The medical benefits of male circumcision overshadows the risks of the procedure. This was according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) after holding a multidisciplinary workgroup of its members and other relevant stakeholders which was aimed at further evaluation and reaffirmation of the AAP’s 1999 endorsements in this matter. This paper will highlight some of the benefits briefly thereafter the socio-economic and cultural influences on male circumcision.
Male circumcision decreases the risk of urinary tract infection by between 10% and 3.7%, and reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by about 60% (Schoen 790). It also improves sexual functionality and creativity amongst couples as uncircumcised men are prone to sexual difficulties in relation to circumcised men. In addition, male circumcision lowers the risk of STDs, protects against penile cancer, and reduces the risk of penile human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This is tied to the reduction of the possibility of cervical cancer in female spouses especially for men with earlier account of multiple partners. Male circumcision decreases the risk of phimosis and balanoposthitis. Finally, circumcision prevents chlamydia infections and consequent pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic sky pregnancy and infertility (Masters 189).
Some cultural norms have no value for circumcision depending on their beliefs while others put emphasis on it. Some cultures it is not for medical purposes though. Even as the benefits seem many it can be a hard task to convince and educate a culture that negates circumcision. In some cultures it is done later on in life when one is mature which could have exposed an individual to the risks of being uncircumcised. The social and economic environment also determine which males gets circumcised or not. If one is brought up in a poor village where say 70% of the men are uncircumcised, chances are high he will not be circumcised. Hygiene and economics are tied, and if the facilities and conditions are not there, circumcision can be dangerous especially if done non-medically.
Work Cited
Masters, W.H, Johson, V.E. Human Sexual Response. Boston: Little Brown and Company; 1996. p. 189-91.
Schoen, E.J, Colby, C.J, Ray, G.T. Newborn Circumcision Decreases Incidence And Costs Of Urinary Tract Infections During the First Year of Life. Pediatrics2000;105:789-93.
