There is a lot of discussion as well as superstition when it comes to the age-old topic of circumcision. In medical practices, it is considered to decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections and promote easier hygiene among many other benefits. On the other hand, a lot of people believe that having the foreskin cut off adds to their manliness or being "macho"—at least here in the Philippines—while also increasing the size of one's own genitalia.
While science and folklore have different opinions about the matter, the choice of whether or not to snip is ultimately a personal decision.
That being said, it is definitely a topic parents will need to talk about with their young boys when the time inevitably comes. Understandably, it can get a little awkward to even open up the topic, but letting them know that they have a say in their bodies matters. In making the choice, however, one does not need to and should generally not base it solely on societal standards, though that is easier said than done. But, making an informed decision by weighing the pros and the cons as well as looking into the matter of why it's important in the first place can certainly help guide your child to making the choice that feels right to them.
Start off with the most basic explanation of circumcision itself: it is the surgical removal of the foreskin which sits at the tip of the penis effectively covering it. In countries like the US, it is a very common procedure, but in Europe, it is less common. Here in the Philippines on the other hand, it is considered by many, or even the vast majority, as a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood. Those who have not undergone the ritual are often ridiculed by others and are given the label of "supot" while those who do go through it feel transformed into a more manly man after maybe a few days of reeling from the pain that comes with the said procedure. In other cultures, however, particularly for many Jewish and Islamic families, it is seen as a religious ritual and therefore requires newborn babies to be circumcised. In terms of exploring folkloric beliefs such as the circumcision procedure apparently enhancing the penis size, Dr. Daniel Galang from an interview with Rappler debunks this by explaining that height is primarily influenced by one's genetics and nutritional factors. He further clarifies that a person's development is entirely independent of circumcision. Still, it is beliefs like these that have seeped into the collective consciousness that ultimately drives this passage of rite that boys, typically ages nine to twelve, in the country go through and why many parents agree to it aside from just the medical or hygienic benefits that it brings.
Considering just these factors however, it is then important to raise the question of "why you would like to have a circumcision performed" as Dr. Kokorowski from Cedars Sinai puts it. Is it due to a deeply embedded cultural thing? Or is it simply personal preference? Perhaps it may even be because of medical benefits. These are worthy considerations to ponder about before diving deeper.
Now putting aside the cultural and folklore aspect, there is also another aspect to look into, mainly the medical implications of circumcision which holds a lot of debate over the matter.
According to the Mayo Clinic, its health benefits include the following:
Allows for easier hygiene because with the foreskin gone, washing the penis becomes simpler to do.
Risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) is decreased. While the risk of UTI in males is low, these infections tend to be more common in uncircumcised men.
Decreased risk of catching sexually transmitted infections (STI). Although, it is important to note that while circumcision lowers the risk of certain STIs, including of HIV, it is still important to maintain safe sexual practices.
Prevents penile problems. On occasion, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or even impossible to retract (pull back). This condition is referred to as phimosis and may be caused by an inflammation or an infection of the foreskin. In other instances, it happens naturally or is the result of scarring.
Decreased chances of penile cancer. Despite cancer of the penis being rare, it is less common in circumcised men.
But of course, like any other medical procedure, there still are cons and risks to it that could be enough of a reason why your son might not go through with it:
May be considered by some as a form of disfigurement.
May cause pain, however safe and effective medications can be administered to reduce the pain
May cause rare complications such as cutting the foreskin too long or too short; may fail to heal properly; may require minor surgical repair in the instance that the remaining foreskin attaches to the end of the penis.
Scar tissue may form
With that out of the way, there's still another question that might be lingering on your son's head, "Is circumcision really necessary?" and the answer to that truly varies from one family to the next. If an answer is really needed, well according to the Urology Medical Group, it generally isn't medically necessary. This perhaps even begs the question of "why is this a discussion in the first place?" and that's most likely and mainly because it's a decision available for you and your son to make.
When it comes down to it, there is "no right or wrong answer" according to Dr. Andrew Freedman from Cedars Sinai. Rather, what is more important is to act upon it and make the decision based on all the factors that concern you most, be it a cultural aspect, a medical concern, or even personal preference. By considering all the available information as well as evaluating what feels to be the best course of action can your son make a choice that fits right in with how they wants to take over their body autonomy.
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