An emergency physician makes the case for circumcision

Whether to circumcise a newborn male child is not the simple, binary “yes/no” question it appears to be. Rather, the choice is affected by an astonishing array of issues: religion, culture, health and hygiene, sexually transmitted infections, expense, pain and medical recommendations. Some cite ethical concerns regarding usurpation of a child’s free choice. Others claim an equivalency between neonatal male circumcision and the practice of female genital mutilation. As a practicing physician, I have safely performed dozens of male infant circumcisions and many more on adults. During 30-plus years of emergency medicine, I have encountered nearly every problem an uncircumcised male can encounter: chronic urinary tract infections, refractory problems from medical diseases, the need for emergent surgery due to scarring or pain and even strangulation of the penis’ blood supply. Circumcision eliminates all these conditions. Additionally, there is compelling evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of obtaining or transmitting serious sexually transmitted infections. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Conditions Emergency Medicine Pediatrics Source Type: blogs