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According to an article published in the India Journal of Urology, circumcision is the most commonly performed elective surgical procedure among men [1]. Circumcision refers to the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis, and it’s a very controversial procedure. Although it’s quite common in the United States and various parts of the Middle East and Africa, it’s not as common in European countries.
Today, the use of circumcision for health reasons continues to be hotly debated. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) talk about how circumcision is not essential to a child’s health, and that parents should choose what is best for their child by looking at the benefits and risks [2]. The AAP notes that the final decision should be left to the parents, who can take their cultural, ethical, and religious beliefs into account when making the decision. However, it’s important for parents considering newborn circumcision and adult males considering circumcision to take a look at both the pros and cons of this elective procedure.
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The History of Circumcision
The exact origin of circumcision is not known, although the practice goes back thousands of years, with hieroglyphs dated before 2300 BC showing a circumcised penis. This practice also has ancient roots among various ethnic groups across the continent of Africa, and it’s still performed today as a coming-of-age ritual as boys transition into adulthood or warrior status [3]. Circumcision was also performed by Pacific Islanders and Australian Aborigines as a coming-of-age ceremony, and a significant portion of the population in these areas continue to practice it today. [4].
The practice is also recorded in the Bible as being a part of the covenant Abram, and ultimately the Jews, entered with God. Typically, other peoples practicing ritual circumcision did not circumcise males until boyhood or adolescence, and the Jewish law stands out by requiring healthy boys to be circumcised on the eighth day [5].
During the mid-1800s, circumcision rates within the United States and in some European countries became more prevalent, since it was believed to cure masturbation in both children and adults. Masturbation was feared, especially in the Victorian era, and was seen as a type of self-abuse that could lead to hysteria, clumsiness, epilepsy, and other medical problems [6].
Recent Attitudes Towards Circumcision
Today, circumcision is no longer looked at as a way to cure masturbation in most cultures. Global male circumcision rates are estimated to be between 37-39% [7]. Among Muslims and Jews, circumcision rates have stayed steady. However, a look at US circumcision rates showed that the percentage of circumcisions have declined from 83% back in the 1960s to 77% in 2010 [8].While circumcision rates may be declining within the United States, the fact that male circumcision has been found to help prevent the spread of HIV and STIs has made it part of HIV prevention programs across the world. Although it’s not considered to be an essential medical procedure, today it’s become associated with the ability to reduce the risk of HIV, STIs, and even genital cancers.
Risks of Circumcision
Any medical procedure comes with a risk of complications, and it’s important for parents or adult males considering circumcision to consider the potential risks before deciding to go through the procedure. Potential risks include:
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- Bleeding – The most common complication experienced with circumcision is bleeding. Typically only a few drops of blood are lost during most neonatal circumcisions. Any bleeding that exceeds that is considered a complication. Bleeding that does occur is usually quite mild and controlled with direct pressure to the site. In rare cases, more serious reports of bleeding have resulted among older boys affected by underlying bleeding disorders [9].
- Infection – While infection is very rare when a circumcision is done in sterile conditions, infection is always a risk with any type of surgical procedure. If an infection does occur, prompt treatment is essential. As with other early complications that may occur with circumcision, surgical site infection is usually very minor and easy to treat [10]. It’s important to note that infection has been found to be more common when the Plastibell technique of circumcision was used, although most infections do respond to a combination of oral antibiotic therapy and topical treatment [11][12].
- Loss of Skin – No matter what technique is used for circumcision, there is a small risk of losing extra skin. Excess skin may be accidentally drawn into the clamp and amputated with the removal of the foreskin. Determination of the right amount of skin to remove when a free-hand circumcision is done may also result in the loss of excess skin. These injuries usually need treatment with local wound care and may result in extra healing time [13].
- Insufficient Removal of the Foreskin – The foreskin is usually removed so the glans of the penis is totally exposed. However, if an insufficient amount of skin is removed, the appearance may be unacceptable and may need to be revised in the future. This is an even bigger problem if the bit of foreskin left behind slides over the glans, scaring down and creating what is known as a phimosis, which must be repaired [14].
