Does Circumcision Prevent Urinary Tract Infection?: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies

Abstract

Abstract This dissertation examines childhood male circumcision and the controversies surrounding it. Circumcision is arguably one of the oldest surgical procedures still performed today. It is a crucial topic because many parents are still unaware of the factors circumcision entails and of its importance to their sons’ health. From the data collected and analysed here, medical practitioners, healthcare providers and parents can gather knowledge about when circumcision is necessary and make appropriate decisions to save male children from diseases, specifically urinary tract infections (UTIs). Through quantitative data collection, the research aimed to determine whether childhood male circumcision can prevent UTIs in boys aged zero to 16. It asked whether all boys, globally, should be circumcised – seeking a conclusion from the gathered data to aid future advanced nursing practices. A systematic review of quantitative studies was conducted through the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. The results indicated that, when male new-borns are circumcised, their chances of developing UTIs decrease, not only during infancy, but also into adolescence. Six studies concerning the connection between infant male circumcision and UTI prevention in infancy and adolescence were evaluated. While some had no variables, others included additional variables, but each study found that infant male circumcision reduces UTI risk. However, it was also determined that not all boys need to be circumcised, and, though UTI risk decreases after circumcision, it cannot be entirely prevented. Therefore, from the collected data, it can be concluded that, in a large number of cases of infant male circumcision, most boys have not developed UTIs. However, a small percentage are still affected, and the reasons for this have not yet been researched. Thus, in the present author’s view, healthcare providers should make parents aware of the pros and cons of circumcision, so they can decide whether to continue with an elective circumcision or with a suggested procedure when the infant has posterior urethral valves (PUV). Nurses may also deliver informational pamphlets to the parents or families.