Do Singaporean Men Get Circumcised? Circumcision Practices in Singapore Explained

Circumcision, surgical elimination of the foreskin covering the head of the penis, is practiced globally on religious, cultural, medical, and personal grounds. Circumcision Singapore practices within Singapore’s multiracial community are very much ethnicity- and religion-specific. This article examines the prevalence, indications, and attitudes toward circumcision in Singapore.

Prevalence Within Various Communities

The tradition of circumcision in Singapore is primarily religious and cultural:

Muslim Community

Among Singapore Muslims (who are primarily Malay and some Indians), circumcision approaches universality. Islamic practice views circumcision (also referred to as “khatan” or “sunat”) as a vital religious rite, although not specifically a Quranic prescription. Circumcision for Muslim boys in Singapore takes place between 7 and 12 years old, although some families practice infant circumcision.

Jewish Community

Singapore’s small Jewish community practices circumcision (known as “brit milah”) as a religious obligation, typically performed on the eighth day after birth.

Chinese Community

The majority of Chinese Singaporeans, who make up about 75% of the population, traditionally do not practice circumcision. However, some Chinese Singaporeans choose circumcision for medical reasons or personal preference.

Indian Community

Among non-Muslim Indians in Singapore, circumcision is generally not a cultural practice, though some may undergo the procedure for medical reasons.

Reasons for Circumcision in Singapore

Religious Observance

For Muslims and Jews in Singapore, religious tradition remains the primary motivation for circumcision.

Medical Indications

Circumcision in Singapore is sometimes performed for medical reasons, including:

• Phimosis (tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back)
• Recurrent balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis)
• Paraphimosis (foreskin stuck in a retracted position)
• Prevention of urinary tract infections
• Easier hygiene management

Preventive Health

Some Singaporeans choose circumcision based on studies suggesting potential health benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of certain sexually transmitted infections
• Lower rates of penile cancer
• Decreased risk of urinary tract infections
• Prevention of inflammation and infection under the foreskin

Personal or Partner Preference

Some adult men in Singapore opt for circumcision based on personal preference or at the suggestion of a partner.

Circumcision Procedures in Singapore

Medical Settings

Circumcision in Singapore is performed in various healthcare settings:

• Private specialist clinics
• Public hospitals
• Day surgery centers
• General practitioner clinics with trained doctors

Most clinics offering circumcision in Singapore use modern techniques with proper pain management, including:

• Conventional surgical methods
• Plastibell device (for infants and young children)
• Stapler methods (for adults)
• Laser circumcision (offered at some specialized clinics)

Traditional Practices

While medical circumcision is increasingly common, some traditional practices still exist:

• Some Malay families hold ceremonial celebrations around circumcision
• Traditional practitioners (though less common now due to health concerns)
• Community circumcision events, especially during school holidays

Cost Considerations

The cost of circumcision in Singapore varies widely:

• Public hospitals: S$200-800 (subsidized rates available)
• Private clinics: S$800-2,500
• Traditional practitioners: Variable (though not recommended due to safety concerns)

Some insurance plans cover medically necessary circumcision, while religious circumcision is typically not covered.

Changing Attitudes

Attitudes toward circumcision in Singapore have evolved:

• Increasing preference for medical settings over traditional practitioners
• Greater emphasis on pain management during the procedure
• More open discussions about the procedure’s benefits and risks
• Some non-Muslim/non-Jewish families adopting the practice for perceived health benefits

Conclusion

Although circumcision in Singapore is still tightly linked to religious identity for Muslims and Jews, medical circumcision can be accessed by all communities and is occasionally done for health considerations. Circumcision is extremely personal and decided based on religious, cultural, medical, and personal considerations.

For individuals contemplating circumcision in Singapore, it is advisable to consult qualified doctors in order to learn about the procedure, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the right aftercare. With good medical attention, circumcision is a harmless procedure with few complications and, for most Singaporeans, still remains a significant religious or cultural practice.