Q&A: It’s just a foreskin, surely?

If you are considering circumcision, ask your paediatrician for a referral to a reputable surgeon for a consultation to discuss the pros and cons prior to the procedure.

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Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor.

Q

I’m expecting a baby boy and would like to have him circumcised. I mentioned it in passing to a friend, who got all up in arms about it. Apparently I’d be breaking the law! I thought she was crazy but then I checked, and it is indeed against the law. When on earth did that one get passed? I thought that being circumcised comes with many health advantages, like hygiene and being less likely to contract HIV. Surely it is the parents’ decision? So, if I ask the paediatrician to do it in hospital, will she refuse? There must be a way around this. How do paediatricians feel about this issue in general? Should I “shop around” for one who will do it?

A

DR MARETHA COMBRINK ANSWERS: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in 2012 recognising the potential medical advantages of circumcision, primarily related to preventing urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

Even though the AAP says the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks, it decided that circumcision should not be routinely recommended.

The AAP encourages parents to make their own decision based on religious, ethical and cultural beliefs. Section 8 of the Children’s Act states that circumcision of boys under the age of 16 is not permitted, except when a circumcision is performed for religious purposes in accordance with the practices of the religion concerned and in the manner prescribed. But there is no regulation to determine how religious a parent is, or which religions can legitimately circumcise. Sub-section B allows an exception for circumcision to be performed for medical reasons on the recommendation of a medical practitioner. But this is not interpreted to mean that there is a medical condition requiring circumcision. HIV prevention is recognised as a medical reason, and there are no guidelines to limit which medical reasons may be appealed to.

The consensus among South African paediatricians is that circumcisions may be performed for medical, cultural and/or religious reasons.

The procedure is generally performed by a paediatric surgeon or urologist.

It is considered a low risk procedure, and potential complications include infection and bleeding.

If you are considering circumcision, ask your paediatrician for a referral to a reputable surgeon for a consultation to discuss the pros and cons prior to the procedure. ●