Parents often struggle with the decision whether or not to circumcize their child. Nevertheless, there are numerous health advantages to be gained by circumcising your child.
Newborn circumcision is a medically safe procedure that helps prevent urinary tract infections and penile cancer in newborns. Additionally, it reduces the risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV.
Lower Risk of Infections
Studies have suggested that circumcision may reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women. These include gonorrhea, syphilis and genital warts.
There is some heterogeneity among the findings, which improves when only general populations are considered. This could be because the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within a population may influence the association between circumcision and increased risk for these diseases.
Early speculation about the protective effect of circumcision assumed that the inner foreskin, which is relatively sheltered, has a thinner layer of keratin than its outer counterpart and penile shaft, which would limit HIV diffusion into living tissue and allow more access to HIV-susceptible cells. However, subsequent studies comparing stratum corneum depth have not identified consistent differences between them, so this appears unlikely to be the mechanism behind protection.
Lower Risk of Cervical Cancer
circumcision clinic may reduce the risk of cervical cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. These types of tumors arise from cells on the outer portion of the cervix that protrudes into the vagina.
The Pap test and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests can detect pre-cancers before they progress to more serious cancer. These screenings help people stay healthy, reduce their chances of developing cancer, and even save lives.
There are certain factors that can increase a person’s risk for HPV and cervical cancer. These include having sexual contact at an early age, being exposed to high levels of HPV from certain sexual partners, and having a compromised immune system.
Lower Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
Circumcision has been linked to a significantly lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in boys. Estimates suggest that for every 111 male infants who receive circumcision, one UTI will be prevented.
In some cases, a UTI can cause permanent kidney damage known as renal scarring. Furthermore, the infection has the potential to lead to meningitis – an illness which is usually fatal.
Contrary to popular opinion, some critics of circumcision maintain there is insufficient evidence to back up any recommendations. Indeed, some studies have even discovered that the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is higher among uncircumcised boys than circumcised ones.
Uncircumcised boys are particularly at risk for UTI infections due to germs that are more prevalent among them. However, a recent study has demonstrated that circumcision can still effectively reduce this risk.
Lower Risk of Genital Warts
One of the most remarkable effects of circumcision is its lower risk for genital warts. A 2015 study from Australia discovered that intact men were less likely to get genital warts than their uncircumcised counterparts (and this is huge!).
The scientific community is generally skeptical of the advantages of circumcision, so this randomized controlled trial comes as a breath of fresh air and proves that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Even with some flaws in the data, now is an opportune moment to consider how circumcision can benefit your health and family’s wellbeing. To make informed decisions that matter most to you, be active!
Lower Risk of Cancer of the Penis
Male circumcision has long been linked to a lower risk of cancer of the penis. However, little is known about the precise mechanisms underlying this association.
Many factors contribute to penile cancer development, such as phimosis, poor hygiene and obesity (34). Additionally, it has been linked with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and immune compromised states.
