Phimosis as the most common medical indication
Phimosis is the presence of a narrowing of the foreskin. The foreskin surrounds the glans and can normally be pushed back without difficulty, which is a prerequisite for adequate intimate hygiene and for a painless erection during sexual intercourse. In the case of phimosis, the foreskin is so narrowed that it cannot be pushed back over the glans completely or only with pain.
On the one hand, this makes adequate intimate hygiene more difficult and bacteria can easily settle under the foreskin, which in turn can promote infections and inflammations. These can spread to the prostate or the urethra in the following time, which can result in a urinary tract infection, among other things. On the other hand, an erection of the penis is usually only possible with pain, since a physiological erection requires the complete retraction of the foreskin over the glans. Consequently, phimosis often leads to problems and restrictions during sexual intercourse. Circumcision, i.e. the removal of the narrowed foreskin, represents the causal therapy of phimosis and subsequently opens up an immense increase in the quality of life for those affected.
The circumcision in Judaism
In Judaism, circumcision, also known as Brit Mila, is one of the most important commandments and according to the Torah is a ritual of faith given by Yahweh to the forefather Abraham. Circumcision should take place on the eighth day after the birth of the boy, whereby the infant is accepted into the covenant with God. Besides the covenant with God, circumcision is a sign of the individual’s communion with the rest of the Jewish people.
Only in exceptional cases, such as an illness of the boy, is circumcision postponed to a later date, whereby it is usually performed eight days after recovery. It is possible to make up for the circumcision until the boy reaches the age of 13; if this does not happen, the boy places himself outside the covenant to God and the religious community. Consequently, circumcision is also performed on converting adults.
During the ceremony ten Jewish men (minyan) must be present as representatives of the community. It is also assumed that the prophet Elijah takes part in the circumcision as an invisible guest. Circumcision is given its full validity by simultaneous blessings in connection with the ceremony. The performance of an anaesthetic in the context of circumcision is not clearly regulated, so that only 20 of 400 Jewish doctors registered in Israel perform circumcision under anaesthetic.
The meaning of circumcision in Islam
In contrast to Judaism, circumcision is not explicitly demanded in Islam. It is, however, regarded as Sunna, i.e. as an established practice and custom, and thus often perceived as an essential part of the practice of Islam. According to a tradition the Prophet Mohammed was born without or with only a very short foreskin, from which circumcision can be derived with the aim of wanting to resemble the Prophet.
The usual age for circumcision of boys is between seven and fourteen years. Circumcision is often celebrated within the family circle and is celebrated as a symbol of belonging to Islam. In contrast to circumcision in Judaism, in Islam it is performed under local anesthesia.
