Medical Benefits of Newborn Circumcision: What Research Says

Newborn circumcision is the removal of the male infant’s penis foreskin. It’s a surgical procedure that has become a widely debated issue. Numerous research studies have successfully proven its remarkable medical benefits.

Despite the proven medical benefits that circumcision provides, personal, cultural, and religious factors have turned out to be the more important reasons for the surgery.

Health professionals conduct infant circumcisions in a sterile environment. The newborn is given a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. The foreskin is carefully removed using techniques like clamping and cutting.

This article will delve into the scientific justifications for why newborn circumcision is advantageous. We at Omega Pediatrics attempt to explain the medical benefits and other useful information for a comprehensive understanding.

1.   Reduced Risk of Urinary Tract Infections

This is the most significant health benefit of newborn circumcision since UTIs are more common among males than female babies. Further, it occurs more among uncircumcised babies than among those who are circumcised.

UTI is a serious health concern among newborns. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as kidney damage. By reducing its risk through circumcision, the likelihood of these complications is also diminished.

How does circumcision helps? Circumcision reduces bacteria buildup in the urinary tract. Without the foreskin, the warm and moist environment that induces bacterial growth is also removed, thus reducing the chances of infection.

Not only in newborns but also in children and adults, UTI is less likely to happen if circumcised. Bacteria grows anywhere in the urinary system, and the kidneys and bladders will be affected. Bacterial growth causes the UTI.

Furthermore, UTIs cause discomfort and pain in infants, leading to irritability and feeding problems. By reducing its incidence, newborn circumcision can contribute to the overall well-being and comfort of your baby.

2.   Easy Maintenance of Genital Hygiene

The penis can be easily cleaned without the foreskin. In uncircumcised males, hygiene can be hardly maintained due to the foreskin. This latter condition leads to bacterial and fungal infections.

Also, smegma accumulation poses a problem if not circumcised. This condition causes unpleasant odors and infections. Circumcision can solve this issue, particularly benefiting individuals with physical limitations, such as the elderly who struggle to clean their genitals.

3.   Lower Incidence of Balanitis and Phimosis

Newborn circumcision has been linked to a lower incidence of penile problems, particularly balanitis and phimosis, that cause discomfort, pain, and difficulties with hygiene. By removing the foreskin, infants are less likely to experience these issues.

Balanitis is characterized by inflamed penis around the foreskin and head. This is due to improper hygiene, which accumulates bacteria or yeast. On an uncircumcised penis, it’s more difficult to clean beneath the foreskin.

An uncircumcised penis is conducive to growth of microorganisms which results to  accumulation of smegma. Research proves that circumcision significantly decreases the likelihood of balanitis.

Conversely, phimosis is characterized by the inability to retract the foreskin and reveal the penis. This conditions leads to a great deal of discomfort, similarly resulting to hygiene issues and pain.

Due to circumcision, phimosis is less likely since the foreskin is removed, exposing the glans. This fosters proper cleaning and prevents adhesions and scarring.

Aside from the penile problems of balanitis and phimosis, some infants and young boys experience recurring urinary tract infections due to a long or tight foreskin. Circumcision can avoid this condition, which will definitely lessen the suffering and discomfort. 

4.   Decreased Risk of Foreskin-Related Problems

Despite the numerous medical advantages, circumcision still doesn’t guarantee complete protection. Balanitis and phimosis can occur in circumcised males, but only at a much lower rate compared to those who aren’t circumcised.

There are numerous risk factors to foreskin-related problems, such as sexual activity, hygiene practices, chronic and complex medical conditions, and overall health. 

5.   Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Research done in areas with increased risk has established that circumcision could decrease the possibility of transmitting HIV. The inner foreskin contains a high concentration of target cells for HIV and other pathogens.

Removing the foreskin reduces the surface area for the entry and attachment of viruses, thus decreasing the likelihood of infection. This is especially beneficial for circumcised males. Circumcision acts as an effective barrier against sexually transmitted infections. 

In addition, circumcision holds advantages that extend beyond the personal level. Research reveals that there’s a decrease in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections from men to their female partners.

Indeed, circumcision plays a significant role in preventing the spread of STIs. It’s worth mentioning that it doesn’t eliminate the risk, but rather that newborn circumcision protects against certain viruses.

Safe sexual practices remain important in preventing infections, such as using condoms, regular STI screenings, and open communication about sexual health.

6.   Decreased Risk of Penile Cancer

Although penile cancer can be quite a rare illness, it could lead to severe damage to the penis’ sensitive tissues. The risk of being affected is higher among uncircumcised men. The removal of the foreskin eliminates the cancer-causing agents.

