Deciding About Circumcision

What Is Circumcision?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin from the head of the penis.  Some parents choose to circumcise their sons.  Others choose not to.  This brochure can help you make the best choice for you and your son.

When Is Circumcision Done?

Circumcision is most often done just before a baby boy goes home from the hospital.  But you can also choose to have it done later.  However, when the child is older, circumcision requires anesthesia and costs more.  If a baby is born early (premature) or is ill, circumcision will not be done until he is stronger.

Who Does the Circumcision?

For a newborn, circumcision may be done by:

• An obstetrician (a doctor who delivers babies)
• A pediatrician (a doctor who cares for children)
• A neonatologist (a doctor who cares for newborns)
• A family doctor

When the boy is older, circumcision is usually done by a urologist (a doctor who cares for the urinary tract).  The doctor can discuss the procedure with you and answer your questions.  If you decide to have your son circumcised, you will be asked to sign a consent form. 

The Foreskin

A boy is born with a layer of skin (foreskin) that covers the head of the penis.  At birth, the foreskin is fully attached to the head.  The foreskin can be removed (circumcision), or it can be left on.  If it is left on, the foreskin separates from the head and can be pulled back by about 3 years of age.

Considering Your Options

There are good reasons to choose circumcision, and good reasons not to.  Some doctors are in favor of circumcision.  Others are not.  Sometimes the choice is based on religious, social, or cultural beliefs.  Parents want their son to be like his father or like other boys.  In the end, it is up to you to decide what's best for your son.

Arguments in Favor of Circumcision

• The head of the penis is easier to wash when the foreskin is removed.  This makes odor, swelling, and infection less likely.
• When the foreskin is removed, it cannot get pulled back and trapped behind the head of the penis.
• Some studies show that circumcised men are less likely to carry the virus for genital warts (HPV).  This virus can cause cancer of the cervix in women.  Some studies also suggest that circumcised men are not as likely to get other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as syphilis or gonorrhea.
• Circumcised men almost never develop cancer of the penis.  Some studies suggest this is because the circumcised penis is easier to keep clean.
• Circumcision may reduce the risk of getting urinary infections.  Studies show that bacteria are not as likely to get into the urinary tract if the foreskin is removed.

Arguments Against Circumcision

• The penis can easily be washed by pulling back the foreskin.  When the penis is washed daily, odor, swelling, and infection are not likely to occur.
• The chance of the foreskin ever getting trapped behind the head of the penis is very slight.
• Other studies show that uncircumcised men are no more likely to get STDs than circumcised men are.  Limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom play the biggest role in preventing STDs.  Still other studies question the link between men who are uncircumcised and cancer of the cervix in women.
• Cancer of the penis is very rare.  And it may be more closely linked to not washing the penis than to being uncircumcised.
• Circumcision has risks.  The penis may become infected or bleed.  Too little or too much foreskin may be removed.  The procedure is also most likely painful for the infant.

It's Your Choice

It's up to you to weigh the arguments for and against circumcision.  Then you can decide what's best for you and your son.  Remember: There is no right or wrong choice.  Circumcised or uncircumcised, your son can lead an active, healthy childhood and adult life.