Long anchored in the practices of many societies, circumcision remains a subject that arouses curiosity and debate. A surgical act consisting of removing the foreskin of the penis, circumcision is often part of cultural and religious traditions, while being justified by certain medical motivations. This article aims to explore the different aspects that motivate circumcision in order to shed light on the basis of this centuries-old practice.
Medical reasons for circumcision
Hygiene and infection prevention
Optimal intimate hygiene may be easier to maintain after circumcision. Removing the foreskin reduces the risk of urinary tract infections in infants and young boys because it reduces the possibility of bacteria accumulating under the foreskin.
Reducing the risks of HIV/AIDS transmission
Scientific studies have shown that circumcision may reduce the risk of HIV transmission in heterosexual men. This is why some public health campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa recommend circumcision as a prevention tool.
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Circumcision may also lower the prevalence of certain other STDs in men, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes.
Treatment of specific medical conditions
Clinical reasons may warrant circumcision, such as phimosis – a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back – and paraphimosis, where the foreskin cannot return to its normal position after being pulled back, causing painful swelling of the glans.
Penile cancer prevention
Although rare, penile cancer is slightly less common in circumcised men. Circumcision would also reduce the risk of cervical cancer in female partners.
Cultural and religious reasons
An ancestral rite since Antiquity
Circumcision has been practiced for millennia. Ancestral cultures used it long before the advent of monotheistic religions for reasons that combine social, identity and ritual.
Circumcision in Jewish and Muslim traditions
The act of circumcision is central in Judaism, where it represents the Covenant between God and Abraham. The Brit Milah, a circumcision ceremony, is performed on the eighth day following the birth of a Jewish boy. On the other hand, although not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed makes circumcision a practice recommended in Islam, generally carried out in childhood or before marriage.
Initiation and the transition to adulthood
In many African cultures, circumcision is a rite of passage marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is often accompanied by rituals and trials symbolizing strength and resilience.
The mark of cultural belonging
Performing circumcision may be seen as an act of devotion or belonging to a specific cultural or ethnic group, and failure to perform it could be a source of social marginalization within certain communities.
Criticisms and controversies
Ethical questions
Ethical questions arise when it comes to circumcising children, who are not able to consent to the operation. Voices are being raised to question the right of parents to make such a decision for their child, before the child can express his or her own choice.
Consideration of surgical risks
Any surgical procedure carries risks: complications, post-operative pain, risk of bleeding or infections. These risks must be taken into account when deciding to perform circumcision.
The impact on sexual sensitivity
Some debates focus on the influence of circumcision on sexual sensitivity and pleasure. Scientific studies on this subject are divided, some indicating a reduction in sensitivity, others observing no significant impact.
While providing insight into the medical, cultural, and religious reasons for circumcision, this review highlights the complexity and diversity of opinions surrounding the practice. Understanding the issues surrounding circumcision is fundamental for anyone seeking to understand the implications of this choice. Whether it is to reduce the risk of disease, to respect an ancestral tradition or to follow a religious precept, the decision to circumcise remains a personal matter, combining beliefs and medical considerations. It is essential that information is available to allow an informed choice, which takes into consideration both health and respect for traditions and individual choices.