- Risk of Infection and Herpes Increases with Metzitzah b’peh – When ritual Jewish circumcisers use the mouth to suck away blood from the circumcision wound, a practice known as Metzitzah b’peh, public health experts have found that the risk of infection and the risk of the baby being infected with the herpes simplex virus is much higher. Even if adults do not have symptoms of the virus, babies are too young to fight off this virus. Organizations that advise against having the practice of Metzitzah b’peh done on infants include the American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America [15].
- Higher Risk of Meatitis – Meatitis refers to the inflammation of the opening of the penis, and in most cases, it is relatively easy to treat. Several studies have shown that circumcision does increase the risk of developing meatitis, although ensuring circumcision is performed in a sterile environment lowers this risk significantly [16][17].
- Pain – Studies have shown that the pain that comes with circumcision in infants can result in changes in the infant’s behaviors, and lidocaine and penile nerve blocks are often used to control this pain in babies. However, circumcisions that are not done in a medical environment are not done with analgesics to reduce the pain, which can have long-term and short-term effects on an infant [18] [19]. Later in life, pain is also a concern for men who decide to undergo circumcision. While general anesthesia is usually used for adult circumcision, men still report mild or moderate pain after the procedure [20].
Health Benefits of Circumcision
While circumcision does come with some potential risks and complications, multiple studies have shown that there are some health benefits to circumcision as well, although every individual has to weigh the risks versus the benefits. Some of the health benefits of circumcision include:
- Lower Risk of Urinary Tract Infections – Urinary tract infections are very common (discover the source of that burning feeling after sex), and among males, urinary infections often occur within the first year of life. In fact, these infections can lead to kidney problems while a young child’s kidney is still growing. Multiple studies have shown that circumcision not only reduces the risk of urinary tract infections during infancy but throughout the life of a male [21].
- Protects Men from HIV Infection – Several different trials done in Africa have shown that circumcision reduces the risk of acquiring the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by as much as 51-60%, and observational studies done within the United States and Africa have both found that circumcision has the ability to lower the risk of HIV infection. However, it’s still unclear whether circumcision reduces the acquisition of HIV among men who have sex with other men [22].
- Reduces the Risk of Other Sexually Transmitted Infections – Male circumcision has also been found to reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with heterosexual sex. Certain trials found that the risk of contracting genital herpes is lowered by as much as 34% with circumcision and the risk of being infected by high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPR) is reduced by up to 35% [23]. Not only does it reduce the risk of contracting STIs for men, but it also reduces the risk of STIs for female partners as well. For female partners, the risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis (read about BV) is reduced by 40% and the risk of contracting trichomoniasis is reduced by 48% when the male has been circumcised [24].
- Protects Against Cancer of the Penis – Since most cases of penile cancer are among men who are uncircumcised, scientific evidence does support the idea that circumcision can protect against this type of cancer [25]. Multiple conditions known to increase the risk of penile cancer, such as high-risk types of HPV, phimosis, and balanitis, are more prevalent in uncircumcised men. One abstract published in Advances in Urology went as far as to recommend the promotion of male circumcision, particularly in infants, to reduce the risk of penile cancer. [26][27].
- May Reduce the Risk of Cervical Cancer in Women – Some observational studies done on female partners of men who are circumcised have shown these women have a lower risk of cervical cancer [28]. Experts believe that male circumcision may reduce the risk of HPV infection in their female partners, which may result in a lower risk of cervical cancer. One observational study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at data from several different studies of cervical cancer and found that when men had a history of several sexual partners, circumcision lowered the risk of cervical cancer in their female partners [29].
- Improved Hygiene – Personal hygiene may be more complicated for uncircumcised men since they have to retract the foreskin to wash the entire genital area, so circumcision offers significant improvements in genital hygiene for men [30]. The ability to better cleanse the genitals helped reduce skin irritations and inflammatory conditions, particularly in hot, humid climates, and one study showed that yeast infections (learn what else causes yeast infections) of the penis are 60% lower in men who have been circumcised [31].
