It is performed on boys or adult men for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. This procedure is carried out by surgically cutting the foreskin at the tip of the penis. What is circumcision? It is seen as a traditional ritual for some religious communities. It is performed shortly after birth or during childhood.
What is the Purpose of Circumcision?
The purpose varies among different societies and cultures but generally relies on religious, cultural, and medical reasons. Firstly, it is accepted as an important ritual in many religious communities. It is seen as a sign of religious belief and belonging to the community.
In Islam, it is considered a practice of Prophet Ibrahim. Boys fulfill a religious obligation by undergoing this tradition. In Judaism, it is performed on boys eight days after birth. This is seen as a sign of their acceptance into their religious community.
Culturally, it is seen as a symbol of transition to manhood in some societies. It is performed as a ritual representing the individual's transition to adulthood. This practice is considered an important stage for the individual to be accepted within the society.
From a medical perspective, hygiene and health benefits come to the forefront. Circumcision reduces the risk of certain infections. It lowers the risk of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and some sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, it is thought that hygiene can be maintained more easily. Therefore, some parents prefer to have it done for the health and hygiene of their children.
With its multifaceted purposes, it is a deeply rooted practice that continues to exist in societies. Its medical benefits combined with religious and cultural beliefs are among the reasons for its widespread practice today.
What are the Benefits of Circumcision?
Circumcision is a preferred practice in many societies due to its hygiene and health benefits. From a medical perspective, it provides some significant benefits.
Firstly, it has been observed that the risk of urinary tract infections is lower. Urinary tract infections that can occur in infants and children are prevented. This is particularly important for the health of infants whose immune systems are not fully developed.
Another benefit is that it can reduce the risk of some sexually transmitted diseases. According to research, the transmission risk of infections like HIV, HPV, and herpes is lower. This highlights its positive effects on sexual health in the long term.
Another benefit it provides is reducing the risk of penile cancer. Penile cancer is less common in circumcised males, showing its protective effects.
From a hygiene perspective, it prevents the accumulation of bacteria and fungi at the tip of the foreskin. It is thought that daily hygiene can be maintained more easily, reducing the risk of infections. It is preferred by many people, especially in hot and humid climates, for maintaining hygiene.
These benefits are important for both individual and public health. It offers health, hygiene, and protective effects. These advantages make it preferred by many families. These medical benefits contribute to its widespread practice in societies.
How is the Circumcision Procedure Performed?
The circumcision procedure is generally a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. Different methods can be used for different age groups. While the procedure is completed quickly in infants, the anesthesia used and the recovery process differ in adults.
It is based on surgically removing the excess skin at the tip of the penis. This procedure is usually performed in a sterile environment by a specialist doctor.
Firstly, local anesthesia is applied to the area to prevent pain. General anesthesia may also be preferred in infants, although this is less common. After anesthesia, the area is disinfected, and the surgical procedure begins.
In most cases, a special guide or an instrument called a clamp is used to safely cut the excess skin. The guide stabilizes the skin, making the procedure easier and minimizing the risk of bleeding.
After the cutting procedure, bleeding control is performed, and if necessary, fine stitches are applied. In some cases, natural healing without stitches is preferred.
After the procedure, an antiseptic cream is applied to the area, and the procedure is covered with a sterile bandage. The bandage is usually removed after a few days to allow the healing process to continue.
The healing time varies depending on the individual's age. While healing is completed within a few days in infants, this period may be slightly longer in adults. As mentioned in the answer to the question of what is circumcision, careful care and hygiene in the first days after the procedure are important. Regular application of cream and keeping the area clean are essential for a quick and healthy recovery.