Why are babies circumcised?

Answer 1

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, partial or complete loss of sexual function and prolonged bleeding. In very rare cases circumcision can result in death, or the need to amputate what remains of the penis necessitating gender re-assignment. Circumcision is not covered in the US by medical insurance plans, because it is considered cosmetic and voluntary.

Some boys are circumcised for cultural or religious reasons. For example, circumcision is a religious requirement for Jews. It is widely practiced in Islam but for hygiene and not as a religious requirement. Most other religions including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism do not require circumcision. Most Christian sects do not forbid it.

While the vast majority of the world's men is uncircumcised, circumcision became a cultural practice in a few countries, for example the United States. Circumcision became popular in the late 19th century as a method to keep young boys from masturbating, a rationale which is now completely debunked. Gradually, the practice of routine infant circumcision became widespread in the United States. However, circumcision rates have been declining in the United States for a number of reasons. Among them are that circumcision has no known medical benefit and that circumcision can decrease the sensitivity of the penis during sexual activity.

Doctors no longer recommend routine infant circumcision, and 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.

For many, circumcision is routine and acceptable, and is a matter of hygiene.