The Truth About Male Circumcision

The Truth About Male Circumcision

Circumcision is a very common topic, often acknowledged by the mainstream media partly because of the Semitic connotations it has.

What is male circumcision?

Removal of the foreskin from the human penis. In the most common procedure, the foreskin is opened, adhesions are removed, and the foreskin is separated from the glans. After that, the circumcision device (if used) is placed, and then the foreskin is cut off.

The Truth About Male Circumcision

Now, it's almost impossible to talk about circumcision without acknowledging religion and different cultures. According to each individual's culture, the perception of circumcision will be different. Morally, not everyone will agree to what circumcision actually represents.

Now, if part of your argument is considering female circumcision then you must know by now it isn't the same at all.

What is female circumcision?

The action or traditional practice of cutting off the clitoris and sometimes the labia of girls or young women.

The Truth About Male Circumcision

Virtually every time a girl is circumcised is due to religious reasons, as the clitoris is probably the most important organ when it comes to female's sexual pleasure during intercourse. If female circumcision was to be accounted as equivalent to male's, then ideally girls would only have labia removed, and would involve medical conditions similar to boys/men.

In my opinion, female circumcision is simply wrong from any logical standpoint, since I don't share ANY religious belief that endorses it. Also, we should take in account that in said cultures where female circumcision is performed, it isn't done in the best conditions either which attributes part of its problematic.

The Truth About Male Circumcision

What to consider when it comes to male circumcision?

Medically, circumcision should be considered ONLY when the foreskin represents a problem to the infant. When foreskin attributes to urinary tract infections and proper diagnosis is made then yes, it's enough of a reason to circumcise a child/baby or an adult.

There are two sides of the coin, actually. Circumcision can be either a good thing to do, or bad thing to do when it comes to health.

So, lets weigh them in.

The Truth About Male Circumcision

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, as published by the NCBI.

Cons of being uncircumsized

In terms of urinary tract infections:

"Why does the intact foreskin lead to an increased rate of UTI during infancy? It is known that there is bacterial colonization of the foreskin during the first 6 months of life that may be an important risk factor for the development of UTIs. Colonization decreases after the first 6 months of life, probably because the foreskin often becomes retractable around that age. It is known that uropathogens adhere to and readily colonize the mucosal surface of the foreskin but not the keratinized shaft skin. Bacteremia associated with UTI occurs during the first 6 months of life and is inversely related to age. "

Also:

"After infancy, the rate of problems such as balanitis was significantly higher in older uncircumcised males."

Another reason to consider circumcision is the following:

"The AAP’s policy statement also discusses circumcision status and cancer of the penis. It is known that there is a 3-fold increased risk for the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the penis in males who are uncircumcised. The major risk factor associated with phimosis is, in turn, associated with poor hygiene."

HOWEVER, the article and medical research, in general, acknowledges that penile cancer is rare and that there are preventive measures for issues relating phimosis, by just having good hygiene. Also, there are treatments available for these type of issues:

"For boys with nonretractable foreskin, topical corticosteroid cream may loosen the phimotic band. Monsour and colleagues reported on 20 boys with phimosis who were placed on a month’s course of twice daily topical 0.05% betamethasone cream.2 Sixty-eight percent had a retractable foreskin following therapy, obviating the need for circumcision. Although 90% of foreskins are retractable by age 5, less than 1% of males at age 17 have nonretractable foreskin and may benefit from topical steroid cream or circumcision."

The Truth About Male Circumcision

Cons of being circumcised

Based on the previous studies. There are many complications that come with circumcision:

"A long list of circumcision complications was reviewed. Two large series report complication rates between 0.2% and 0.6%. Asymmetric, excessive, or insufficient skin removal continues to be the most common problem requiring revision of the initial circumcision. Most complications can be avoided at the time of the procedure by paying special attention to the healing of the circumcision to prevent common problems such as adhesions and skin bridges."

There are conditions that can be develop in circumcised males as well:

"During infancy, the circumcised males had a significantly higher risk for the development of meatitis and subsequent meatal stenosis."

In terms of sensitivity, as published by the NCBI:

"The glans of the circumcised penis is less sensitive to fine touch than the glans of the uncircumcised penis. The transitional region from the external to the internal prepuce is the most sensitive region of the uncircumcised penis and more sensitive than the most sensitive region of the circumcised penis. Circumcision ablates the most sensitive parts of the penis."

The Truth About Male Circumcision

Also, when it comes to sexual arousal, as published by the NCBI:

"The analysis sample consisted of 1059 uncircumcised and 310 circumcised men. For the glans penis, circumcised men reported decreased sexual pleasure and lower orgasm intensity. They also stated more effort was required to achieve orgasm, and a higher percentage of them experienced unusual sensations (burning, prickling, itching, or tingling and numbness of the glans penis). For the penile shaft a higher percentage of circumcised men described discomfort and pain, numbness and unusual sensations. In comparison to men circumcised before puberty, men circumcised during adolescence or later indicated less sexual pleasure at the glans penis, and a higher percentage of them reported discomfort or pain and unusual sensations at the penile shaft."

