A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that children who are circumcised may have a reduced risk of certain STDs such as HIV, HPV and herpes later in life. This study has reinvigorated the debate over whether circumcision minimizes certain health risks.

"Circumcision can result in complications, which include glanular adhesions, skin bridge formation, asymmetric or excessive penile skin removal, and the rare condition of injury to the urethra or penis," says Dr. Jeffrey Palmer, director of the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Urology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. "These conditions are usually treatable by an experienced and well-trained pediatric urologist."

"Every surgery has the risks of hemorrhage, infection, surgical mishap and death," says Marilyn Milos, a registered nurse and executive director of the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers. "An estimated 229 babies die every year from circumcision." She also says it is painful, even when analgesia is used.

Milos says there are specialized erogenous nerve endings encircling the opening of the foreskin. Taking this part off "denies a male's right to a fully functioning penis and leaves him with decreased sensitivity, pleasure and sexual fulfillment," says Milos.

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