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Circumcision: pros and cons
Berk Burgu1, Ozgu Aydogdu, Semih Tangal
1Department of Pediatric Urology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Male circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin, is linked to a reduced risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in infants. This procedure also shows potential benefits in preventing certain infections and cancers.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Male circumcision is a common elective surgical procedure.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more frequent in uncircumcised males, particularly during infancy.
- The foreskin's role in health and disease is a subject of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the embryology, epidemiology, indications, and complications of male circumcision.
- To examine the association between circumcision and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- To explore the role of circumcision in congenital urinary anomalies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and penile cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on male circumcision.
- Analysis of epidemiological data regarding UTIs and circumcision status.
- Examination of research on STDs, HIV, and penile cancer in relation to circumcision.
Main Results:
- Circumcision is associated with a decreased incidence of UTIs in male infants.
- The procedure may offer protective effects against certain sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
- Evidence suggests a potential role in reducing the risk of penile cancer.
Conclusions:
- Male circumcision offers significant health benefits, including reduced UTI risk in infants.
- The procedure warrants consideration for its protective role against STDs and penile cancer.
- Further research can clarify the full spectrum of circumcision's health implications.
Abstract:
Circumcision is possibly the most frequently performed elective surgical procedure in men. It can simply be described as the excision of the preputium. There have been several studies about the association between circumcision and urinary tract infections (UTI). Many studies have demonstrated that the frequency of UTI increase in uncircumcised males, especially in the first year of life. This review discusses the embryology of the preputium, epidemiology, indications, complications and benefits of circumcision, as well as operation and anesthesiology techniques. It especially examines the association between UTI and circumcision and the importance of circumcision in congenital urinary system anomalies. In addition, this review examines the associations between circumcision and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, and the protective role of circumcision on penile cancer.