There have been many studies that have discarded the link between circumcision and erectile dysfunction, however the importance of penile sensitivity when it comes to arousal and sexual stimuli is VERY important to consider. As the study concludes:

"This study confirms the importance of the foreskin for penile sensitivity, overall sexual satisfaction, and penile functioning. Furthermore, this study shows that a higher percentage of circumcised men experience discomfort or pain and unusual sensations as compared with the uncircumcised population. Before circumcision without medical indication, adult men, and parents considering circumcision of their sons, should be informed of the importance of the foreskin in male sexuality."

The Truth About Male Circumcision

Conclusion

Considering the fact that penile cancer is rare in uncircumcised men and that issues regarding phimosis in uncircumcised men is treatable, we can safely assure the only major reasoning for circumcision is when it comes to either persistent or aggravated urinary tract infections by the foreskin, and the prevention of balanitis (swelling of the foreskin).

The initial study referenced, in fact, acknowledges:

"At this time, there is insufficient data to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. Although there are potential benefits and risks, the procedure is usually not essential to the child’s well being. Parents should determine what is in the best interest of their child. All of this information needs to be presented so parents can make an informed choice."

The Truth About Male Circumcision

Taking in consideration what I just presented to you, there are more pros to being uncircumcised than being circumcised. On top of it, it safe to conclude that outside of medical diagnosis, there are no logical reasons to circumcise a child without consent. Only a consenting adult, other than medical diagnosis, should be the reason why this practice should be executed.

In terms of consenting males wanting to be circumcised for esthetic reasons, I can only urge you to consider the possible sexual health implications of being circumcised.

1 6

Most Helpful Girl

  • I don't agree with it being done on infants. As you said, the risks associated with being uncircumcised are already really low. It should only be done if it's necessary for medical reasons.

    There are also studies that say that circumcision decreases the risks for HIV by 60%. Now even if this is true, the chances of getting it is already 2%. So 60% of 2% isn't really much of a difference. Condoms decrease this risk by 90%. And if you have unprotected sex with someone who has it, you're going to get it regardless of whether you have a foreskin.

    I also agree that it's not comparable to female circumcision. It takes away nearly any kind of pleasure a woman can feel and is done under worse conditions, so there are usually more complications. Most cultures also perform it on girls who are older so they remember it and it's more traumatic.

    Good take! I agree with you 👍

    • Thanks for pointing that out, though. Definitely another important thing to consider. 👌👍

    • This.

    • to lady, well said! i wish more Americans THOUGHT ABOUT those ideas you wrote.

Most Helpful Guy

  • Here's the thing: You only remove something nature gave you if something is wrong with it.

    End of story.

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What Girls & Guys Said

5 20
  • Thanks god I'm safe.

  • i appreciate this fair and balanced look at circumcision. one factor that i didn't see considered was rate of STD transmission but still a great take!

  • I've experienced both- well sorta. I restored my foreskin, and can tell you that I'd never want to go back, and I will never circumcise my sons if I have any and I will discourage my friends and family from circumcising as well.

    • Good to see people like you :)

  • This topic makes me cringe. Good thing I don't remember being circumcised as a baby.

  • I just circumcised my son. It took about a week to heal. Honestly, not knowing how to take care of a baby boy's diaper with the added responsibilities of cleaning the circumcision point was completely nerve wracking. My husband wanted it done, so I had him watch the procedure and take pictures, so that he could see what was happening with our son. The procedure looked painful, but it wasn't as alarming to the baby, as I initially thought. Getting it done as a baby is the least painful. Getting it done as an adult would be more traumatic.

    • I know there isn't much awareness of the possible sexual health implications that circumcision may have on men. With that said, I hope your husband was well aware of them when he made that decision. Even though for a baby it won't be as traumatic, I also hope he consider all the medical reasons I exposed here, as it appears you two didn't make the decision on medical diagnosis.

    • considered*

    • He did not consider any of them.

    • Show All
  • That little snip of skin off the penis of a baby would have grown to 15 square inches of highly erogenous tissue, reducing sexual function substantially for the male and his partner. The resulting dried out head of the penis is further desensitized. It is like wearing a condom. When you wear a condom on a circumcised penis it is like wearing two on an intact penis.
    Circumcision, or foreskin amputation, is big business. Each one costs over $100, divided between the doctor and the hospital. At its peak, there were over one million a year. This added up to well over 100 million dollars every year. Insurers need not pay for this unnecessary surgery, and they can save much needed health dollars at the same time.