Circumcision and Male Sexual Pleasure
Some opponents of circumcision have cited anecdotal reports that male circumcision can result in sexual dysfunction and reduced male sexual pleasure. However, multiple trials and studies have disproven this idea. Studies have been done to examine whether sensory receptors responsible for sexual sensation lie in the foreskin, and these studies have found that these sensory receptors are actually found in the glans of the penis, not the foreskin. This means that removing the foreskin does not reduce sexual pleasure in men [32]. In fact, removing the foreskin to expose the glans should result in increased sexual pleasure for men. In one trial, circumcised men reported that their penis was more sensitive after circumcision and they found it easier to reach orgasm as well [33].
Multiple systematic reviews have been done by experts to determine whether circumcision has any effect on sexual function. These reviews have looked at sexual desire, premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and orgasm difficulties in both circumcised and uncircumcised men. The results showed little difference between the two, suggesting that circumcision has little effect on male sexual function and is not likely to cause sexual dysfunction in men [34].
Circumcision and Female Sexual Pleasure
Does male circumcision have any impact on female sexual pleasure? Several trials and studies have been done to investigate the impact of male circumcision on female sexual satisfaction. In one trial, just 2.9% of women reported that they had less sexual satisfaction with an uncircumcised partner, while 39.8% of women noted that they enjoyed greater sexual satisfaction after their partner had been circumcised. Approximately 57% of women saw no change at all in their sexual satisfaction, leading researchers to conclude that male circumcision has little negative effect on female sexual satisfaction [35][36].
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In another study that looked at sexual satisfaction before and after the circumcision procedure, 63% of women said that they enjoyed greater sexual pleasure after their partner was circumcised and 94% of women said they would recommend the procedure to others. Women also reported being happier with the appearance and cleanliness of their partner’s penis after circumcision [37].
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Circumcision FAQs
FAQ #1 – If uncircumcised men are more prone to carrying an STI, should I avoid sex with them?
Several studies have shown that women prefer to have circumcised men as sexual partners for a variety of reasons, including their own sexual pleasure, improved male hygiene, and the knowledge that men have a lower risk of STIs when circumcised [38][39][40]. Men are more likely to carry an STI if they are uncircumcised, and studies definitely show a decreased risk of contracting and carrying STIs in circumcised men [22].
Does this mean you need to avoid sex with an uncircumcised man? Not necessarily. Consistent use of male condoms can reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis. [41].
FAQ #2 – Should I ask my man to get circumcised?
In multiple places around the world, women have a big influence on whether an adult male chooses to get circumcised [38]. Since it does reduce the risk of contracting the HPV virus, bacterial vaginosis, and other STIs for women, it is something to consider [24]. While it can offer some benefits to both men and women, this is a very personal decision. Instead of asking your partner to get circumcised, consider presenting him with the pros and cons so he can make his own informed decision.
Asking him to get a circumcision can be as awkward as asking whether he is before you’re close.
FAQ #3 – How should an uncircumcised penis be cared for?
As a boy ages, eventually it’s possible to retract the foreskin, and once the foreskin is retractable, it’s important that it is retracted far enough back during urination to see the opening of the penis where urine comes out. Retracting the foreskin during urination helps prevent urine from accumulating under the foreskin, which can cause infection. Once the foreskin easily retracts, it should also be pulled back gently, and the area beneath it cleansed. Cleansing beneath the foreskin is an important part of daily hygiene necessary for preventing infections. The foreskin should always be placed back in its original position over the head of the penis to keep it from squeezing the head of the penis, resulting in pain and swelling [42][43].
FAQ #4 – Are there medical issues that may indicate I should be circumcised now?
