Q. My husband and I are expecting a baby boy in February. We have been reading about circumcision and are undecided. From a medical standpoint, do pediatricians recommend circumcision?
It is great that you are gathering information about circumcision to enable you to make an informed decision. The topic of circumcision is often controversial. Many anti-circumcision groups sponsor websites and demonstrations to discourage the routine practice of circumcision. On the other hand, circumcision remains an important ritual in certain cultures.
When considering any procedure, parents should weigh the risks and benefits before deciding. Circumcision does provide certain medical benefits. Circumcised infant boys have a lower risk of urinary tract infections in the first year of life. Circumcision lowers the risk of developing cancer of the penis; however, this type of cancer is rare. Circumcision also lowers the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Uncircumcised males are at an increased risk of developing foreskin infections.
As with any procedure, there are risks. The most obvious is pain or discomfort during the procedure. Potential complications of circumcision include bleeding or infection.
A few years ago, the World Health Organization issued a statement recommending circumcision because of the decreased transmission of HIV associated with circumcision. However, the World Health Organization looks at global health issues and not specifically at the U.S. population.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control remain neutral on the subject. These organizations found, upon review of medical evidence, that the benefits do not significantly outweigh the risks; therefore, the decision should be left to the parents. The AAP also discourages health care providers from exaggerating the benefits or the risks when discussing circumcision with parents.
The bottom line is this: Although circumcision provides certain medical benefits, it is not a necessary medical procedure. Parents should consider the risks and benefits before making the decision.
