In extreme cases, the infections can lead to amputations or death. Gusha escaped with a relatively minor infection. His problem will come when he returns to his circumcision school for the feast marking the end of his three-week manhood rite. Because he sought modern medical treatment, he worries he will be seen as being weak. But after all, it is my health.
Modern medicine has a role to play in circumcision, but it's a back-seat role.
Circumcision - the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis is one of the oldest surgical procedures in the world. It is widely practiced, among Asians, Africans, Middle Easterners and Westerners, for reasons ranging from religious to ethnic to medical. In the West, the operation typically is performed just after birth. Among Africans, it is ordinarily done after puberty. About half of South Africa's 10 black tribes practice teenage circumcision, and Xhosas attach great significance to the ceremony.