Why Circumcision

Circumcision:
How, when & why

Recent studies estimate that just under 60% of South African men are circumcised, counting both medical and traditional methods. However, while there are many benefits of medical circumcision, the risks associated with traditional methods can be extremely high – and sometimes life-threatening.

In this info sheet, we will outline some of the benefits of medical circumcision, and the dangers of traditional circumcision, allowing you to make the right choice for your health by opting for medical circumcision.

First thing’s first: What is circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin (which is the tissue covering the head or glans) of the penis. The practice has its roots in religious and traditional rites, but has many medical benefits when done professionally.

The benefits of circumcision

The key benefit of circumcision is the proven reduction in transmission of HIV/AIDS, with some studies showing a risk reduction of female-to-male transmission of 60%. This is a large motivator for various health initiatives to encourage circumcision in South Africa specifically, as well as other high-risk countries.

Other benefits of circumcision include:

A lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Protection against penile cancer and a lower risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners
Prevention of inflammation of the glans (balanitis) and inflammation of the glans and foreskin (balanoposthitis)
Prevention of phimosis, the inability to retract the foreskin, and paraphimosis, the inability to return the foreskin to its original location
Easier to keep the head of the penis clean

The procedure: How it works

At Unjani Clinic, we utilise the Unicirc Circumcision instrument, a surgical assist male circumcision device designed and developed in accordance with the WHO Framework of Evaluation of Male Circumcision Devices. The Unicirc is the first non-necrotising and disposable circumcision instrument in Southern Africa, and was developed as a safe and cost-effective solution for upscaling male circumcision.

The benefits of Unicirc circumcisions

Glans is visible and protected throughout the procedure
Safe
No sutures or stiches – medical grade tissue adhesive is applied instead
Excellent cosmetic results
Quick procedure time of 10 minutes (excluding anaesthesia)
Suited for all ages, from infants to adults
Can be done anytime of the year
Rapid healing, around 90% healed in 28 days for adults and 14 days for boys

The dangers of traditional (non-medical) circumcision methods

Many South African cultures see circumcision as a rite of passage to manhood. Yet traditional male circumcision has a dramatically increased risk of complication that could lead to sepsis, genital mutilation, gangrene, excessive bleeding, renal failure and even death. These issues almost always require medical care in a hospital setting, and can even result in the amputation of the penis.

The main causes of these complications include a lack of hygienic practices and basic medical training in the circumciser, and a lack of hygiene in the place of circumcision (as these are often done in natural settings).

Circumcision myths & facts

Myth:

Circumcision is just a ‘cosmetic’ procedure

Fact:

Circumcision offers clear and proven lifelong medical benefits, such as reduced risk of HIV/AIDS transmission and reduced risk of penile cancer for men and cervical cancer for women.

Myth:

Circumcision limits your sexual function.

Fact:

Circumcision does not affect your ability to have and maintain an erection, nor does it limit your pleasure or ability to have children. Circumcised and uncircumcised men do not have different sexual experiences or abilities.

Myth:

You should wait until a child is older / can decide for himself before circumcising.

Fact:

Circumcision offers significant benefits for children, especially in the first year of life, including reduced risk of UTIs and reduced risk of phimosis – a condition in which the foreskin cannot be pulled back from the head of the penis.

Myth:

Circumcision can always lead to injury.

Fact:

Traditional methods have a high risk of injury, but medical circumcisions are generally safe, with a very small percentage experiencing negative results. When done in a sterile environment using the correct tools, circumcision is exceedingly safe.