Dr Terry Russell, who performs circumcisions using the PlastiBell. Source: News Limited
ALL infant boys should undergo circumcision the same way all children are encouraged to have routine vaccinations, Brisbane’s leading doctor in the field says.
Dr Terry Russell, who has been performing circumcisions for decades, said he believed the health benefits of circumcision were so conclusive – both for men and for their female sexual partners in future – that it should be encouraged with all parents.
“Neonatal urinary tract infections can be a far more serious thing to happen to a baby than measles, and they affect about 1 in 40 uncircumcised boys,’’ he said.
“I believe all boys should be circumcised, in much the same fashion that it is applied to childhood vaccinations and immunisation.’’
About 13,000 boys are born in Brisbane every year. Medicare item statistics shows about 3500 to 5500 newborn boys (under six months) are circumcised each year, but the statistics are not conclusive as they do not include procedures not claimed under Medicare.
Dr Russell estimated about half of all the boys born every year in Brisbane were circumcised – either in hospital or privately.
– Keep reading below to see the arguments FOR and AGAINST infant circumcision
Laura Keast chose not to have her son Xavier circumcised. Picture: Jamie Hanson
He said the rate was higher in Brisbane due to the use of new technology to perform the procedure.
“Brisbane has always had the highest circumcision rate in Australia basically because of the fact we’ve led the pack in regards to making it safe with the PlastiBell (circumcision device) and pain-free with anaesthetic cream,’’ he said. “The Queensland figures are indeed going up.’’
He said the procedure, which costs about $600 through his clinic, had clear health benefits.
“The single biggest advantage in having them circumcised is that it is easier to keep clean and less likely to get infected, and the advantages are quite extensive apart from that,’’ he said.
Queensland Health says fewer than 400 infant boys were circumcised in the public or private hospital system in 2012-13.
Laura Keast, 23, chose not to have her son Xavier, 3, circumcised when he was born.
“Everyone has their opinion – for my children, I don’t like the idea of it, unless it’s for medical reasons,’’ she said.
Her older son Brian, 6, was circumcised when he was 3 for medical reasons.
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians said the evidence showed there were both health benefits and risks involved with circumcision.
“The RACP considers that the potential health benefits are not sufficient to recommend routine circumcision of infant males in Australia,’’ a spokesman said.
ARGUMENTS FOR CIRCUMCISION
– For health reasons.
– For hygiene and appearance reasons.
– For religious or cultural reasons.
ARGUMENTS AGAINST CIRCUMCISION
– The foreskin is known to have a specific purpose.
– The operation is done mostly without a medical reason.
– The infant is unable to decide for himself.
Source: The Royal Australasian College of Physicians