I Mpressmta

The practice of circumcision, which is the surgical removal by cutting the foreskin over the penis’ head, is deeply rooted in culture and medicine around the world. While circumcision is practiced for different reasons in various cultures and religions around the world, it has also been proven to have medical benefits. In this piece, we’ll examine the cultural aspects and medical advantages of circumcision.

History and Cultural Roots

Circumcision has been performed for thousands of generations. Its roots run deep in different cultures and religious traditions. These are the key cultural aspects and historical aspects surrounding circumcision.

• Islamic Practices: The circumcision of male infants is a fundamental ritual both in Judaism (Britt milah) and Islam. It is a ritual performed by Judaism on male infants during the eighth of their lives. This is called bismillah or bris. Islam considers circumcision a mark of submission to Allah. Typically, it is performed during childhood.
• African Cultures: For many African cultures, circumcision is an integral part of the rites of passage. These practices are usually linked to cultural identities, social statuses, and community bonds.
• Medical Circumcision: Circumcision, which is believed to have health benefits, became popular in Western countries at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Over time, however, this practice has seen a fluctuation in its popularity.

Medical Meaning and Benefits

It is important to note that circumcision does not just have cultural or religious significance; it has many health benefits.

• Reduced Risk of Infection: Circumcision was shown to reduce the incidence of urinary system infections in infants. The removal makes it harder for bacteria to build up and enter the urethra.
• Lower Chance of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Several studies indicate that circumcised guys may have a decreased risk of contracting STIs. This includes HIV, HPV, and Herpes.
• Better Hygiene: The circumcision allows for easier genital cleaning due to the lack of skin on the foreskin. This can lower the risk of certain conditions, such as balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation in the head area of the genital penis.
• Less Risk of Penile Cancer: Circumcision has been linked to a lower penile cancer risk. However, this cancer tends to be rare.
• Reduced Phimosis and Paraphimosis: Circumcision helps prevent painful and medically-required conditions such as paraphimosis.

Circumcision is a medical procedure that may have many benefits. These advantages, however, must be weighed with the risks involved and individual preferences. 

Critiques

Some critics are against circumcision. Some of these criticisms include

• Moral Concerns: Some critics believe circumcision should be an individual choice made when a person reaches an age at which they can give informed consent. They do not want it to be a procedure that is performed on an infant.
• Risks: The procedure may result in pain, blood loss, and complications, including infection or scarring. Critics doubt the necessity of exposing infants to risks.
• Relativism: Critics have stressed the importance of respecting the cultural and religious diversity of individuals and suggested that circumcision could not be imposed upon those who did not want it.
• Health Benefits Questionable: According to some critics, circumcision does not have enough medical benefits to justify its use as a standard procedure.

While the medical benefits of circumcisions are acknowledged, it is also essential to be sensitive and respectful of individual choices and cultural diversity. A decision to circumcise a child should be made with complete knowledge and understanding of the advantages and disadvantages. Circumcision continues to shape societies across the globe, regardless of whether it’s for religious, cultural, or medical reasons.