How The Procedure Of Circumcision Changed Over Time?

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the process of removing the foreskin of the penis. Circumcision is performed mainly for the sake of cleanliness. Removal of the foreskin lowers the chances of dirt, and bacteria causing infections of the penis. It is quite an old process that has a religious-historical aspect associated with it.

Old Traditional Beliefs Related With Circumcision

Circumcision is also seen to be an important ritual of Judaism. It has been in practice for more than 2000 years in Judaism. The ritual is carried out in babies on the eighth day after they are born.

The circumciser, the father of the baby and close family members are actively involved in the ceremony. The head of the family or grandfather of the newborn is honored in the ritual.

Celebration of Ritual of Circumcision

Circumcision has been one of the celebrated rituals in religions like Islam and Judaism. Circumcision is a religious ritual performed in Islam that dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. It is considered to be a purifying process and is carried out in the newborns in Muslim families.

It is a firm Islamic belief that removing the foreskin ensures the cleanliness of the private part and hence reduces the chances of catching any diseases. The ritual of circumcision performed religiously gives a sense of faith and belongingness in Islam.

Although, circumcision is not mandatory in Islam, but is definitely highly recommended and practiced. Not just Islamic countries, the Muslims in India also celebrate the ritual of circumcision with all their religious faith. 

Though Judaism is not prevalent in India, the ritual of circumcision is performed in similar ways. In both religions, the ritual is celebrated with grandeur and ends with a feast with all the family members. 

Apart from traditional beliefs, circumcision is also considered to have medical benefits.

Let’s gain an insight into the problems that can arise if a person is uncircumcised.

• Phimosis

  When the foreskin of the penis becomes too tight and does not retract, the condition is called Phimosis. A person with Phimosis experiences troubles related to fertility and sex.  Usually, infection or inflammation of the foreskin is the major cause of phimosis. Poor hygiene increases the risks of developing infections or inflammation.
  

• Paraphimosis
  
  This condition develops in uncircumcised males. In paraphimosis, the foreskin gets swollen. It affects the blood flow to the glans penis. Paraphimosis needs proper medical treatment and should not be left untreated.

• Balanitis

  The condition of inflammation of the tip of the penis (glans penis) is called Balanitis. It causes a lot of discomfort and pain to the person. A person already suffering  Phimosis is more likely to develop Balanitis.
  

• Balanoposthitis

  Inflammation of the Balanoposthitis is the condition of inflammation of the glans penis. It can affect uncircumcised males of any age. Not maintaining proper intimate hygiene is the major factor in developing balanoposthitis.

Therefore, circumcision is advised to males of any age to avoid the aforementioned problems. 

Factoids- About global prevalence of male circumcision 

According to data published by the Demographic and Health Surveys, it is estimated that approximately 30% of the world’s males aged 15 years or older are circumcised. Of these, around two thirds (69%) are Muslim (living mainly in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, 0.8% are Jewish, and 13% are non-Muslim and non-Jewish men living in the United States of America.

Benefits of Circumcision

The practice of Circumcision is an ancient one and is still not out of existence. It has happened because of the health benefits associated with circumcision.

The benefits of circumcision are as follows:

• Lower chances of getting urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Prevents the chances of penile cancer
• Lower risks of sexually transmitted diseases
• Prevents Balanitis and Balanoposthitis
• Also prevents or gives relief from Phimosis 

Advances in the procedure of Circumcision over time

With the advances in the medical field, the techniques of circumcision have also modernized in India. People used to dread going under the knife for circumcision. Old or conventional methods of circumcision procedure are considered to be invasive. It usually takes about 10-15 days to recover after undergoing the conventional procedure. 

Modern Laser-Based Circumcision

But the scenario changed as laser circumcision came into existence. It is a minimally invasive and painless circumcision procedure. The procedure of laser circumcision takes 30 minutes and it offers speedy recovery to the patient.

There are no big incisions or cuts carried out on the body; the entire circumcision is the laser based. The patient hardly experiences any pain or discomfort after the treatment. The patient resumes his normal routine life within 2-3 days and recovers fully in less than a week. Therefore, laser circumcision is any day considered the best suited-procedure.

Also Read: 

• What to expect after 3 to 4 days of laser circumcision?
• Which Circumcision Technique Is Better?