Circumcision

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Circumcision - series

Foreskin

There is no compelling medical rationale for the procedure in healthy boys, although some boys have a medical condition requiring circumcision. However, some studies suggest that uncircumcised male infants have an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Other studies show correlations between being uncircumcised and an increased risk of developing penile cancer, certain sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, infections of the penis, and phimosis (tightness of the foreskin that prevents it from retracting). The overall increased risk for these conditions is thought to be relatively small.

Proper hygiene of the penis and safe sexual practices can help prevent phimosis, penile cancer, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Proper hygiene is always important, but is thought to be especially important for uncircumcised males.

In 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics revised their policy statement on circumcision, and this policy is supported by the American Medical Association. A summary of the policy is below:

"Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In circumstances in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. If a decision for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided."

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, M.D., FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.