    In considering the physical effects of circumcision, we have seen how there is a permanent and irreversible change in the appearance of the penis and the exposure of the glans, resulting in its keratinization and altered appearance. From the point of view of sensation and function, the most important effect is caused by the tissue loss itself. The most sensitive part of the penis is removed, and the normal mechanisms of intercourse and masturbation are disturbed. At the same time, we have learned about the function of the male foreskin, a subject that has been neglected by medical scientists in the past. We have not considered complications of the operation, but merely what ensues when everything goes according to plan.
    Male circumcision is misandry of the highest order and it diminishes male/female sexual function

    • i am shocked... in a good way... that you DARED to write those painful truths. i agree infant circumcision is just as horrible as you described. it is only done due to familiarity like human sacrifice for aztecs.

  • DISCLAIMER my opinion is EQUALLY protect both male and female from losing any non-ill skin including circumcision. mockers will mention dry skin and fingernails but they are just being silly. that said, i comment that i liked that the author presented both sides and despite benefits still quoted a. a. p. and a. m. a. who both "not recommend cut" in contrast to "doctors recommend" stuff. i did not like the debasing of males "females can't lose pieces but males can" both deserve equal protection by detterring cutters... consider "if circumcision was really healthy or better" everyone in Europe would wanna be healthy but they dont cut kuz cut is truly NOT better. the only reason u. s. doctor recommend cut is for MONEY. but brit medical association stopped recommended cut as soon as insurance stopped PAYING for circumcision.

  • You are incorrect about female cirumcision part. There are different forms and severity of female circumcision from partially removing the clitoral hood, fully removing the clitoral hood, removing the clitoris and/or sewing it up.

    Male circumcision is equal to the removal of teh clitoral hood medically - since they originate both from the very same tissue in a fetus.

    • Good point, didn't tbought of this while I was writing for some reason. Though female circumcision still does't compare to male's. Cutting a clit off would be like cutting a glans off.

    • Of course. But not every place that practices female circumcision involves the removal of the clitoris. In several places it is "only" the removal of the clitoral hood. And that is the very equivalent to male circumcision.

    • According to what I looked into, it is actually the most common practice, the removal of the clitoris. Then the removal of the clitoris plus the removal of labia menora.

    • Show All
  • I am so glad, that I kept my foreskin. :) Not, that I had a choice but I still am.

    www.veriforcetactical.com/.../S126-556-3.jpg

    Circumcision is simply sadistic and using religion as an argument is just as inhuman.
    Let adults choose to be circumcised or not BUT NEVER TO PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 18!!!

    • I wish I still had my foreskin. I feel sexually diminished, frustrated, humiliated. More and more girls now prefer the natural complete penis, uncircumcised, much more fun for both partners!

  • If I have a son I won't get him circumsized.

  • Omg what did I just see? I'm terrified this is rude

    • "rude" lol It's safe to assume you're not a fan of this topic. If it bothers you this much, I wouldn't advise you to look into actual procedure pictures because you'd probably wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.

    • Lmao hahahaha

  • Male/Female circumcision is evil and Satanic. It's a demonic thing. Only demons from Hell, like the DARK-headed Babylonians ("Jews", as they call themselves nowadays) practice it. Muslims practice it too, as they're also demons.
    Even if it's done for medical reasons, it's still absolutely evil.

  • Solid take!
    I never had a UTI thank god

  • güzel çalışma, güzel bilgiler

  • I've always thought it's an unnecessary thing to do to a defenseless child. I mean we're talking about cutting off a normal and perfectly healthy part of the body here and why? To prevent urinary tract infection? Soap and water hello? Good hygiene will prevent problems like that every time.
    You can't really compare it to female circumcision but seriously forget about the glans of the peniz because the foreskin itself is the most erogenously innervated part of the penis with about 20,000 nerve endings. So it's a but more than just removing labia.

    • Agreed.

  • 4Good post

  • This topic makes me so uncomfortable especially female circumcision.

    • I can see why this is a heavy topic for some, specially female circumcision. But I guess I've become desensitized on these subjects, partly cause I'm majoring a medical career.

  • considering that skin mitosis is possible for the foreskin phimosis can be cured by mitosis. mitosis what we call the splitting of skin cell when the skin is stretched. by pull the foreskin back and thus stretching the foreskin that is too narrow the skin cells in the foreskin will split thus creating more skin over time thus making the foreskin larger in circumference until it it fits over the glands penis so it can have normal foreskin function, no circumcision is necessary for circumcision.

    the actual reason why UTI's form in baby boys is because mothers retract the foreskin to wash underneath, actually, the forkeskin and both the lips of a girl should not be opened for cleaning before puberty. this is the no1 cause for UTI's in boys before puberty.

    from this we can conclude that women dont know enough about penile hygiene in general. this information should be told to parents so they can exercise the CORRECT hygiene practices.

  • WHo deleted mine and your mention :p

    • lol true 😄

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