Male Circumcision : Friend or Foe ?

Throughout history circumcision has been an acceptable practice. It has even been considered necessary. The questions that have been arising have good and detailed reasoning but what about the cultural and religious reasoning mentioned before? Many Jewish people have changed their views and have not chosen to circumcise their sons. This has created another controversy within the Jewish community. Many Jewish people believe that circumcision is practiced due to cultural beliefs, not religi

Circumcision does come with risks. Some of these risks include: excessive bleeding, injury to glans, infection, complications from anesthesia, and surgical error. In rare cases, the complications can be life threatening. In 20% of circumcised males will suffer from the following complications: narrowing of the urethral opening, extensive scarring, tight painful erections, and psychological and psychosexual problems. (APA, 2001.)

There are several parts of the penis that are removed when circumcision is performed. The foreskin comprises 50% of the mobile skin system of the penis. The foreskin serves three primary functions: protective, sensory, and sexual. The protective function aids in the prevention of infection. At birth the skin is still fused to the glands. The foreskin protects against abrasion from diapers and feces. Throughout life the foreskin keeps the glans soft and moist. This protects the area against trauma and injury. The mucosa (inner foreskin) is directly against the glans. It is extremely sensitive and contributes to sexual pleasure and control. The rigid band is considered to be “the most erogenous zone of the male body.” It controls and triggers the male orgasm. Many sensory receptors are removed or damaged. There is 10,000 to 20,000 estimated pleasures –producing nerve endings that are damaged (Kapila, 1993).

It is a wise decision to make large decisions based upon facts instead of history. There are differences between ritual and routine circumcisions. Throughout history we have been programmed to believe that circumcision was the only choice. New evidence has been offered to dispute the old ways. I believe that it is important to leave the foreskin intact. I do not believe that it is our decision to take away a part of someone’s body for any reason. When girls have their clitorises removed in other countries, we consider this to be genital mutilation. When we remove a boy’s foreskin, it is not considered genital mutilation. I do not understand the difference. To me using a scalpel to remove a part of flesh from someone’s genitals is considered mutilation. It is not sensible or healthy. Parents, no matter what faith or religion, need to consider the serious choice that they are making for their children. There is information that is made readily available to assist those in need with information. I consider the choice to circumcise an important and crucial matter for the child involved. A parent needs to view more aspects than only the religious perspective. I believe that people become accusto

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