Argumentative Essay On Circumcision

Circumcision is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. This elective surgery is done to remove the foreskin of the penis. The foreskin covers the head of the penis, and the surgery is usually performed while the baby is still in the hospital after birth or at a well-child checkup. The decision to have the surgery is decided by the parents and is based on religious, cultural, and personal beliefs. Some parents pick circumcision for social reasons, for example the parents may want their child to look like the other men in the family. “55% of newborn males born in the United States in 2009 were circumcised” (Chapman & Durham, 2014, p. 405). The American Academy of Pediatrics looks at the benefits and risks of the procedure, and it was found to not recommend this procedure become routine. “data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision” (Taeusch, Martinez, Partridge, Snidermen, Armstrong-Wells & Fuentes-Afflick, 2002, p. 214). Parents need to understand the risks, and benefits of the surgery before they make the decision. The risks of the procedure will be talked about with the parents prior to signing the consent form, and there must be a witness …show more content…
However, even with this increased risk only 1% of uncircumcised males will be affected with the increased risk. Circumcision can also decrease the incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Inflammation, irritation, and infection are also more common in uncircumcised males. This happens because the penis is not cleaned properly. It is easier to keep a circumcised penis clean. However, uncircumcised males can learn how to clean under the foreskin which can reduce problems associated with not being circumcised. Some people say circumcision will lessen the sensitivity of the tip of the penis. However, these findings are not conclusive because they are subjective. (Chapman & Durham,