Risks and complications
The risks and complications of male circumcision are extensive and only gradually being recognized by medical authorities. Fendereski et al. (2024) found that, in the absence of the protective foreskin, circumcised boys have three times as many penis problems as compared with foreskinned boys.[1]
Male circumcision is a surgical operation that amputates a body part with various protective, immunological, sensory, and sexual functions. When considering the complications, risks, and other disadvantages, one must consider the surgical risks and also the loss of function inherent in the loss of a body part. Adverse sexual and psychological effects have been identified, that should be considered in assessing the total risk of a proposed circumcision.
A wide range of surgical complications occur in 2-10% of the cases. The risks are classified as bleeding, infection, and surgical mishap.[2]
Since there are approximately 120 million circumcised men in the United States today, it stands to reason that there are millions of men who suffer daily from the effects of these botched circumcisions and amputations.
Perhaps worst of all, more than 117[3] to 229[4] infants in the U.S. die from circumcision every year.
The typical circumcision of an infant boy is a medically-unnecessary, non-therapeutic surgery. It has no upside, only numerous downsides.
Many men report a loss of sensation after circumcision.
See also
- Complication
- Fatalities
- Foreskin
- Documented severe complications of circumcision
- Lymphoedema
- Meatal stenosis
- Sexual effects of circumcision
- Pain
- Psychological issues of male circumcision
- Trauma
- United States of America
External links
(22 February 2013). Complications of circumcision
, Circumcision Reference Library. Retrieved 3 December 2019.- (30 July 2013).
Foreskin Sexual Function/Circumcision Sexual Dysfunction
, Circumcision Reference Library. Retrieved 3 December 2019. - (26 May 2012).
Psychological impacts of male circumcision
, Circumcision Reference Library. Retrieved 3 February 2019. - Young, Hugh.
The Foreskin, Circumcision and Sexuality
, Circumstitions. Retrieved 3 December 2019. - Hill, George (June 2008).
Chapter Four: The Immediate Complications of Circumcision (DOC Genital Integrity Statement)
, Research Hub, Doctors Opposing Circumcision (D.O.C.). Retrieved 14 December 2019. - Hill, George (12 June 2008).
Ch. 5: Post-Operative Complications of Circumcision (DOC Genital Integrity Statement)
, Research Hub, Doctors Opposing Circumcision (D.O.C.). Retrieved 14 December 2019. - Hill, George (12 June 2008).
Ch. 6: Long-Term Adverse Effects of Circumcision (DOC Genital Integrity Statement)
, Research Hub, Doctors Opposing Circumcision (D.O.C.). Retrieved 15 December 2019. - (July 2016).
Complications of Circumcision
, Doctors Opposing Circumcision (D.O.C.). Retrieved 3 April 2025.
References
- Jump up ↑ |last=Fendereski |first= |init=K |author-link= |last2=Horns |first2= |init2=JJ |author2-link= |last3=Driggs |first3= |init3=N |author3-link= |last4=Lau |first4= |init4=G |author4-link= |last5=Shaeffer |first5= |init5=AJ |author5-link= |etal=no |title=Comparing Penile Problems in Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised Boys: Insights From a Large Commercial Claims Database With a Focus on Provider Type Performing Circumcision |trans-title= |language= |journal=J Pediatr Surg |date=2024-11 |volume=59 |issue=11 |article=161614 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002234682400407X |archived= |quote= |pubmedID=39084960 |pubmedCID=11486584 |DOI=10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.06.022 |accessdate=2025-01-06 }}
- Jump up ↑ Williams, N; L. Kapila (October 1993). "Complications of circumcision". Brit J Surg 80 (10): 1231-6.
- Jump up ↑
Bollinger D, Boy's Health Advisory. Lost Boys: An Estimate of U.S. Circumcision-Related Infant Deaths. Thymos: Journal of Boyhood Studies. 26 April 2010; 4(1): 78–90. DOI. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- Jump up ↑ Baker RL. Newborn male circumcision: needless and dangerous. Sexual Medicine Today 1979;3(11):35-36)
