Introduction
The word “circumcision” is made up of two Latin words, circum (meaning “around”) and cidere (“to cut”). It literally means the removal of all or part of the foreskin from the penis. In this article we’ll explore why circumcision is performed in Islam and how it affects your health both physically and mentally.
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, a fold of skin that covers the tip of the penis.
The procedure is usually performed during infancy, although it can be done at any time in life. In fact, more than half of male babies born in hospitals in 2010 were circumcised before leaving.
The most common reason for circumcision is religious or cultural custom. Some people believe that circumcision has health benefits for newborns and adults.
However, research findings are mixed on whether these benefits outweigh risks related to complications or pain associated with the procedure itself.
What are the health benefits of circumcision?
- Circumcision reduces the risk of HIV and other STIs. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends male circumcision as an important intervention to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men. It also suggests that circumcision may have a role in preventing heterosexual transmission from females to males.
- Circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A 2013 study found that, compared with uncircumcised boys, circumcised boys have up to a 10-fold lower incidence rate for UTI by age 5 years.
- Circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer. Penile cancer is rare and occurs at a low rate in both circumcised and uncircumcised men. However, it may be more common among uncircumcised men because they are less likely than circumcised men to seek screening for this disease. Penile cancers appear most frequently on the glans or foreskin rather than underneath them—which would make it harder to detect without removing those parts first!
- Circumcision can help prevent phimosis (tight foreskin). As you grow older your body will go through many changes including puberty. This could lead to phimosis which is when your foreskin becomes tight enough so that you cannot pull it back over your glans penis easily. Hygiene maintenance is difficult since there won’t be enough room for soap or water inside the folds either!
What are the sexual benefits of circumcision?
The sexual benefits of circumcision include a reduced risk of contracting STIs and HIV.
A 2014 study by researchers at the University of Washington found that circumcision significantly reduces the risk of contracting STIs, such as chlamydia, HPV and herpes.
According to the study, circumcised men are 60 percent less likely than uncircumcised men to contract an STI from their female partners.
Circumcision has also been shown to reduce penile cancer incidence by up to 80 percent in men who have normal immune systems, according to data published in The Lancet medical journal between 2007 and 2008.
Penile cancer can cause pain during intercourse and urination. Additionally, there is no known cure for it once it progresses past early stages (when it’s still curable).
In addition, circumcision reduces cervical cancer incidence in female partners by 50-60 percent over an uncircumcised penis.
Besides that, many people report increased sexual pleasure after getting circumcised as well as improved hygiene because they no longer need regular bathing or washing. It is particularly true for cleaning around the area under their foreskin (which can become smelly if not taken care of properly).
Is there any scientific evidence to support the medical benefits of circumcision?
Are there any scientific benefits to circumcision?
There are numerous studies that have been conducted on the effects of circumcision on health. Here are some that you might be interested in:
- Research has shown that circumcision reduces the risk of contracting HIV.
- A study done by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that men who were circumcised had 60% less chance of being infected with HIV than uncircumcised men. This also applies to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- In addition, WHO also concluded that circumcision could reduce penile cancer rates by 30-60%.
- The same thing goes for cervical cancer rates among women who partner with circumcised men because they have lower chances of contracting HPV (human papilloma virus), which causes cervical cancer.
Who should be circumcised?
The decision to circumcise a child is one that should be made by the parents, not the child. Most people who are circumcised are adults and they did not choose to be.
It’s important for parents to consult with their doctor and religious leader before making this important decision.
Parents should also talk with other parents who have sons who were or were not circumcised, so they can hear how having the procedure affected their son’s health and well-being.
How does circumcision affect sexual function?
- When the foreskin is not present, the penis head becomes more sensitive. This is because its surface area increases as it no longer has to be covered by skin.
- Circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 60%. In sub-Saharan Africa where HIV prevalence rates are high, circumcision can reduce the risk of contracting HIV from an infected partner by 50%.
- The risk of HPV is lower in men who are circumcised than uncircumcised men (by a factor of 10).
- Circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer significantly—by as much as 60%. The rate drops from 4 cases per 100,000 in 2016 to 1 case per 100,000 when circumcised before puberty. It also provides some protection against prostate cancer and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
How does circumcision affect pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding?
The circumcision of a newborn baby is a minor procedure that has no effect on your baby’s health or ability to breastfeed.
For some women, breast milk contains fewer nutrients than formula and may not be enough to sustain the growth of their babies. In this case, you can continue breastfeeding but also supplement with formula in order to ensure that you and your baby have enough energy and nutrition to thrive.
If you notice any change in your milk production after having a circumcision done on your son, talk with a lactation consultant about how best to manage it.
They will help you determine whether switching from breastfeeding exclusively (or “exclusive”) to feeding both breast milk and formula would be helpful for both of you as well as provide support during this transition period.
Why do Muslim boys need to be circumcised in Islam?
The reason why Muslim boys need to be circumcised is because it is a religious obligation. It makes sense that the followers of a religion should follow the rules and tenets set by their prophet or god.
In Islam, circumcision is considered an act of showing respect to the prophet Muhammad. It also shows respect to God and the religion itself, since they are letting you know that it’s something that should be done for these reasons.
Finally, circumcision for Muslims also shows respect for your community as well as yourself—because if you’re not circumcised then there’s a chance people will think less of you because everyone else in your culture has been circumcised already!
Conclusion
Circumcision is an important procedure for many reasons. It can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and improve your health, but it’s also very important from an Islamic point of view.
In Islam, boys are circumcised when they reach puberty or start having wet dreams because it helps them maintain cleanliness in their lives as well as helping them follow Allah’s commands more closely!