Circumcision is a common procedure in many cultures and religions. The removal of the foreskin of the penis, commonly done to male babies and children, and at times adults, is done in many religions as part of the rites of passage. But, like many customs, its deep underlying reason might be in common sense, in this case the need for better hygiene. New research now confirms that there is a good medical reason for circumcision ” “ reduced risk of prostate cancer.
The new study collected information from 1754 cases and 1645 controls. Men were asked to complete a questionnaire which covered questions such as whether they were circumcised, when, the date of their first sexual intercourse, history of sexually transmitted diseases and if they were diagnosed with prostatitis.
The conclusion of the research is that circumcision completed before man”s first intercourse may reduce his risk of prostate cancer by 15 percents.
There is strong scientific correlation between some cancers such as cervical and stomach, and germs. This new study adds prostate cancer as the one which may have microbial cause.
Another strong case for promoting circumcision is that it also reduces risk from a number of sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia and HIV.
Authors of the study warn against taking the results as more than observational data, particularly as the mechanism which links circumcision and prostate cancer is not clear. But, there is an obvious suggestion that circumcision allows for better hygiene. It eliminates environment in which germs can thrive, such as under the foreskin.
Male circumcision done for religious reason is part of the male rate of passage in many Muslim countries and Israel. It is also common practice in predominantly Christian countries like the Philippines, the United States, Ethiopia and South Korea.
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