Whether to circumcise your child or not is not an easy decision for a parent. For the last several years circumcision has been a subject of heated debate. Circumcision of kids for medical reasons is more in US than in European countries.

In some countries, the parents do not usually circumcise for medical reason. It is mostly religious concern that makes them decide on it.
 
Recently the National Institute of Health published a report which claimed that circumcision reduces a man’s risk of contracting HIV through heterosexual sex by almost 50-60 percentage when compared to those who are not circumcised.

There are also other studies that prove that circumcision lowers the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. The risk of penile cancer, urinary tract infections and infections under the foreskins (balanitis) are more in the case of uncircumcised men. 

Along with the medical benefits, there are also certain risks associated with circumcision. Some of the complications from circumcision are:

• Pain while urination during the first few days.
• Outer skin layer of the penis may be removed accidentally.
• Oozing or slight bleeding where the surgery was done.
• Damage to the urethra opening.

The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains a neutral position over this issue and says that the procedure is not medically essential.