Does neonatal circumcision decrease morbidity?

Abstract

Evidence suggests that neonatal circumcision decreases the incidence of childhood urinary tract infections, phimosis, paraphimosis, balanitis and other genital dermatoses, invasive penile cancer, and the sexually transmitted diseases human papilloma virus (HPV) and HIV (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on case control and cohort studies). The benefits of decreased incidence of HPV and HIV infections go beyond the index patient and have public health implications on the transmission of these diseases (SOR: B). Further, a decrease in HPV incidence and transmission may lead to a lower incidence of cervical cancer (SOR: B). While there appears to be some evidence for reduced morbidity with routine circumcision, decisions regarding routine neonatal circumcision requires balancing risks and benefits of the procedure with the alternatives in the context of social, familial, and religious beliefs.