August
27, 2012 — New scientific evidence shows that benefits of male circumcision
(MC) outweigh its small risks and justify access to the procedure for families
who choose it, according to an updated policy statement published online August 27 in Pediatrics by the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Benefits
cited in the accompanying technical report compiled by the AAP Task Force include
the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and decreased transmission of
some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS, herpes, and human
papillomavirus (HPV), which has been linked to the development of cancer in men
and their female partners.
The
report also states that the procedure is "well tolerated when performed by
trained professionals under sterile conditions with appropriate pain
management," and that complications such as bleeding and infection are
rare.
Although
the procedure remains elective, prospective parents should be routinely
educated regarding the procedure to make an informed decision.
"Ultimately,
this is a decision that parents will have to make," said Susan Blank, MD,
FAAP, in an AAP news release. "Parents are entitled to medically accurate
and non-biased information about circumcision, and they should weigh this
medical information in the context of their own religious, ethical and cultural
beliefs."
"It's
a good idea to have this conversation during pregnancy, and to learn whether
your insurance will cover the procedure, so you have time to make the
decision," Dr. Blank added, noting that MC should be performed during the
newborn period to maximize both safety and health benefits.
Dr.
Blank is chair of the task force that authored the AAP policy statement and
technical report.
The
AAP also supports third-party coverage of MC, the cost of which would be offset
by significant long-term health savings.
