Circumcision

See: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20120827/new-policy-supports-choice-male-circumcision.  Excerpt:

“Studies from Africa and Europe show that circumcision cuts the rate of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, herpes simplex, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Evidence also shows that circumcision reduces the rate of urinary tract infections, especially in the first year of life; reduces the risk of penile cancer; and reduces the risk of cervical cancer in sexual partners.

What’s more, a study published last week in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine estimated that if circumcisions continue to decline to levels seen in Europe, the U.S. could see:

·         A 12% increase in men infected with HIV

·         A 29% increase in men infected with HPV

·         A 19% increase in men infected with herpes simplex

·         A 211% increase in urinary tract infections in infants”

It really makes me wonder what is going on here.  In 1989, the American Academy of Pediatrics saw benefits.  Then in 1999, they said there were no benefits.  Now they find significant benefits.  There don’t seem to be any advances in the relevant issues to study or in the possible techniques.  So why would they be changing their mind so much?  It may be attributable to studies performed by other organizations.  But this does not create confidence that the AAP is critically reviewing the studies before publishing conclusions.