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Male circumcision: pain, trauma and psychosexual sequelae
Gregory J Boyle1, Ronald Goldman, J Steven Svoboda
1Bond University, Australia.
Journal of Health Psychology
|November 25, 2011
Summary
Infant male circumcision is a painful procedure with potential long-term physical, sexual, and psychological consequences. Re-examining the medical justification and ethical considerations for performing this surgery on minors is timely.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Pediatric Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Infant male circumcision is prevalent despite ongoing debates regarding its medical necessity.
- The procedure is often performed without pain management, leading to observable distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the medical justification for infant male circumcision.
- To discuss the potential physical, sexual, and psychological risks associated with the procedure.
- To encourage a re-examination of the evidence and ethical considerations for performing circumcision on unconsenting minors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies and literature on infant male circumcision.
- Analysis of reported physical, sexual, and psychological outcomes.
- Consideration of ethical implications and potential legal liabilities.
Main Results:
- Circumcision is associated with acute pain and potential long-term negative consequences.
- Some studies suggest links between involuntary circumcision and negative emotions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Men have described experiences of violation and mutilation related to the procedure.
Conclusions:
- The medical justification for infant male circumcision warrants further scrutiny.
- Health professionals and scientists should engage in the debate regarding the risks and ethical considerations of performing this surgery on minors.
- The potential for adverse physical, sexual, and psychological outcomes necessitates a thorough re-evaluation of current practices.
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