If males have not been circumcised as a newborn, there are conditions in older children or adult men that may indicate the need for circumcision. If a male is unable to pull the foreskin back from the tip of the penis, a condition known as phimosis, it may cause pain or an increased risk of infection. This may be a sign that circumcision needs to be done to eliminate this problem. If the foreskin is so tight that urine collects in it and makes it balloon out during urination, a condition known as trapped penis, then circumcision may be needed to allow normal urination [44].
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Lynx says
If I had a son, I would not have him circumcised. I think that in first-world, Western countries, our hygiene is such that men generally don’t have to worry about infections “down there,” so long as they keep everything clean. Also, I am hearing from a lot of males that I have spoken to that they wish they had not been circumcised as infants. Just my two cents.
Fred Foreskiner says
You’re an American imbecile
Fred Jackass says
And you’re a jackass.
Not Yours to Cut says
Honestly, if infections and hygiene issues are your concern, you’re focusing on the wrong gender. Surely you’ve never seen a “masculine hygiene” section at the grocer, have you?
It’s high time we respect the natural male genitalia in the same way we do the natural female genitalia by welcoming it into the world without pain or scarring.
Wendy says
I’m just wondering if there’s any techniques that work better on a circumcised man when giving oral. I was with an uncut man for 10 years and now am dating a circumcised man and I understand that there is much less feeling and therefore during sex there needs to be more friction. I’m just wanting to be able to pleasure him orally in the best way for him. Any tips Sean?
Sean Jameson says
Your best bet is to talk to him to see what really gets him going.
Treiyou says
Did you not read the article? The article said exactly the opposite
Dina says
Probably just going to have to communicate, and give lot’s of oral sex to your female partner. Though it kind of depends on how far down the shaft they went, during surgery. Drynes and getting to orgasm quickly, are some complications, of this procedure.
jennie Wee says
If men get circumcised then it should be right that female’s skin is cut with a razor blade or by qualified surgical staff. Female genitals have skin hanging and required tidy up to look more presentable and more comfortable in the pants.
Sean Jameson says
Are you serious?
Stephen Wallis says
Yes, serious. Male circ is just as offensive to us as that suggestion is to you, and for exactly the same reason. Why do circ supporters view the normal male, as God created us, as having hanging (extra) skin that needs tidying to look more presentable and more comfortable to you? Do you have a right over our bodies?
mike mitchell says
To me circumcision is child abuse also it is ignorant of the parents part as well as the Doctors that preform them.
MARIANO CAPPARELLI says
well said. i thank my parents everyday for NOT circumcising me. I didnt circumcise my son either.
Harleeyy Babes says
My best friend was unable to get circumcised as a child due to heart problems and to this day he talks about how much he wishes he had been circumcised and that if he had a son he would definitely get him circumcised honestly its all a matter of opinion.
Dawud Dockery says
Youre best friend should let his son make the decision for himself when hes of age because what if hes like his father but in reverse and goes his whole wishing he hadnt been circumsized. Your freind can always get chop at anytime, in fact the surgery is safer on adults but once it comes of theres no going back. Youll find that a lot of anti-circ supporters are cut themselves but are mostly upset because no one asked them how they wanted there own bodie to look and theres no undoing it.
Bernard Roberts says
This barbaric practice is done on babies because they believe less pain is involved. So because the child doesn’t know pain they think it is ok to just snip at his penis. Don’t snip a baby’s penis just because of some idea that you think is a good idea. These babies cry and scream in pain just as adults do. As far as I am concerned let him decide, after all it is HIS penis and he should have that choice. Hell look up why in America it is such a popular, well was, and you will stumble across Dr. Kellogg, the man who’s cereal you eat, and you will see he hated sex and wanted it to end.
Nate says
I’m pretty sure the stats are wrong about how many guys get circumcised in the US. My mother is a nurse midwife and she had said it’s over 90% of baby boys who get cut. As someone who is uncut I’ve always been really insecure about it because women are not used to it and probably think it’s funny looking/gross… I haven’t been with many women. All that said I still would never have the procedure done. I like my foreskin.
stinagonzo says
I’m American and have only been with two men who were intact. Both of their mothers were nurses. Which is very telling to me. If you’re a nurse and wouldn’t put your baby trough this, then why should I?