Foreskin removal eradicates the moist environment ideal for bacterial growth, thereby decreasing the chances of infection. At the extreme, the likelihood of developing penile cancer later in life is greatly reduced.

Note that penile cancer isn’t solely preventable through circumcision. Other contributing factors are poor hygiene and smoking. Nonetheless, infant circumcision acts as an added safeguard against penile cancer, thus decreasing the likelihood of developing it.

7.   Eliminates Penile Trauma and Injury

There’s a high risk of severe and permanent damage to the penis if circumcision isn’t performed under sterile and hygienic conditions. It’s a must that only a licensed and skilled healthcare practitioner perform newborn circumcision.

The legitimacy and safety of infant circumcision support its claim that it can rule out penile damage. Penile damage may take various forms, notwithstanding the associated trauma and mental health issues it may bring to the individual.

Key Takeaways

The topic of newborn circumcision has fueled debate among experts regarding its medical benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has found that the health benefits of newborn circumcision outweigh the risks of the procedure.

Further, the AAP contends that even though newborn circumcision affords numerous health benefits, these aren’t significant enough to recommend the procedure as a medical requirement.

Therefore, the decision for newborn circumcision solely depends on the parents in the context of their religious, ethical, and cultural beliefs. Circumcision is not medically necessary and is a personal decision made after assessing the risks and benefits.

Due to the medical benefits, the AAP further asserts that the cost of newborn circumcision shall be covered by health insurance, The rationale behind this is to increase access for families who choose the procedure for their newborn.

Newborn Circumcision: Its Complications

Complications are possible with any surgery. Here is the list of complications from neonatal surgery:

• Bleeding and infection, which are common, have possible complications. Typically, these are minor and easily treated. Infections can be treated with antibiotics.
• Excessive foreskin is removed during the surgery, which may cause pain, bleeding, and scarring.
• Adhesions or skin bridges due to insufficient foreskin being removed from the penis. This causes discomfort.
• Metal stenosis is a case of the narrowing of the urethral opening, which occurs after surgery and requires further treatment.
• Urinary retention and urethrocutaneous fluids. The tight circular bandage applied after the surgery may obstruct urine flow, causing urinary retention.

Newborn Circumcision: The Long-Term Effects

Circumcision can be delayed and done later in your baby boy. Nevertheless, the procedure can have both positive and negative effects.

Positive Effects

• Treatment of Phimosis: Circumcision may be recommended for older boys and men to treat phimosis, which is the inability to retract the foreskin.
• Prevention of Penile Problems: Circumcision lowers the risk of penile problems such as inflammation and infection.

Negative Effects

• Reduced Sexual Sensation

Studies reveal unwelcome long-term effects such as reduced sexual sensation, masturbatory pleasure, and sexual enjoyment among circumcised men compared with uncircumcised men.

• Risk of Complications

Newborn circumcision is a surgical procedure. Like any surgery, it carries a degree of risk, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo circumcision later in life should be made after careful evaluation of the risks involved and the benefits derived. Consult your doctor.

The Medical Consequences in Uncircumcised Males

What happens if circumcision is not done at all? Teens and young adults who are uncircumcised may suffer certain medical consequences.

Uncircumcised males are less likely to notice symptoms of STDs since their foreskin is covered. This situation could be a health threat to themselves and their sexual partners. STDs can spread infection into the reproductive tract.

Another unfavorable consequence is that bacteria tend to accumulate under the foreskin, which could eventually be transmitted to their sexual partners. This situation will likely increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.

Other medical concerns related to uncircumcised penis are foreskin hygiene and a higher risk of UTIs among infant boys.

Have an Informed Choice for Infant Circumcision

The decision about newborn circumcision is a matter of personal choice. Research has proven that it provides numerous advantages, not only during infancy but also for life. Consider the medical benefits associated with the procedure.

We have discussed each health benefit at length in a manner that you will easily understand. We provide you with all you need to know about this important procedure, especially its medical benefits.

With a productive discussion with your pediatrician at Omega Pediatrics, you’re equipped to make an informed decision. You will be able to weigh the enormous medical benefits of infant circumcision tailored to your situation.

Especially for your newborn son, his safety and overall health associated with circumcision take center stage during the time that you, as a parent, make this important lifelong decision.

We at Omega Pediatrics are your best ally for your child’s health. We take pride in providing you with the best professional advice regarding newborn circumcision.

FAQ