Circumcision: Is the Pendulum Swinging Back Again?
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Dr. Shapiro completed his undergraduate education at UC San Diego, earning a B.S. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and a B.A. in Political Science. He furthered his education at UCLA where he earned a Masters Degree in Public…
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Are There Medical Benefits to Circumcision?
Posted in Circumcision by Dr. Jeremy F. Shapiro on Sep 10, 2012
About every 5-6 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reexamines its policy statements to ensure current research and literature justifies the positions it takes. Often, no-to-minimal changes are made but in some situations, dramatic shifts in viewpoint may follow. But bottom-line, a thorough examination of current research must occur before changes (or non-changes) in policy statements are made.
Now probably one of the most controversial areas the AAP touches upon is the issue of infant circumcision as public opinions are usually both strong and vocal. And back in 1999 (with reaffirmation in 2005,) the AAP stated there were some potential health benefits of circumcision but not enough to outweigh the risks. But as new research has emerged over the last few years, the AAP has modified its stance by stating the medical benefits of circumcision do outweigh the small risks. More specifically, the task force involved in creating the new policy statement analyzed over 1,000 research articles published between 1995 and 2000 and some of the conclusions include:
- Dr. Jeremy
Now probably one of the most controversial areas the AAP touches upon is the issue of infant circumcision as public opinions are usually both strong and vocal. And back in 1999 (with reaffirmation in 2005,) the AAP stated there were some potential health benefits of circumcision but not enough to outweigh the risks. But as new research has emerged over the last few years, the AAP has modified its stance by stating the medical benefits of circumcision do outweigh the small risks. More specifically, the task force involved in creating the new policy statement analyzed over 1,000 research articles published between 1995 and 2000 and some of the conclusions include:
- Circumcision does reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) during the first year of life.So the question becomes what is the take-home point of the updated policy statement? Firstly, I do agree it’s important all parents of male newborns are aware of the potential medical health benefits of a circumcision; but as is stated in the policy statement, also agree no formal recommendation for routine circumcision needs to follow. The decision of routine circumcision ultimately falls upon the parents of the child and as a Pediatrician, my goal is to make sure parents are fully educated to the current medical research and literature.
- Circumcision also, later in life, reduces the risk of penile cancer as well as the risk of HIV transmission and acquiring other sexually transmitted diseases (herpes, syphilis, HPV.)
- In regard to the risks of performing a circumcision, they continue to remain low.
- Dr. Jeremy
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Eighty five percent of men internationally are now, including the majority throughout history, intact and living proof that "circumcision" is a lie. If it is so great, then why aren't all men in the world, not just the unfortunate minority, missing half of the skin on their penises? The only ones promoting this superstitious procedure are the ones with the scars. Wake up people, you can't be lead by these manipulative fraudsters who trample the rights of boys to remain as they were designed or evolved, intact.
By andie7 Sep 18, 2012
8
The AAP has discredited itself once again. They are made up of "doctors" with a vested interest in keeping "circumcision," the euphemism for genital mutilation, alive. They want to do this because if they actually came out and honestly told everyone that it really is only a cash cow, and it is, they would be liable in the billions. They have to keep it alive because they are dirty liars. The Netherlands is actually considering a ban on this outdated fraudulent practice, as they should.
By andie7 Sep 18, 2012
7
This "doctor" is nothing more than a plaid jacket salesman once again trying to manipulate the reader into believing that boys are objects and not people. When will he, and his ilk, stop doing this? Doesn't he understand that it is unethical to remove body parts from non-consenting individuals? It is not a parent's choice, it is the boy's when he is an adult. Shapiro should be thrown in prison for such fraudulent, outdated, and erroneous advice, as well as the others who spew such nonsense.
By andie7 Sep 18, 2012
6
The same antibiotics used on girls, who have a higher rate of UTI's than boys, can be used on boys. NOT "CIRCUMCISION!" Penile cancer is more rare than male breast cancer, and genital mutilation won't prevent penile cancer from happening to any other part of the genitals. The studies done in Africa were conducted unscientifically and are not valid. So why didn't they do the HIV studies in Europe where almost no one is missing genital parts? Because the findings wouldn't favour how they wanted to skew the studies.
By andie7 Sep 18, 2012
5
And, any woman who says "its cleaner" is the pot calling the kettle black. At least is keeps the shallow ones away. It looks like some of humanity will eventually think itself out of existence. For me, it won't happen soon enough to eliminate the genital mutilators from committing further acts of child abuse.
By andie7 Sep 18, 2012
4
Unfortunately, once again, the Jewish "Dr." Shapiro has decided to ignore the rights of boys to make their own decisions for THEIR BODIES as adults. No mention is made of human rights here. Mightn't he have an ulterior motive other than to make an extra payment on his fancy car or second home? Also, no mention of the deaths and disfigurements? The only problem a child's penis ever has is in the mind of the quack who wants to cut it for profit, or the Jew or Muslim who wants to act out his sexual abuse (the majority of Jews in Russia don't practice it, good on them). Every other problem is solvable or preventable without removing half of the penis's highly receptive dermal skin system.
By andie7 Sep 18, 2012
3
This is indeed interesting for women as well as men, if uncircumcised men are more likely to transmit HPV, if they have multiple partners, one or more of whom also have multiple partners.
By Fern RL Sep 18, 2012
2
i had a long talk with my pediatrician about this before my son was even born. what her stance was on it, medical literature, the risks, if she would do it or refer us to someone else, etc. Unfortunately, i just dont think a lot of people are as educated on the matter as they need to be or should be before making such an important choice. In the end, she performed the circumcision and did a moderate version; taking only the end of the foreskin so it was retractable for cleaning, but leaving a good deal to help keep things protected. I am happy with out choice, as i feel we walked into it with an educated manner.
By des10ed2b Sep 17, 2012
1
Here's another benefit to male circumcision, this benefit for women. A comparison between African tribes that practice male circumcision and those that don't found that the rates of cervical cancer were significantly lower in those tribes that practice male circumcision.
By painfree123 Sep 11, 2012
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