Sunday, March 21, 2010
Circumcision and Human Behavior
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 3:22 | Written by Knol Today Editor
Although circumcision for male, medical-wise, is proven to be beneficial, male neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision proves to have behavioral side effects, some permanently into the adulthood.
Behavioral changes in male infant after circumcision
Hill explained that study shows neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision may cause behavioral changes as follow:
- newborn infants who are undergoing unanesthetized cirumcision emit cries of extreme urgency.
- circumcision affects the sleep of newborn boys – the study shows significant increases in wakefulness after circumcision.
- babies feed less frequently and are less available for interaction after circumcision.
Behavioral changes in later life
The negative effects of circumcision in male newborns are carried away into the boys’ later life.
Some of the negative effects entering adulthood include:
- A sense of personal powerlessness
- Lack of trust in others and life
- Reluctance to be in relationships with women
- Low self-esteem
- Decreased ability to communicate
In my opinion, the studies imply that circumcision is better done in adulthood – both for medical and psychological benefits.
If you want to learn more on circumcision and human behavior, do make sure you visit George Hill’s knol.
Image by Esparta.
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george said on Saturday, November 22, 2008, 16:34
“In my opinion, the studies imply that circumcision is better done in adulthood – both for medical and psychological benefits.”
Why? Are you suggesting those horrible consequences are somehow less horrible in Adulthood?
Knol Today Editor said on Saturday, November 22, 2008, 17:02
George,
I think even the consequences is non existent, because in adulthood, you are the one who make choices, not your parents. Keep in mind that the studies is for circumcision in newborn, not in general.
Thanks for commenting!
Justin said on Sunday, November 23, 2008, 6:25
I really don’t see the later problems that are supposed to happen here. I know many guys both ways, (I’m uncircumcised myself) and those on either side of the issue at least won’t admit to wanting to be any other way. Babies being more restless is a given, a wound on the most sensitive part of your body is going to be uncomfortable, an adult that’s just had the procedure performed isn’t going to be comfortable either. I believe it should be up to the parent. It’s not a mutilation that causes disfunction all on it’s own in the way female circumcision is, why make laws where they arent’ needed?
Knol Today Editor said on Sunday, November 23, 2008, 15:46
Justin,
The studies are mind opener themselves. I never realise that the impact is that severe, but the studies will act as guide for parents to reconsider circumcision in newborn. But I agree with you – it should be up to the parent.
Thanks for your insights!
Khuram said on Saturday, December 27, 2008, 14:24
These type of studies are usually taken on small samples and have lot of assumptions. I don’t believe any of them are true.
I agree, that child will feel restless, ofcourse cause of pain. But later have nothing to do with circumcision. I am myself circumcised like thousand thousand of other Muslims, and i never faced these problems at all.
On the other side there are many benefits of cicumcision like less infactions etc.
Knol Today Editor said on Saturday, December 27, 2008, 15:40
Khuram,
Indeed… A lot of my friends and colleagues are Muslims, and they feel that there were not any problems, just like what you mentioned…
Yes, more studies are needed – as this is as controversial as other studies…
Thanks for your opinion