What is Circumcision?
Circumcision involves removing the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin is a skin shroud that, when gently pulled, exposes the head of the penis.
The surgery is relatively simple. The health care professional will free the foreskin from the head of the penis and, in the case of newborns, clip it in a procedure that only takes a few minutes. In adults, they remove the foreskin with a scalpel, this takes about 30 minutes.
They will then either cauterize the wound or sew it up with dissolvable sutures.
Why circumcision of newborns?
There are a number of factors associated with newborn circumcision.
The most common are:
- religion
- Cleanliness
- health considerations
Some studies have suggested that circumcision reduces the risk of UTIs, but recent findings contradict this, with some suggesting that it may actually increase the risk.
Evidence has indicated a reduced risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis. Circumcised males appear to be less likely to contract herpes or HIV.
In very rare cases, balanitis or phimosis can occur in uncircumcised males. Under these conditions, the foreskin cannot retract. This requires surgical treatment.
Penile cancer is extremely rare, but appears to be slightly more common in males with a high body mass index (BMI), males with a history of smoking, and uncircumcised males, who have a combination of these factors.
Adult circumcision
Circumcision is more uncommon in grown-ups than in youngsters. It takes longer and is probably going to include more tissue injury. It might likewise cause more mental injury than it does in infants.
However, it may reduce the risk of developing some conditions, including phimosis, balanitis, and balanitis.
Phimosis is the inability to pull the foreskin back, which leads to pain and problems in the urinary tract. It can occur if a male is born with a narrow foreskin or because of scarring, infection or inflammation. Treatment choices incorporate skin corticosteroids or circumcision.
Paraphimosis happens when the prepuce becomes stuck behind the top of the penis and limits blood stream to the furthest limit of the penis. It can result from a clinical mediation, like the utilization of a catheter. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency. Gangrene can occur without treatment. Treatment aims to reduce swelling, but most doctors recommend circumcision after recovery, in order to prevent a recurrence of the condition.
Balanitis occurs when the tip of the penis becomes inflamed or swollen. This could be due to an STD, thrush, skin irritation, or another skin condition. It is uncommon in circumcised males. Circumcision can prevent recurrence of balanitis.
Circumcision and HIV
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), there is “unquestionable proof” that circumcision lessens the danger of HIV disease during vaginal sex by 60%Trusted Source.
In any case, they note that circumcision will just give incomplete assurance, and they encourage individuals to utilize boundary techniques like condoms also.
The greater chance of infection may be because the foreskin becomes more susceptible to splits and ruptures during intercourse, allowing pathogens to enter the bloodstream.
Another possibility is that the space between the penis and the foreskin may provide an environment in which the virus can live for a period of time, expanding the danger of infection for the individual and their next assistant.
Some argue that the rate of HIV infection in the United States is relatively high despite the high rates of circumcision. In addition, findings from studies in Africa and Asia linking circumcision with HIV prevention, particularly in heterosexual populations, may not be translated into the United States.
Risks
Circumcision is a relatively safe procedure, and serious complications are rare.
However, the following risks are possible:
- The specialist stops the prepuce as well or leaves it excessively long.
- The wound does not heal properly.
- Blood loss and bleeding occur.
- Flesh narrowing occurs. This condition causes the urethra to deviate upward, making it difficult to straighten out.
- The damage affects the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine through the penis. This can make urination difficult.
- In very rare cases, there may be an accidental amputation of the head of the penis.
- Blood infection or sepsis, known as septicemia, may develop.
- The foreskin that is left behind may stick to the penis and require other minor surgery.
- There may be decreased sensation in the penis, especially during intercourse.