some of the patients will start regretting having gone for the procedure, especially in case of complications or poor outcomes. Psychosocial effects of male Circumcision can assume different characteristics depending on specific conditions and cultural attitudes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is a personal choice to go for circumcision. Yet, it is not medically compulsory, but people go for it for various reasons. The cause of the surgery depends on the choice made through medical advice and cultural and religious beliefs. Civilian parents who wish to have their child circumcised should make informed decisions on the advantages and disadvantages or risks involved.
Medical benefits and risks of male Circumcision can be easily listed to have a comparison. The advantages include the prevention of numerous medical issues such as UTIs, Phimosis and Paraphimosis, and HPV. It becomes easy for circumcised males to follow the hygienic protocols, and hence, they remain protected from various infections. Conversely, the possibility of surgical complications such as swelling and poor healing can be a part of the procedure. Then, adult men who are willing to circumcise should also consider the above factors very keenly and make thoughtful decisions to enjoy the benefits and avoid anxiety.