Circumcision Benefits
Circumcision is a crucial process in men’s lives. It is one of the prehistoric and common surgical procedures globally. The process had existed since 2400 BC when Egyptians corroborated circumcision history (El-Gohary 115). It was intertwined with the priesthood and later linked to cleanliness and depilation meant to achieve purgation. At around 400 BC, Phoenicians took up the practice and propagated it to other nations (El-Gohary 115). The subsequent follow-up of this crucial social and cultural practice by other global communities made it one of the major life-based processes among men. Today, communities uphold the practice and require that men experience the cut for health benefits and social, cultural, and medical reasons. One of the advantages of this vital process is preventing healthcare conditions, such as urinary tract infections. Circumcised men have a reduced chance of developing urinary tract infections compared to un-circumcised ones. Notably, circumcision reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS and gonorrhea. Circumcised men are likely to develop better hygiene compared to uncircumcised individuals. Circumcision remains one of the important processes in men’s lives as it reduces the likelihood of developing urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and boosts hygiene.
Circumcision Reduces Urinary Tract Infections
Circumcision reduces the risk of developing UTI (Urinary Tract Infections). This is one of the conditions that significantly affect men and could further expose them to adverse health outcomes. This process acts as a remedy for UTIs and other associated conditions. For example, urethritis and cystitis are common UTIs that might emerge in a non-circumcised man. A study done by Eisenberg et al. (178) on circumcised boys and uncircumcised ones shows that the latter experienced UTI. The data obtained from the assessment showed that 39 uncircumcised boys were diagnosed with UTI during a follow-up process (Eisenberg et al. 179). The outcome showed that this process could reduce the chances of developing UTIs. As Hayashi and Kenjiro (769) further state, there is significant proof that circumcision helps prevent urinary tract contaminations likely to expose men to infections. 95% of the uncircumcised infants had contracted UTI, an indication that the process is an effective remedy for this condition (Hayashi and Kenjiro 769). Men should ensure that they pass through this essential step to reduce exposure to UTIs. Besides reducing the chances of developing urinary tract infections, circumcision helps in preventing sexually transmitted infections.
Circumcision Helps in Reducing Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The circumcision process’s impact on offering protection against sexually transmitted infections and diseases cannot be undermined. Circumcised men are less likely to develop diseases such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhea, and herpes. A study by McNeily and Kourosh (58) on 2000 American men attending STI clinics showed an increased risk of gonorrhea infections among non-circumcised men. The research outcome showed the significant potential that the circumcision process has in protecting men against sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea. A randomized controlled trial conducted in Africa showed that circumcision lowers the risk of sexually transmitted infections (Friedman et al. 769). Men are more prone to HIV and other forms of STIs, and undergoing the circumcision process helps reduce the risk of developing these illnesses. There is a dire need to ensure that all males are circumcised with the primary focus of protecting themselves against STIs. However, they must observe safe sexual activities because circumcision does not guarantee a hundred percent protection. Lastly, it offers optimal hygiene.
Circumcision Helps Men to Develop Better Hygiene
Circumcision develops viable hygiene practices because of the ease experienced in cleaning the penis area. This organ calls for keen attention when washing because it can act as a habitat for germs causing diseases. Castro-Vazquez (4) states that infant penile hygiene is accelerated by male circumcision. It ensures that individuals can maintain good health and prevent themselves from diseases due to improved hygiene practices. The penis is a vital organ prone to various adverse outcomes if males fail to wash it appropriately. The removal of the foreskin paves the way for effective cleaning practices. Despite circumcision being an essential action that protects men against UTIs and STIs and enables them to develop better hygiene, it is prone to genital mutilation and excessive bleeding if not appropriately facilitated.
Circumcision might lead to genital mutilation and excessive bleeding if the practitioner handling the process fails to take adequate care and caution. For example, among communities that practice neonatal circumcision, there is a higher likelihood of genital mutilation. As Sorokan et al. (311) state, neonatal circumcision could expose young ones to inappropriate conditions such as mutilations. It would be appropriate to allow children to have autonomy in circumcision decision-making processes. Also, there is a risk of excessive bleeding that might lead to anemia. These challenges deter the impacts attributed to the circumcision process.
Conclusion
Circumcision remains an essential process that has massive health benefits for male populations. It enables men to protect themselves against UTIs and STIs. Notably, men develop better hygiene practices when circumcised. Even though the process might lead to excessive bleeding and genital mutilation either intentionally or accidentally, it remains one of the essential steps in a man’s life. However, the benefits overlie these challenges to make circumcision one of the common social, cultural, and medical practices globally. All males must look forward to circumcision as it offers optimal health benefits.
Works Cited
Castro-Vázquez, Genaro. “Paediatric male circumcision and penile hygiene: A Japanese mothers’ view.” Anthropology & Medicine 20.3 (2013): 299-310.
Eisenberg, Michael L., et al. “The relationship between neonatal circumcision, urinary tract infection, and health.” The world journal of men’s health 36.3 (2018): 176-182.
El-Gohary, M. Amin. “Circumcision: History, Philosophy, and Facts.” Open Journal of Urology 5.08 (2015): 114.
Friedman, B., et al. “Pros and cons of circumcision: An evidence-based overview.” Clinical Microbiology and Infection 22.9 (2016): 768-774.
Hayashi, Yutaro, and Kenjiro Kohri. “Circumcision related to urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, human immunodeficiency virus infections, and penile and cervical cancer.” International Journal of Urology 20.8 (2013): 769-775.
MacNeily, Andrew E., and Kourosh Afshar. “Circumcision and non-HIV sexually transmitted infections.” Canadian Urological Association Journal 5.1 (2011): 58.
Sorokan, S. Todd, et al. “Newborn male circumcision.” Paediatrics & child health 20.6 (2015): 311-315.
