There is a swirl of controversy surrounding the age old practice of circumcision.

For generations of newborn boys this has been a widely accepted and performed surgical procedure. Today there are concerns from parents and doctors alike about the benefits of circumcision.

Circumcision, the removal of the foreskin of the penis, is usually done soon after a baby is born. It is most frequently done in the hospital and in the Jewish faith, at home by a trained rabbi.

Doctors, who support circumcision, recognize this decision as a difficult one for the parents. They strongly support the medical and health benefits of this procedure. These benefits include a decrease in the risk of developing urinary tracts infections, prevention of contracting sexually transmitted disease in adulthood, and easier to maintain good hygiene. Today doctors prescribe local anesthetics to block the pain and discomfort.

Dr. Thomas Wiswell, a professor of pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, once opposed circumcision, but changed his mind in the early 1980s after conducting studies on infant boys. “It’s a difficult decision for parents, and it’s a decision that’s going to affect their son for life,” he says. However, he adds that he has “not a shred of doubt” about the medical case for circumcision.

The doctors who are against circumcision claim this procedure is medically unnecessary and only used as a social rite of passage. Their concerns revolve around the pain the infant experiences along with the suggestion that a circumcised penis will have less health problems. Dr. George Denniston founded Doctors Opposing Circumcision, a national organization, says he has members in every state and across the world. He strongly believes circumcision is an unnecessary procedure and has nothing to do with good health.

If you are not sure about whether a circumcision is right for your son, talk with your doctor to get the facts.

Essay by by Ronald Goldman, PhD
author of: Circumcision: The Hidden Trauma, says:

"The American public generally assumes that our cultural practice of circumcision is a trivial and benign procedure, hardly worthy of serious consideration and discussion. We believe that such a widespread practice must be grounded in a consensus that it is safe and effective, that it benefits the child or at least does no harm."
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Comments

Circumcision is ALSO important for women's health
From: Linda
Very well written on a very controversial subject.  The extent that circumcision contributes to women's health should not be overlooked (reduced vaginitis,etc.)
Linda

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