CDC's Male Circumcision Recommendations Represent a Key Public Health Measure

Figures & Tables

TABLE.

Why Infant Male Circumcision Is Preferable to Male Circumcision at a Later Age

Infant Male Circumcision	Male Circumcision of Older Boys and Men
Simple	More complex
Quick (a few minutes)	Takes half an hour or more
Low cost	Expensive (often unaffordable)
Low risk (adverse events 0.4%)²⁰	Moderate risk (adverse events 4%–8%)²⁰
Bleeding is minimal	Bleeding more common, requiring cautery or other interventions
No need for sutures	Sutures or tissue glue needed
Convenient (baby mostly sleeps)	Inconvenient (time off school or work required)
Local anesthesia for those <2 months of age²¹	General anesthesia for those >2 months to 9 years of age; local anesthesia for men, although general anesthesia sometimes preferred by surgeon
Healing is fast (2 weeks)²¹	Healing takes 6 weeks or more
Cosmetic outcome usually good	Stitch marks may be seen
No long-term memory of procedure	Fear of undergoing an operation
	Abstinence from sexual intercourse for the 6-week healing period