More men are being circumcised at a Toronto-based specialty clinic for reasons that include religious identification, improved hygiene, sexual performance and esthetics.
“People are just very appreciative that we offer this,” says Dr. John Aquino, medical director of Ontario Men’s Health. “It can be tough for a lot of guys.”
“We always ask them: Why?” says Aquino. “I want to make sure they have a good reason. We’re certainly not out there trying to get people to do it. It’s not something we’re encouraging.”
Most men who show up at the York Mills Rd. clinic have thought long and hard about their decision and many feel an intense sense of “relief” after it’s over.
Religion is a powerful motivator. For many Jews and Muslims, circumcision is seen as an initiation rite and introduction to the faith, so some men who are converting will seek to have the procedure done.
According to the World Health Organization, male circumcision is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures worldwide. About 30 per cent of the world’s male population, aged 15 and older, is circumcised. Most have been snipped for religious reasons: 69 per cent of the world’s circumcised men are Muslim, with an additional 1 per cent belonging to the Jewish faith.
