If you are expecting a boy, or have already had one, the biggest question on your mind as a husband and wife is probably "Should we castrate our son?" You've probably talked about it, and maybe even argued a little. This is a very personal decision that many parents make. Many factors, such as religious beliefs, societal views, and medical considerations, influence this decision. So let's talk about this today, with full knowledge and without fear.
What does it mean to be boxed in? Why is this so talked about?
Simply put, circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the skin that covers the glans of a male's penis. This is usually done by a doctor in the hospital within two days of birth. Jewish tradition dictates that this be done when the baby is eight days old.
In the past, especially in countries like America, about 90% of boys were circumcised. The main reason for this was that doctors believed that it was good for cleanliness and prevented diseases. Also, in Islam and Judaism, it is a sacred ritual that symbolizes a covenant with God.
But that has changed. In many parts of the world (Europe, Asia, Latin America), it is not very common. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the leading American pediatric association, now says that there is not enough evidence to recommend it as a mandatory medical necessity for every male child . This means that it is up to the parents to make a well-considered decision, as there are benefits as well as risks.
Medical advantages and disadvantages - let's see these clearly
Like any other, encapsulation has both advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at these one by one. Take a look at this table.
| Pros / Benefits | Cons / Risks |
|---|---|
| The risk of developing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) during the first year of a child's life is reduced by about 4-10 times (but the average risk of developing a UTI is less than 1%). | The baby feels pain. This is very painful for the baby if done without anesthesia. There is a theory that early exposure to pain can affect the way the baby perceives pain in the future. |
| The risk of penile cancer in adulthood is reduced by about three times (this is also a very rare cancer). | Risks of surgery. Minor bleeding (0.1%) and infection are the most common complications. However, these are very rare (between 0.2% - 0.6%). |
| Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) , such as HIV, are slightly less likely to be contracted (but remember that behavioral factors play a larger role in protecting against STDs). | There is a possibility of very rare but serious complications, such as incorrect cutting, undercutting or overcutting of the skin. In some cases, even damage to the penis has been reported. |
| Phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) is not present. | Cost: This is not done for free in a government hospital, and costs some money in the private sector. |
| The common perception is that it is easy to clean. (However, even an uncircumcised penis can be kept clean by washing it properly with soap and water). | The idea that it can reduce sexual sensitivity. Some argue that removing the foreskin can affect sexual satisfaction, as it contains a large number of sensory nerve endings. (However, there are no scientifically proven studies on this). |
Is the story about cleanliness true?
Many people think that having a circumcised penis makes it easier to clean. But doctors say that's not a big deal. When bathing an uncircumcised baby, all you need to do is wash the penis with soap and water, just like you would any other part of the body. By the time your baby is about 5 years old, the foreskin will naturally retract. At that point, you can teach your baby how to clean the glans by pulling it back.
The most important thing is not to try to forcefully pull back the baby's foreskin . It will happen naturally over time.
Is this surgery painful for the baby? What should we do?
Yes. This is definitely a painful experience for the baby. In the past, it was thought that small babies didn't feel pain like adults. That's why these were done without anesthesia. But now we know that's wrong. During this surgery, there are temporary changes in the baby's heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.
Therefore, if you decide to have your son circumcised, definitely ask your doctor to perform it under anesthesia. Local anesthesia, which means numbing only the affected area (topical anesthetic cream or injection), can be used for this. This can greatly reduce the pain felt by the baby.
How do we make the best decision as parents?
This is the hardest part. Because there is no one right answer to this. This is completely a personal decision between you and your partner.
- Talk together: First, you and your husband should talk openly about this. Understand each other's thoughts , fears, and beliefs.
- Society and family: Sometimes, because the father is confined, he thinks, "The son should be like that too, or he will feel different." And this is common in some communities in our country. These social factors can also influence your decision.
- Religious Beliefs: If you are a Muslim or Jewish, this is your religious practice. In that case, the decision is clear.
- Talk to your doctor: The most important thing is to talk to your pediatrician or family doctor about this. He or she can explain the pros, cons, and risks for your baby. Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have.
Ultimately, medical science has come to the point where it's either done or not done. That is, the baby won't have any major health problems if it's not done. Also, if it's done to the proper standard, with pain control, it won't cause much harm. The decision is entirely yours.
Take-Home Message
- Circumcision is not a medically necessary surgery. It is a personal decision that parents must make.
- While this has advantages such as a slight reduction in the risk of urinary tract infections and some cancers, it also has disadvantages such as pain, surgical risks, and cost.
- Talk about this openly with your partner and come to a common decision, respecting both opinions.
- Before making any decision, discuss this thoroughly with your doctor and resolve all your concerns.
- If you decide to have an abortion, make sure it is performed by a qualified doctor, using proper anesthesia techniques , and in a way that minimizes the pain experienced by the baby.
- Whether circumcised or not, it is very important to properly clean the child's genitals.
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