What is the history behind FGM?
It was believed that it was practised in ancient Egypt as a sign of distinction amongst the aristocracy. Some believe it started during the slave trade when black slave women entered ancient Arab societies. Some believe FGM began with the arrival of Islam in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
What is the significance of male vs female circumcision?
Male circumcision is done for cultural or religious reasons, but female circumcision reflects an underlying message about the status of women and an intention to affect their sexual function and behavior.
How do I know if I was circumcised as a girl?
A girl who has had FGM may have difficulty walking, standing or sitting and could spend longer in the bathroom or toilet. They could also appear withdrawn, anxious or depressed and exhibit unusual behaviour after an absence from school or college.
Who invented FGM?
Some researchers have traced the practice to Egypt in the fifth-century BC and argue that the geographical distribution of FGM suggests that it originated on the west coast of the Red Sea. Egyptian mummies show women infibulated and this is supported by a Greek papyrus in the British Museum dated 163 BC.
Is male circumcision ethical?
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (2010) released a statement indicating that neonatal male circumcision is “generally considered an ethical procedure”, provided that 1) the child’s decision makers, typically the parents, are acting in the best interests of the child and are making an informed decision; and …
Why is it important to understand the concept of circumcision?
Benefits of circumcision include: Prevention of urinary tract infections in infants. Prevention of penile cancer in adult men. A reduction in the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS.
Do babies get anesthesia during circumcision?
Fast Facts About Circumcision Circumcision (SIR-come-siz-yun) is a surgery to remove the skin that covers the end of the penis. Your child’s surgery will be done under general anesthesia (an-es-THEEZ-ya), which means that he will be sound asleep during the surgery, will feel no pain and will have no memory of it.
Why is male circumcision accepted?
Circumcised men might have a lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Still, safe sexual practices remain essential. Prevention of penile problems. Occasionally, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis).
How was circumcision invented?
Christopher Columbus reported circumcision being practiced by Native Americans. It was also practiced by the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans. It probably started among South American tribes as a blood sacrifice or ritual mutilation to test bravery and endurance, and its use later evolved into a rite of initiation.
What is the origin of male circumcision?
There are many hypotheses regarding the roots of the practice. Early Western scholars attributed the origins of circumcision to ancient Egypt. But many scholars today believe that the origin of the practice, as it is done in the West and the Middle East, goes back farther and originates with the inhabitants of southern Arabia and parts of Africa.
Why is male circumcision still practiced?
Similarly with regard to circumcision, one of the reasons for it is, in my opinion, the wish to bring about a decrease in sexual intercourse and a weakening of the organ in question, so that this activity be diminished and the organ be in as quiet a state as possible. It has been thought that circumcision perfects what is defective congenitally.
When did male circumcision start?
The publisher’s final edited version of this article is available free at Isr Med Assoc J Male circumcision is the oldest known human surgical procedure, with historical records and archeological evidence dating the practice back to ancient Egyptians in the 23rd century BCE [1]. In Israel, neonatal male circumcision is routine practice.
What religions practice circumcision?
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