One of the most common reasons given for circumcision is hygiene and future penile health, particularly avoiding infection, which can lead to more serious complications down the road.
But there are other aspects parents consider when deciding whether or not to circumcise their son.
Social Reasons to Circumcise
Some parents fear that their son will be ridiculed or teased or bullied about the fact that he’s not circumcised. This can be a particular issue where gym classes are involved requiring changing into and out of gym gear. Perhaps the fear is that family members would ostracize or tease.
In fact, many parents have chosen not to have their boys circumcised, so it is quite likely that the other boys they encounter in the change room are also uncircumcised.
As for potential family relations, keep in mind that choosing to circumcise or not to circumcise is a personal and private decision. You shouldn’t feel pressured to go ahead with the procedure just because all the men in your family have had it done.
Religious Reasons to Circumcise
Circumcision for religious reasons is one of the hallmarks of the Jewish faith. Circumcision was carried out first in the story of Abraham and Isaac in the Old Testament and the Torah.
The act of circumcision for the Jewish people was, and continues to be, considered as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham’s descendants. Baby boys are circumcised when they are 8 days old. (4)
Muslims also practice circumcision.
Reasons not to Circumcise
Risks – Most of the risk associated with circumcision come through the surgical procedure. There is always a chance of things not going right during the procedure, or the site becoming infected following.
Purpose – Increasingly, moms and dads are beginning to believe that the foreskin serves a purpose. And it does. The foreskin protects the tip of the penis from the potential irritation or infection. (3)
“The glans at birth is delicate and easily irritated by urine and feces. The foreskin shields the glans; with circumcision ... the glans and especially the urinary opening ...
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