Summer is usually peak season for kids’ circumcision surgeries, mainly for hygiene and health—but one recent case tells a different story. A seventh-grade boy, studying overseas and on his school’s sports team, came back to Taiwan with his mom for surgery—not because of germs, but because of bullying.
After training, the boy had to shower with teammates. His long foreskin became a target. Teammates mocked him, even calling him an “anteater,” leaving him embarrassed and isolated. Feeling out of place in group activities, his athletic performance suffered.
In Western countries, most boys are circumcised at birth, making him feel different. Dr. Gu Fangyu, Superintendent of Gujia Medical Center, explained that excessive foreskin isn’t just a physical issue—it can cause infections, urinary problems, and even serious psychological stress when peers are cruel.
Circumcision can help with hygiene, prevent infections, and boost confidence, while also reducing potential sexual health problems in the future. Parents should watch for warning signs: difficulty exposing the glans during erections, repeated inflammation, or urinary problems.
Dr. Gu urges parents to consider both physical and mental health. In a globalized world, children face more challenges growing up across cultures. Support, understanding, and timely medical help are key to helping them thrive.
