9OYS Health Watch
Circumcision reduces chances for HIV and penis cancer
-
Medical research recently done by the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) now provides the most powerful evidence that circumcision reduces the chances of urinary tract infections, penis cancer and other sexually transmitted diseases including HI Video by kgun9.com
video -
Image by Journal Broadcast Group
Reporter: Steve Nuñez
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Just hearing the word "circumcision" is enough to make some guys cringe. Let's be honest about it. For parents having a son, the decision has to be made: to circumcize or not to circumcize? Still, for some, the procedure is considered too risky and a cultural no-no. 9 On Your Side talked to one first-time father who says he's comforted knowing new research shows boys could be healthier if circumcized.
Thomas Glenn's newborn son is only three days old and already he's making a decision, he believes, will help protect baby Felix for the rest of his life.
"It's something you don't want to watch it's tough because you think it's pain for the baby, but at this stage of the game he's not really going to remember the pain," said Glenn
Circumcision is a medical procedure in which the foreskin of the penis is removed.
Dr, Duane Dyson will perform Felix's circumcision.
"And that's what I recommend," said Dr. Dyson. "It's still their (parents) preference."
Medical research recently done by the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) now provides the most powerful evidence to support Dr. Dyson's experience, circumcision reduces the chances of urinary tract infections, penis cancer and other sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.
It's been proven, the foreskin harbours infectious microbes.
Overall, Dr. Dyson said less than 2% of newborns and older men who get circumcized later in life suffer complications.
"No, it's never too late, "said Dr. Dyson. "The anesthesia is a little different they'll put you to sleep when you're an adult, of course, when you're an older individual as opposed to a child."
About six in ten men are circumcized.
Dr. Dyson also said the fact a majority of insurance campanies cover circumcisions also points to the credibility that the procedure has its health benefits.
However, right now, Arizona is one of 18 states that stopped Medicaid funding for circumcisions.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.