One of the most frequently mentioned benefits of circumcision is its potential reduction of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in infants. While there is some evidence to support this claim, it should be remembered that UTIs are relatively rare conditions among infants and typically treatable with antibiotics.
Circumcision Melbourne has also been linked to a lower risk of genital warts and cancer of the penis, though these conditions are extremely rare.
Lower Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
Uncircumcised boys have an increased risk of urinary tract infections in the first year after birth compared to circumcised boys, with infants at 10 times greater risk and older males at 6.6 times greater.
However, circumcision may not be beneficial for boys with recurrent UTIs or high grade vesicoureteric reflux, a common condition that causes chronic pain and inflammation. Furthermore, severe infections early in life can lead to kidney issues later on.
Researchers from the University of Montreal recently discovered that circumcision is associated with a lower risk of urinary tract infections in boys. This finding is based on a meta-analysis of 22 studies, including randomised controlled trials and observational ones.
Lower Risk of Cancer of the Penis
Studies have suggested that men who undergo circumcision have a reduced risk of developing penile cancer. It remains unknown why this occurs, but it could be related to other risk factors.
Penile cancer is increased for men who contract an infection of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can lead to growths called papillomas on various parts of the body, including in the head area of the penis.
Circumcision can reduce the likelihood of chronic HPV infection in men. While exact causes remain unknown, circumcision may prevent phimosis and the accumulation of material called smegma underneath an intact foreskin.
Circumcision has also been linked to a lower risk of cervical cancer in several studies. Studies have noted that having HPV and engaging in risky sexual behaviors are linked with an increased chance of developing cervical cancer, so the possibility that circumcision could reduce these risks for women could prove beneficial.
Lower Risk of HIV
Circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV infection, as well as other sexually transmitted illnesses like syphilis, genital ulcer disease and high-risk strains of human papillomavirus associated with cancer.
Studies have compared HIV incidence among circumcised and uncircumcised men. On average, these studies found a pooled incidence ratio (IR) of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.56) between circumcision- and uncircumcised-men, translating into 10 (8 to 12) fewer infections per 1000 person-years (py).
Three RCTs and post-RCT follow-up studies demonstrated these results. The IR was significantly lower in RCTs that assessed circumcision status by clinical examination, possibly due to misclassification of self-reported circumcision by this measure or unmeasured confounding effects from other factors that affect HIV risk such as social desirability bias or preference for circumcision among men at low risk of infection.
Fewer Medical Conditions
Circumcised male babies have a lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Uncircumcised males are more likely to develop UTIs, which could cause kidney issues later in life if not addressed.
Circumcised men and their female partners tend to experience fewer sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than non-circumcised individuals due to being less likely to carry certain STIs like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) or high-risk strains of human papillomavirus associated with cancer.
Circumcision can lead to a few medical conditions, though these are very rare. These may include infection, bleeding and pain.
Most complications are minor and do not necessitate treatment; however, it’s best to inform your physician immediately of any such issues.
