Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis through a surgical process. This procedure is mostly done to newborn babies around the world. It can also be done to boys during puberty. This is, however, a more complex procedure. Circumcision is done for medical, religious, cosmetic or social reasons.
There has been an ongoing debate as to whether or not to ban circumcision. Calls within legislative corners in Iceland and Britain have voiced concerns over circumcision. Some want it to be criminalized the same way as female genital mutilation (FGM).
There is a need for deliberations between parties on why circumcision should not be banned. Circumcision makes it easier for men to wash their penises. This results in better hygiene. A circumcised penis is easier to wash as compared to an uncircumcised penis.
Circumcision leads to a decrease in the likelihood of one contracting urinary tract infections. The risk of men contracting such infections is usually low. However, the risk of uncircumcised males contracting such infections is high. Severe infections that one suffers may lead to kidney problems later in life.
There is a decreased risk of one contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if he or she is circumcised. The risk of contracting infections such as HIV is lowered through circumcision. Nevertheless, safe sexual practices need to be observed.
Penis cancer occurs rarely. This disease is less common for men who have undergone circumcision. Cancer of the penis can have far reaching consequences that affect your health and finances. The risk of cervical cancer in women is less common when they engage in sexual activities with circumcised partners.
Circumcision can help with the prevention of balanitis. Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans. It also helps with the inflammation of the foreskin and glans. This is referred to as balanoposthitis. Its symptoms include pain while urinating and the discharge of pus from the penis.
The inability of the foreskin of the penis to retract is known as phimosis. Circumcision helps in the prevention of phimosis. The inability of the foreskin to return to its original position is known as paraphimosis. Paraphimosis can cause swelling around the penis leading to the blockage of blood supply. Undergoing a circumcision procedure can help to deal with paraphimosis.
Circumcision is also used as a treatment plan. When one suffers from balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), an uncommon condition of the skin, circumcision can be used for effective treatment. This condition is characterized by difficulties while urinating and soreness of the penis. It is able to deal with the condition leaving one cured.
The idea that circumcision needs to be banned is misguided. The benefits that we reap from circumcision are many in comparison to its problems. We can keep sexually transmitted diseases at bay because of circumcision.
Conditions that may affect the sexual health of men such as balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO), paraphimosis, phimosis, balanitis, and balanoposthitis can all be tackled through circumcision. It is therefore important for all males to undergo circumcision. Parents should consult doctors regarding the circumcision of their newborns.