Updated on August 14, 2024.
Is circumcision a good idea or a bad one? Here are some key points to consider.
First, what is circumcision? Simply put, it's a fairly simple surgery to remove the skin that covers the tip of the penis, also knwon as the foreskin. It's most often done in newborn boys and babies assigned male at birth. Less commonly, it may be done in adults. It may be done for religious reasons or as part of cultural traditions, or for hygiene or preventive health reasons.
The pros
Whether or not someone is circumcised is a highly debated issue, but some studies show that circumcision may cut the rate of sexually transmitted disease by up to half. That includes the rate at which those who are circumcised may acquire sexually transmitted infections and the rate at which they transmit them.
The cons
On the other hand, the penis is fairly densely packed with nerves and some of the most sensitive are located in the foreskin. This means that having the procedure done as an adult may involve discomfort and recovery time of several weeks. There is also some speculation that sexual experiences do feel different for both partners when a foreskin is present. And some do report decreased sexual pleasure without a foreskin.
