Attitudes and practices regarding circumcision in Turkey

Abstract

Traditions still play an important role in the timing of circumcision and by whom and why it is performed in Turkey. Changing times and educational levels do not seem to affect the traditional approach to circumcision.

What is the ideal age of circumcision for wound healing time?

“…A Turkish study performed by Sivasli et al [3] reported that circumcision before age 1 year was preferred because of rapid recovery and the child is thought to not experience any pain or fear and that circumcision after age 2 years was preferred because of the belief that undergoing circumcision at a younger age may be harmful. In the present study mean age at the time of circumcision was 7.2 years, which is consistent with Sahin et al [2], and 32.9% of the patients were aged 0-2 years (group 1), 17.3% were aged 3-6 years (group 2), and 49.8% were aged 7-16 years (group 3). We think that group 2 was proportionally the smallest because of the information we gave.…”

“…But time of circumcision decision mostly given by the parents regarding the psychological affects. Sahin et al [2] studied 411 children and reported that age at the time of circumcision in Turkey varies between 2 years and 11 years (mean: 7 years), and that 15% of children undergo circumcision at age <1 year, 8% at age 1-3 years, 35% at age 3-6 years, and 41% at age >6 years. A Turkish study performed by Sivasli et al [3] reported that circumcision before age 1 year was preferred because of rapid recovery and the child is thought to not experience any pain or fear and that circumcision after age 2 years was preferred because of the belief that undergoing circumcision at a younger age may be harmful.…”

Male Circumcision: Implications for Women as Sexual Partners and Parents

“…23 In countries where male circumcision is already socially accepted, e.g. in Turkey, 24 parts of West Africa and among some Asia-Pacific cultures, 25 boys do not consider themselves as men unless they are circumcised. In South Korea, male circumcision was rare before 1945, was introduced in the 1950s and increased dramatically in the 1980s and 90s.…”

What should the ideal circumcision age be? Seventy nine years old elective circumcision

“…3-6 age group is not a suitable age for circumcision due to castration phobia and also the children over 3 years of age are generally afraid of circumcision operation unless they are prepared well in psychological terms. 6,10 A painful intervention in sexual organ in this period would cause psychological problems hard to overcome in the future. Circumcision is a selective surgical operation if not made due to medical obligations and it is important for the kid not to experience this uneasy and hurting process at an age he would suffer more so that it won't stay in his memories.…”