New Parents-to-Be Want the Truth Concerning Circumcision

Circumcision decision is really up to a parents call

To surgically cut the foreskin from the newborn baby boy’s penis is called circumcision. Deciding to or not to surgically cut the foreskin from the newborn baby boy’s penis is hard. The question that must be answered by parents. To be faced with weighing the pros and cons of circumcision. Merriam -Webster Online defines circumcision as a Jewish rite performed on one month old new born baby boys. As a sign of inclusion in the Jewish religious community. To circumcise is to literally cut of the foreskin of the newborn baby boy’s penis.

The studies about circumcision

The practice is noted cultural in origin and later developed implications for health. 2% to 10% of newborn baby boys born outside the United States are circumcised. 60% -80% of newborn baby boys born in the United States are circumcised according to Dr. Ernesto Figueroa, Urologist of the Dupont Medical Center.

Figueroa goes on to report that studies show that circumcision slightly reduces the risks of urinary tract infections, cancer of the penis, and passing on sexually transmitted diseases. Risks include trauma to the infant, injury bleeding, and injury to the penis that may leave scarring.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) studies

Reports that annually more than 1,000,000 newborn baby boys are circumcised in the United States. The AAP Journal concurs circumcision reduces the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted disease by half. The National Institutes of Health report circumcision can cut the risk of acquiring the human immuno. Deficiency virus (HIV) that causes acquired immune efficiency syndrome (AIDS) by more than half.

Some parents like Michelle Stofa and her husband elected to have their newborn baby boy circumcised. The decision was arrived at to prevent his embarrassment and insecurity. This should he appear different from other boys when old enough to be in locker rooms or gyms.

It is parent’s choice after all

Study from Australia indicate no evidence that circumcision of newborn baby boys significantly reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Later in life while the United States supports African findings that circumcision when performed on adult men makes a difference in the prevention of the spread of the virus that causes AIDS.

Female circumcision among some African cultures is in the West considered genital mutilation. The reasons for the procedures have limited perceptual difference from circumcision of newborn males in the West. Is mutilation by other names in other places any less destructive to the persons? Who have no power to decide what happens to their bodies?

The cutting removal of the clitoris of some young African women is regarded a control mechanism to prevent sexual sensation. This is believed to make the woman more likely not to cheat on her husband in the future for sex related reasons.

Circumcision of newborn baby boys diminishes sexual sensation

20,000 nerve endings are unwillingly sacrificed leaving only the frenulum. The space on the back side of the head of the penis or the glans as one primary place pleasure is to be experienced later in life.

The sensitive glans penis rubbing directly against clothing is believed to over time become less sensitive. Than it would have been if left alone and covered by the foreskin it was born with. Does the body come with parts it does not need?

The jury literally is out on circumcision

Deciding to cut the foreskin of newborn baby boys or not is a decision left to parents. Are minimal health and sex benefits to be gained from the procedure? The answer is yes. Are potential challenges to be derived of the same? Again the answer is yes. There exists no significant science to support the benefits of circumcision.

This very personal decision comes down to belief, preference, possibly social spiritual prejudice. What parents to be believe is in the best interest of the newborn baby boy. As the author of this presentation, I speak for one that was circumcised as an adult. When I became sexually active as an uncircumcised young adult, my foreskin was ripping from my frenulum. The pain and consistent injury was unacceptable.

I was fully awake when I was circumcised at age 20. It was no fun but it had to be done.