some Benefits of Circumcision

I bought Reader's Digest today and read this article. It's about the benefits of Circumcision. I remembered in high school days, this is a laughing matter for many of us. Especially when we gather around and the guys (kids then) would share their painful experiences with the girls... and we girls will make funny faces or remarks like, "eeeyeeerrrr...." To some of us, it is still a laughing matter.

But thinking about it, how did we first learn about circumcision? I learnt it from reading the bible and way before that, I don't have the slightest clue what it is all about. The first person in the history of MANkind to have circumcision is Abraham. Abraham vowed that he would teach his descendents to serve God with perfect devotion. In return, God promised to guarantee the survival of Abraham's progeny It was a 'sign of covenant' with God.

After reading this article (see below), I thought "Wow! God is all-knowing!" In those days, HIV was not even heard of!

For the benefits of all who are medically illiterate, I have also included links to Wikipedia on some medical terms below, if you want to know more! Do you think God already have his own "google" in heaven??

xxx

UNPOPULAR FOR MORE than 20 years, circumcision may come back into vogue as new research points to some irrefutable benefits.

• Protects against HIV

Circumcised men have up to 60 percent lower incidence of HIV. That's because the foreskin has a relatively high number of target cells for HIV infection. It's also more likely to tear during sex, providing entry route for HIV.

• Cut rates of cervical cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer and surveys show that circumcised men are three times less likely to carry the virus.

• Less prostrate cancer

Circumcised men may have a lower risk of prostrate cancer.

• Less penile cancer

Although it's a rare cancer, circumcision almost eliminates the chance of invasive penile cancer.

• Fewer infections

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are up to five times less common in boys who've been circumcised. However, the number of boys who will get UTI is small. Severe infections at an early age can lead to kidney problems later in life.

Extracted from Reader's Digest, RD Health, "Circumcision Protects Against HIV and Infections", December 2008 issue.