Why do boys have to get circumsized?

Answer 1

It's not really. Some people say it's easier to keep clean and avoid STI's but one can wonder why circumcising a baby instead of teaching them how to keep clean (it's not hard and the majority of all men in the world handle it just fine and they still have to do it less then women) and to use a condom when he's old enough. There really are no benefits. Many men complain about the head of the penis becoming less sensitive. In some cultrues it can be the one thing that makes you different from the others though and that can be difficult.

Answer 2

Most circumcisions are done for religious or cultural reasons. A lesser number is performed for medical reasons, and a few for cosmetic reasons. Worldwide less then 20% of men are circumcised.

Medically necessary circumcision is not common, as there are not that many conditions that absolutely must be treated by removing the foreskin. The condition usually treated this way is phimosis, a narrowing of the foreskin. Phimosis is a natural condition that usually resolves itself before a boy is 3 years old, however on the odd occasion it can last well into puberty and beyond.

Judaism and Islam mandate circumcision based on the Biblical reference to God's command to the prophet Abraham to circumcise his sons Ishmael and Isaac as a sign of the covenant with God. Different sects in those religions adhere to this with varied strictness, and so the practice varies from universal to near-abandoned in various communities. Most other religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, do not require circumcision. Some religions specifically forbid the practice.

Circumcision has become a cultural practice in a few countries. Certain African tribes as well as other indigenous peoples, use it as a rite of passage to mark entering adulthood. There is evidence that circumcision pre-dates Islam in Muslim societies that practice it and is also a cultural artifact.

In the English-speaking world circumcision was popularized in the late 19th century as a method to keep young boys from masturbating. It was soon found ineffective for that purpose. During World War 1 the US Military pressured men to be circumcised as a method of decreasing venereal diseases. Despite the medical community questioning the effectiveness the practice of routine infant circumcision became widespread in the two countries. Some parents felt it improved hygiene or looks. Most just accepted it as a standard practice or followed doctor's recommendations. Many wanted it done on the infant because it had been done on the father. When medical insurance became common the U.S. insurers usually covered it while the British Health Service did not resulting in the procedure becoming uncommon in the UK while remaining popular in the U.S.

Doctors no longer recommend routine infant circumcision. Circumcision without a specific condition to treat has little to no proven medical benefit. There is some data suggesting slightly lower rates of some diseases in circumcised men. The data is disputed, and even if it is correct, the difference is generally felt by doctors to not be enough to warrant the procedure. There are concerns over pain experienced by infants during the operation, the potential for surgical complications, as well as reduced sensitivity in the penis as an adult. Some opponents also point out ethical issues with performing an elective procedure with permanent effect on an infant who is unable to give consent.

As a result, the rate of circumcision in the United States is falling. In the 1980s up to 80% of newborn males were circumcised. By 2007, less than 40% of newborn males were circumcised.

Answer 3

The reason for circumcising is originally a religious one the majority of people that are circumcised are either Jews or Muslims The Jews see it as a religious obligation and with the Muslims it is a cultural practice that is also founded in their religion.

In English speaking country's or country's that were influenced by British medical culture and in some country's that were under the military control of said English speaking country's practice was introduced during the Victorian era it was suggested that it would stop boys from wanting to masturbate. it was claimed at the time that masturbation was responsible for more then a hundred different diseases ranging from syphilis to insanity.

today the practice is still marketed strongly in the USA by a medical fraternity that is making billions a year from it. not only in charging for the procedure to be done on infants. but also having an industry that comes with repairing resultant botch ups. But it is quite likely that the high price the tissue (prepuce) for skin production and the production of hormones used in the cosmetic industry might also have a lot to do with this procedure being advised to naive parents.

All reputable medical authority's including those in the USA will tell you that there is no health benefit to be had from circumcision. No medical insurance will pay for the procedure.

There is also a market for the amputated prepuce to medical and cosmetics companies where they are used to make skin for burns treatment and further cosmetics products.

There is no evidence the removal of the foreskin increases the risk of illness infection or reduces hygiene.

There is no medical reason for circumcision, and no major medical association recommends routine circumcision. Circumcision, like any surgery, has risks of adverse medical events including surgical error, severe pain, infection, and prolonged bleeding.

Answer 4

They don't.

"Today, however, the prepuce is considered to be of value to its owner and there is ever increasing interest in the preservation of this tissue. The prepuce has been demonstrated to have immunological functions and properties, which protect its owner from disease, and to be erogenous tissue with important functions in human sexual response."

Answer 5

The first reason for circumcision is religion most Jews for example feel that you must be circumcised to be a Jew. they feel it is an instruction from God and traditionally do it to their male children at 8 days of age. Muslims have made it a part of their culture. there is no mention of circumcision in their religion but have made it more of a right of passage ritual with boys officially reaching manhood. these rituals are also practiced by various primitive tribes scattered throughout the world for thousands of years. However In English speaking country's that have a tradition of being influenced by British medicine it started in the Victorian era ( the mid 1800's) British medics claimed that masturbation was the main cause for a large variety of diseases ranging from syphilis to insanity and the best way to deal with this danger was to discourage boys from masturbating by circumcising them. Education and understanding of health issues by the general public being what it was it caught on like wild fire, especially among the more affluent that could affords to have their sons "protected" in this way. Today opinion by nearly every mainstream medical body and authority is that routine circumcision is very unlikely to do any one any good and is in-fact harmful.

so they don't have to pull the skin flap back every time they have to go to the bathroom.

Holding the penis in such awy that the foreskin is back of the glans is no more difficult then holding the penis. and in the case of children where the foreskin may not be able to retract yet, so long as there is an opening at the end of the foreskin for urine to exit it is just not important harmful or unhygienic.

Answer 6

The most common reason to become circumcised is religious or cultural norms, but some also get it done for cosmetic reasons at the behest of parents and in very rare cases as a medical necessity.

Answer 7

There is no medical reason for it an intact penis is better then a penis that is mutilated by circumcision.