Dunc says
I got myself snipped in my mid 30’s and it was the best decision I have made. I hated the smell of my forskin even though I washed it twice a day. I seemed to always have an odour, especially after sex or masturbation. I also found that if I had an erection during the day or night, my pubic hair would get caught in the forskin and this would pull the hair as my penis became erect. This was very painful.
I was circumcised by a nurse in a medical clinic, a doctor was overseeing the procedure. Other than the initial injection to numb my penis, it was painless. The healing process took about 3-4 weeks. Having to abstain from any sex (including masturbation) was the toughest part of the whole process.
Now after 7 years, I don’t miss my foreskin at all. My penis is still sensitive enough to allow me to enjoy sex and I actually find the circumcision scar to be very sensitive. I do find masturbation a little tricky and do need some lube to help. My wife loves my new style and is always willing to help pleasure me 😉
Stephen says
It sounds like you didn’t know how to trim your pubic hair lol… Hate to break it to you but everybody’s genitalia smells, especially after sex. A quick wash after sex works well to remove any secretions. Anyway many people find the odor manly. My girl loves it. 😉
sophia says
If a girl is shocked, she’s probably just inexperienced. Whether a guy is cut/uncut is never a dealbreaker for me, but I prefer guys to be intact because sex feels different/better.
XiuXIU says
Whether you choose to for your kid if it’s not medically necessary is fine, but some boys should be circumcised if the foreskin doesn’t retract properly of he has phimosis. I complained to my parents many times that it hurt pulling it back and then later when i was sexually active it was very painful that sex was never enjoyable until I was circumcised. I wish my parents listened to me when i was younger so that I didn’t have to do this when I was an adult but they were so gung-ho about “your penis should be as G*d intended yadayadayda” that they wouldn’t listen to a legitimate medical concern of mine. Just saying, do what you want, but to make it sound like everyone who is pro uncut is thinking in the interest of the child is 100% true
Treiyou says
Its amusing that the article states all these benefits, for both men and women, and majority of the comments are pro uncut, talking about abuse and blah.. I was cut as a baby and happy that my mom chose that. Guys are not nearly as clean as you women like to think… Sensitivity is definitely not an issue, and I wouldn’t want all this foreskin covering my head
Elhancho777 says
How do you know how clean other men are?
no name says
I am circumsized and a blow job does nothing for me but the sex is super good cause i really can satisfy my girl and i dont think im robbed of my feelings cause i cum everytime but im robbed from getting a good blow job so what works for peter dont necessarily work for paul i think it should be a grown up decision
No Name says
Lol I thought it was only me no name, I’m also circumcised and a blowjob does nothing, I also enjoy sex far more that oral. Really good to know I’m not the only one, most guys go on and on about how good a BJ is and I couldn’t understand why I was never on the same page.
No Name says
I will however say I do appreciate being circumcised.
Lacy says
Women should know that most men are fine with being circumcised. I know a man who got done at 29 years old and now he is 46 and says that the worst part was the healing time with no sex. He claims that sex is more pleasurable now.
Ronn Niner says
I was circumcised and both my brothers were and I love it. I’d do it again if i could.
No name says
I dont know but my uncut penis smells like cheese and i lowkey want to get it cut but like do women even care about the smell? Keep in mind i wash it like 4 times a day.
Sean Jameson says
Most women care. You may want to speak to a doctor if the smell is bothering you
Happily Cut says
I am in my late 30s and underwent circumcision for cosmetic reasons in Sep 2020. I am absolutely happy with my decision. It should be an elective procedure.
With that being said, I do not support infant circumcision.
Robert L Tremblay says
I got circumcised and a vasectomy at the same time. I was 26 years old and quite active. The problem was my condom would break every time as the foreskin would roll up with the condom on each and every stroke. Quite a surprise when you pull out and all you have is the condom ring from the top of the condom.
I decided early on that I did not want to have kids…This was a win win for me….no regrets