Difference between revisions of "Circumcision"
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The procedure lasts only 10 minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Circumcision has the benefits of preventing urinary tract infections, penile cancer and certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness and this is a normal part of the procedure. | The procedure lasts only 10 minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Circumcision has the benefits of preventing urinary tract infections, penile cancer and certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness and this is a normal part of the procedure. | ||
| − | Female circumcision, practiced in parts of Africa, is a much different procedure that can have lasting effects on a girl's health. The procedure may range from a simple cut in the pubic region to the complete removal of parts of the female reproductive organs. While the procedure is an important part of some African cultures, there is increased pressure by women's groups worldwide to ban it. | + | Female circumcision, practiced in parts of Africa, is a much different procedure that can have lasting effects on a girl's health. <ref> JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/274/21/1714]</ref> The procedure may range from a simple cut in the pubic region to the complete removal of parts of the female reproductive organs. While the procedure is an important part of some African cultures, there is increased pressure by women's groups worldwide to ban it. |
==References== | ==References== | ||
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Revision as of 15:46, July 8, 2007
In males, circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the male reproductive organ. This operation is usually performed early in a child's life. Circumcision is common in Western countries and the Middle East.
Circumcision rates have been declining since 1965, due in part to statements from the [American Academy of Pediatrics][1][2][3] and the [American Medical Association] [4] discouraging the practice. While it varies regionally, in 2004 about 57% of newborn boys were circumsized. [5]
The procedure lasts only 10 minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Circumcision has the benefits of preventing urinary tract infections, penile cancer and certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness and this is a normal part of the procedure.
Female circumcision, practiced in parts of Africa, is a much different procedure that can have lasting effects on a girl's health. [6] The procedure may range from a simple cut in the pubic region to the complete removal of parts of the female reproductive organs. While the procedure is an important part of some African cultures, there is increased pressure by women's groups worldwide to ban it.
References
- ↑ AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS - Task Force on Circumcision - Circumcision Policy Statement [1]
- ↑ AAP Press Release - NEW AAP CIRCUMCISION POLICY RELEASED[2]
- ↑ PEDIATRICS Vol. 103 No. 3 March 1999, pp. 686-693 - AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: Circumcision Policy Statement [3]"A statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on September 1, 2005."
- ↑ AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[4]
- ↑ United States Circumcision Incidence[5]
- ↑ JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[6]