My Penis Stuff

The American Urological Association, Inc.® (AUA) believes that circumcision, removal of the foreskin of the penis, performed on a newborn (neonatal) has potential medical benefits and advantages as well as disadvantages and risks.

Neonatal circumcision is generally a rapid and safe procedure when performed by an experienced physician. There are immediate risks to circumcision such as bleeding, infection and penile injury, as well as complications recognized later that may include buried penis (Also referred to as concealed or hidden penis. Condition where the penile shaft is buried below the surface of the pubic skin.), meatal stenosis (Narrowing at the end of the urine channel at the tip of the penis.), skin bridges (Adherence of two skin surfaces.), chordee (Abnormal downward bend of the penis during an erection.) and poor cosmetic appearance. Some of these complications might require surgical correction. Nevertheless, when performed on healthy newborn infants as an elective procedure, the incidence of serious complications is extremely low. The minor complications are reported to be three percent.

Properly performed neonatal circumcision prevents phimosis (Condition in which the foreskin cannot be pulled back behind the head of the penis.), paraphimosis (Condition in which the foreskin is trapped behind the glans penis and cannot be pulled down to cover the head of the penis.) and balanoposthitis (Inflammation of glans and foreskin.), and is associated with a decreased incidence of cancer of the penis among U.S. males. In addition, there is a connection between the foreskin and urinary tract infections in the neonate. For the first three to six months of life, the incidence of urinary tract infections is at least ten times higher in uncircumcised than circumcised boys. Evidence associating circumcision with reduced incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (Also referred to as STDs. Any of a diverse group of infections caused by biologically dissimilar pathogens and transmitted by sexual contact.) is conflicting. Circumcision may be required in a small number of uncircumcised boys when phimosis, paraphimosis or recurrent balanoposthitis occur and may be requested for ethnic and cultural reasons after the newborn period. Circumcision in these children usually requires general anesthesia.

When circumcision is being discussed with parents and informed consent obtained, medical benefits and risks, and ethnic, cultural, religious and individual preferences should be considered. The risks and disadvantages of circumcision are encountered early whereas the advantages and benefits may be prospective.