Harms of Male Circumcision

Is Male Circumcision Harmful?

Resources used to support "no"

Circumcision has been established as a common practice among many cultures for several centuries. Among the reasons parents give to justify a child's circumcision is due to religious affiliation, traditional practices, hygiene, etc. Infant circumcision in the United States began primarily for social reasons and as an attempt to prevent or cure masturbation, among other medical diseases. Reardless of its origin, however, the decision to circumcise or not to circumcise should be left to the parents. This practice has been supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the medical community, but only after weighing its benefits against potential complications.

WWW

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Soc.Culture.Jewish; Section 21. Jewish Childrearing Related Questions; Subsection 21.1. Entering the Covenant; Why are Jewish boys circumcised?
Lists the religious roots of circumcision in the Jewish community.
The Mother of all Circumcision Posts.
In depth analysis of medical findings that support circumcision as a procedure that prevents infection and disease.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Auvert J. & Roubach L. (1989). [Cancer of the penis. 1989 (classical article)]. Cancer du penis. Ann Urol (Paris) (6AD), 28, (6-7), 318-329.
Discusses different types of cancer of the penis and its treatments. Emphasizes that this cancer occurs in uncircumcised males with poor personal hygiene.
Cook L.S., Koutsky L.A., & Holmes K.K. (1994). Circumcision and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. American Journal of Public Health (3XW), 84, (2), 197-201.
This study concludes that "among women who are not in high-risk groups, risk of HIV infection is largely determined by their male partners's behavior and circumcision status."
Holman, J.R., Lewis, E.L., &Ringler, R.L. (1995). Neonatal Circumcision Techniques. American Family Physician, 52, (2), 511-526.
The idea of the article is that circumcision is a healthy procedure, prevents infection and complications are very rare.
Hunter D.J., Maggwa B.N., Mati J.K., Tukei P.M., & Mbugua S. (1994). Sexual Behavior, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Male Circumcision and Risk of HIV Infection among Women in Nairobi, Kenya. AIDS (AID), 8, (1), 93-99.
Discusses HIV, STD infection among women and factors associated with these diseases, including circumcision status.
Mansfield, C.J., Hueston, W.J., & Rudy, M. (1995). Neonatal Circumcision: associated factors and length of hospital stay. Journal of Family Practice, 41, (4), 370.
Discusses some controversial issues related to neonatal male circumcision and characteristics associated with this procedure.
Mbugua G.G., Muthami L.N., Mutura C.W., Oogo S.A., Waiyaki P.G., Lindan C.P., & Hearst N. (1995). Epidemiology of HIV Infection among Long Distance Truck Drivers in Kenya. East African Medical Journal, 72, (8): 515-518.
Describes the incidence of HIV among truck drivers in Kenya and its association with several variables, including country of birth, circumcision status, time driving, education, etc.
Starr, C. (1995). Reading Room: circumcision/understanding the ADHD child disorders. Patient Care, 29, (11), 13.
Information on the pros and cons of circumcision.
Vaz R.G., Gloyd S. Folgosa E. & Kreiss J. (1995). Syphilis and HIV Infection among Prisoners in Maputo, Mozambique. International Journal of STD & AIDS, 6, (1): 42-46.
A cross-sectional study to assess STD and HIV prevalence in male correctional institutions.
Wiswell T.E., Tencer H.L., Welch C.A., & Chamberlain J.L. (1993). Circumcision in Children Beyond the Neonatal Period. Pediatrics (OXV), 92, (6), 791-793.
A study discussing postnatal infant circumcision on boys born in U.S. military hospitals and its association with urinary tract infections. It also focusses on complications.

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