Circumcision-Related Adverse Events Uncommon in Male Infants

By Kelly Young

The risk for adverse events following male circumcision increases markedly if the procedure is done after the first year of life, according to a large study in JAMA Pediatrics.

Using U.S. administrative claims data, researchers examined the incidence of circumcision-related adverse events among over 1 million infant boys who underwent circumcision (and over 1 million who did not). Adverse event rates were also calculated for older boys.

Among infants (younger than 1 year), less than 0.5% of those who were circumcised experienced an adverse event. Rates of adverse events increased with age at circumcision, reaching roughly 9% and 5% in boys aged 1–9 years and 10 years and older, respectively. The most common events were related to correctional procedures and bleeding.

The authors conclude: "Given the current debate about whether [male circumcision] should be delayed from infancy to adulthood for autonomy reasons, our results are timely and can help physicians counsel parents about circumcising their sons."