Science of Circumcision
Gerald N. Weiss, MD
DABS, FACS, FICS
Science of Circumcision
gnwmd
WELCOME! You are about to acquire scientific knowledge about circumcision.
Circumcision's historical origins are lost in antiquity, yet over the millennia it has proven to be the most common and safest surgical procedure in the world.
You will be updated on the details of this ancient procedure by a surgical specialist with his advantage of a 21st Century outlook. There is no scientific question that neonatal (newborn) circumcision is a proven health measure for promoting and maintaining good health. The decision to alter an infant son is a sobering experience especially since it is a prophylactic procedure to prevent disease. Value of circumcision in men is related to quality genital health over a lifetime. Additionally, women can be at increased risk to contract sexually transmitted diseases (HIV/AIDS, herpes, vaginitis) from an uncircumcised partner. The material provided herewith relates to current developments. For a concise view of the issue in its many aspects one may purchase the book by Weiss & Harter entitled Circumcision: Frankly Speaking through Amazon.com. Go to the Additional Information site where a Review of the book is provided.
Gerald N. Weiss, MD, DABS, FACS, FICS
INTRODUCTION
Subsequent to the earliest hieroglyphic documentation of circumcision by the Egyptians came Herotodus, the early Greek historian of the 5th Century BCE, who recognized the procedure as an ancient cultural phenomenon. He has said of them "They practiced circumcision for the sake of cleanliness, considering it to be better to be clean than comely." Will Durant, the popular 20th Century American historian, cited the ancient Hebrews--- well recognized for their neonatal circumcision ritual--- as founders of prophylaxis in hygiene and their Code of Cleanliness. Durant felt this was a factor that preserved the desert tribe after their expulsion from Egypt. Now much has been learned in the past century that brings us to a better understanding of male circumcision.
Years of modern research and a rethinking of the subject of circumcision has brought a refashioning of information about circumcision--- especially neonatally.
The large volume of male circumcision material necessitates a breakdown of the information depending upon the individual's specific interest. As a starter, and to illustrate the antiquity of the operation, go to Historical Background at the right of this screen. Individuals interested in the more technical, scientific and advanced study of the subject may go to the same site for an article by Weiss in this regard. Also For New Parents is a page for those who anticipate the birth of a son, a MUST for those who are deciding the issue. Those concerned with publications of general interest can find the most recent reports at Interesting Information concerning HIV/AIDS and the circumcision issue or Links regarding other scientific studies of circumcised males.
Hopefully, the material you are reviewing will help you toward a better understanding of the significance of the surgical altering of a male's external genitalia while explaining fully the benefits to the infant, child, adolescent, adult and aged.
Science of Circumcision
gnwmd
