Pros and Cons of Male Circumcision

Want to read the rest of this paper? Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay and over 50,000 other term papers

covenant with God.[2] The origin of male circumcision in non-religious theories, suggest that it was practiced as a punitive measure in puberty or premarital rites as an absolution against the feared toxic influences of vaginal (hymeneal) blood, and for other health reasons. It might also have been a mark of slavery or preformed for cosmetic reasons. Moreover, the custom to use the male genitals as war trophies was widespread in Middle Eastern history, and has also been recorded by the ancient Egyptians. In the United States and other Western countries, the practice of male circumcision for non-religious reasons began at the beginning of the twentieth century. Male troops during World War II were encouraged to be circumcised due to the limited personal hygiene facilities in overseas combat zones.[3]

Recent History

Circumcision has been a controversial issue throughout history. One side declares it a form of mutilation and child abuse. Others feel the medical ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays. Write better papers. Get better grades. Already a member? Login

makes it easier to keep the end of the penis clean, moreover, there is evidence that circumcision has health benefits. Some of the benefits include a decreased risk of urinary tract infections, reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases, protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners. Others include the prevention of balanoposthitis, phimosis and paraphimosis. [6]
Balanitis is an inflammation of the skin covering the head of the penis. A similar condition, balanoposthitis, refers to inflammation of the head of the penis and the foreskin. Symptoms include redness or swelling, itching, rash, pain, and a foul-smelling discharge. ...

Succeed in your coursework without stepping into a library. Get access to a growing library of notes, book reports, and research papers in 2 minutes or less.

CITE THIS PAGE: