Articles filed under 'URINARY CONDITIONS'


Should You Circumcise Your Baby Boy?

Results of recent studies have revived the controversy over circumcision in infants. The U.S. leads the way in holding to this practice, although in the past decade or so, the surgical procedure has declined. A 1999 survey of hospital records found circumcision rates varying widely by region — 81% in the Midwest, 66% in the Northeast, 64% in the South and 37% in the West.

In Europe, Asia, and Latin America, baby boys are not routinely circumcised, however Jewish and Muslim faiths traditionally subscribe to circumcision. Recent international studies have cast new light on the subject. Two trials held in Africa involving more than 7,500 men were stopped early because results showed that circumcised adult males had a 51% to 60% lower rate of contracting HIV, the AIDS virus, than their uncircumcised counterparts.

Researchers believe that the warm, moist area under foreskins of uncircumcised men can breed infections. Lifestyle and personal cleaning habits may have more impact on health, however, than the surgical removal of foreskin. In some areas of the world, clean water and soap may not be widely available, and in these areas, circumcision may make sense.

Doctors in the U.S. are split in their opinions on the potential benefits of circumcision. Those opposed believe that circumcision does unnecessary violence to the infant’s genitals, and that the decision should be left to the male in adulthood. Furthermore, they believe that removing a baby boy’s foreskin might diminish his sexual pleasure when he becomes sexually active.

Doctors who favor the procedure point out that studies over the years have shown circumcised males to have lower rates of urinary tract infections, penile cancer (a rare condition), and a variety of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Circumcised baby boys have fewer urinary tract infections and possibly other problems, but these can be treated with antibiotics or other strategies if needed.

Tradition, religion and philosophical beliefs will continue to be factors involved in the emotional choice involving circumcision. In the final analysis, it is up to the parents, guided by information from their baby’s doctor, to make the decision.

Whatever parents decide for their newborn sons will probably be fine, as there appear to be advantages and disadvantages either way. When in doubt, why not leave the penis intact and let the individual decide as an adult?

Source:  MSNBC

2 comments March 5th, 2007

Simple Procedure Prevents Bladder Problems after Uterine Prolapse Surgery

A nationwide, federally funded study involving 322 women having surgery for uterine prolapse showed conclusively that future bladder problems can be prevented with four additional stitches.

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus sags into the birth canal and causes pain. Frequent childbirths are generally a contributing factor. About 200,000 women have this condition corrected surgically each year.

The surgery itself can lead to bladder problems unless a second step, called the Burch procedure, is added. This procedure involves placing four permanent stitches (from the vagina to a pelvic ligament), forming a “hammock” that keeps urinary control muscle supported.

Women in the group that did not receive the extra stitches developed bladder control problems with greater frequency than those who did. Also known as “stress incontinence,” urine can leak when a woman coughs, sneezes or laughs hard.

The study showed that only 6% of women given the Burch procedure during uterine prolapse surgery developed urinary control symptoms three months later. Of those who didn’t receive the additional four stitches, 25% developed bothersome and embarrassing stress incontinence.

Because the benefits of the Burch procedure were so obvious, the study was stopped early. The technique was developed in the 1960s by Dr. John Burch, a Tennessee obstetrician. Other methods are also used to treat or prevent urinary leakage, but the study did not examine them.

This study demonstrated for the first time that an operation can actually prevent stress incontinence. Principal investigator Dr. Linda Brubaker of Loyola University pointed out that study findings are a big step forward in providing better solutions for these common women’s health problems.

Source: Associated Press

Add comment April 20th, 2006


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