Is Male Circumcision Harmful?
Resources used to support "no"
Circumcision has been
established as a common practice among many cultures for several centuries.
Among the reasons parents give to justify a child's circumcision is due to
religious affiliation, traditional practices, hygiene, etc. Infant circumcision
in the United States began primarily for social reasons and as an attempt to
prevent or cure masturbation, among other medical diseases. Reardless of its
origin, however, the decision to circumcise or not to circumcise should be left
to the parents. This practice has been supported by the American Academy of
Pediatrics and the medical community, but only after weighing its benefits
against potential complications.
- The
Mother of all Circumcision Posts.
(the author of this website is listed as Anonymous. It appears to be
Anonymous' report on circumcision. I am somewhat suspect of this as
good scientific information because the author is Anonymous. You
cannot use this information directly, however, if you wish to use some of
the sources this writer listed, that is fine, as long as you read the
original source and cite it.)
JOURNAL ARTICLES (for those who want to look these up and read them, but if
you don't read it, you don't use it as a reference!)
- Auvert J. & Roubach L. (1989). [Cancer of the penis. 1989 (classical
article)]. Cancer du penis. Ann Urol (Paris) (6AD), 28, (6-7), 318-329.
Discusses different types of cancer of the penis and its
treatments. Emphasizes that this cancer occurs in uncircumcised males with
poor personal hygiene.
- Cook L.S., Koutsky L.A., & Holmes K.K. (1994). Circumcision and
Sexually Transmitted Diseases. American Journal of Public Health (3XW),
84, (2), 197-201.
This study concludes that "among women who are not in high-risk
groups, risk of HIV infection is largely determined by their male partners's
behavior and circumcision status."
- Holman, J.R., Lewis, E.L., &Ringler, R.L. (1995). Neonatal
Circumcision Techniques. American Family Physician, 52, (2), 511-526.
The idea of the article is that circumcision is a healthy
procedure, prevents infection and complications are very rare.
- Hunter D.J., Maggwa B.N., Mati J.K., Tukei P.M., & Mbugua S. (1994).
Sexual Behavior, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Male Circumcision and Risk of
HIV Infection among Women in Nairobi, Kenya. AIDS (AID), 8, (1), 93-99.
Discusses HIV, STD infection among women and factors associated
with these diseases, including circumcision status.
- Mansfield, C.J., Hueston, W.J., & Rudy, M. (1995). Neonatal
Circumcision: associated factors and length of hospital stay. Journal of
Family Practice, 41, (4), 370.
Discusses some controversial issues related to neonatal male
circumcision and characteristics associated with this procedure.
- Mbugua G.G., Muthami L.N., Mutura C.W., Oogo S.A., Waiyaki P.G., Lindan
C.P., & Hearst N. (1995). Epidemiology of HIV Infection among Long
Distance Truck Drivers in Kenya. East African Medical Journal, 72, (8):
515-518.
Describes the incidence of HIV among truck drivers in Kenya and
its association with several variables, including country of birth,
circumcision status, time driving, education, etc.
- Starr, C. (1995). Reading Room: circumcision/understanding the ADHD child
disorders. Patient Care, 29, (11), 13.
Information on the pros and cons of circumcision.
- Vaz R.G., Gloyd S. Folgosa E. & Kreiss J. (1995). Syphilis and HIV
Infection among Prisoners in Maputo, Mozambique. International Journal of
STD & AIDS, 6, (1): 42-46.
A cross-sectional study to assess STD and HIV prevalence in male
correctional institutions.
- Wiswell T.E., Tencer H.L., Welch C.A., & Chamberlain J.L. (1993).
Circumcision in Children Beyond the Neonatal Period. Pediatrics (OXV),
92, (6), 791-793.
A study discussing postnatal infant circumcision on boys born in
U.S. military hospitals and its association with urinary tract infections.
It also focusses on complications.