Although data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the rate of circumcision has decreased slightly in the past decade or so, surgical procedures for male infants are still very common in the United States, with approximately 65.5% of white and 64.4% of black male infants receiving such procedures. Most American parents who are most likely to undergo circumcision for their newly born child have the following more or less health reasons:
To reduce the risk of urinary tract infection
Prevent possible penile problems, such as inflammation, difficulty contracting the penis, and reduce the risk of penile cancer.
Reduce the chance of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
The American Children's Association stated in its policy on circumcision that although surgery can bring many benefits to people, they are still unable to recommend routine circumcision for all newborns. The American Children's Association also claims that it leaves the decision to the parents of newborns and supports the use of anesthetics during surgery.
"The circumcision of a newborn is usually performed in a doctor's nursery, usually starting 10 days after birth, and the penis recovers in seven to 10 days.". Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior editor at Fox News Health and head of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Kazakhstan Medical Center, believes that the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks.
"Although some may argue that there is no overwhelming medical need for circumcision, it is still categorized in a fully systematic medical curriculum," he said.
Strictly speaking, Alvare believes that this is even more a choice for parents. "The decision on circumcision for infants can only be made based on screening recommendations from the medical community. This is just a common procedure with little medical risk," he said. There is no evidence that circumcision can affect fertility.
Can circumcision enhance sexual pleasure?
Whether circumcision can enhance male sexual pleasure has been a topic of constant debate among experts.
Dr. Ian Connor, a New York City sex therapist, said on Fox Radio that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that circumcised penises can have more sexual pleasure.
”Some people believe that foreskin surgery enhances sexual pleasure because sensitive parts of the penis's head are exposed, and believe that people who undergo surgery may be more prone to premature ejaculation for this reason. In addition, those who did not cut the foreskin said that the back and forth friction of the foreskin could enhance the pleasure. But that hasn't really been proven. "Kenner said.
Whether you circumcise or not, Kenner says it can't stop men from enjoying sex. Kenner emphasized that the topic of circumcision can also bring social stigma.
”"Having circumcision has become a more normative standard than not having it done, but more and more parents are not deciding to have their children undergo circumcision.". The standard of our thinking is really constantly changing. Nowadays, in multicultural dressing rooms, few people will pay attention to the difference between you and them.
Kenner emphasized that being ridiculed for something during adolescence is almost inevitable. "Boys may be ridiculed by many different things - small penises, foreskins, and long pubic hair. Boys always find reasons to laugh at others. Parents should teach them to have a strong will to respect others and make them feel comfortable in their bodies," he said.
In general, it is up to your partner and the doctor to jointly decide whether to undergo foreskin surgery. Kenner said. "If, as a parent, you want your child to undergo circumcision because you're worried about being ridiculed in the dressing room, then your reason is already wrong."
(Intern Editor: Cai Junyi)