The pro’s and cons of circumcision

Advantages:

• A decreased risk of penile cancer
• Easier to maintain hygiene, and with better hygiene, fewer infections
• Circumcision prevents phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin at an age when it should normally be retractable); paraphimosis (the painful inability to return the foreskin to its original location); and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin).

Disadvantages:
Ganchi says that if circumcisions are done in a hospital or medical practice by trained practitioners, the complication rate is as low as 2%. He says the most common problem of this procedure would be bleeding post circumcision. “This rarely results in death and can be adequately managed. Infection, in theory, is possible, but has an almost nil occurrence in such a setting.” He says that, although pain is experienced, adequate anaesthesia, which can last up to eight hours, and analgesics are extremely effective. Another disadvantage of circumcision is when too much foreskin is removed. The individual may experience painful erections, and skin grafting may then become necessary. If too little foreskin is removed, a re-circumcision may be needed.

Says Ganchi: “In recent years, traditional circumcisions in the Xhosa and Shangaan culture, among others, have evoked serious debates. Many initiates go through this puberty rite, marking the boy’s passage into adulthood in South Africa and other neighbouring countries. Unfortunately, severe bleeding, sepsis, risk of HIV infection and Hepatitis B, due to the use of non-sterile blades, penile amputations and even deaths have been reported.” He adds that the combination of a medical circumcision together with traditional initiation will minimise morbidity and adverse effects. This needs to be explored further as these deaths are entirely preventable.

By Xanet van Vuuren


xanet van vuuren, baby, birth, circumcision