Cleanliness and Circumcision

The subject of circumcision is similar to discussing religion or politics. Most people are likely to have strong views on the subject from an empathic position that no amount of evidence could change their positions. After hearing countless argument of family and friends about circumcised versus uncircumcised, I have found that the best that I can do is to provide information and make people aware of some of the main facts about circumcision.

Circumcision is a subject that greatly affects medical politics. In as early as 1975, about 93% of all American boys are being circumcised or had their foreskin surgically removed just after birth. From then on, there has been a movement to stop such a medically unnecessary practice. Today the figures had considerably dropped down. In 1990, only 63% of infant males were circumcised for reasons other than religious traditions.

The practice of circumcision is routinely done for hygienic and not medical reasons. Many people believe that it is more hygienic or at least it is easier to care for penis if it is circumcised. Infection or inflammation of the foreskin affects about 10% - 14% of uncircumcised boys, while inflammation of the "glans" or "balanitis" is twice as common in uncircumcised children as circumcised and greater than five folds in adults.

On the other hand, urinary tract infections occur in about 1 in 100 uncircumcised boys in the first year of life, and 1 in 1,000 in circumcised boys. There is also an increased risk of inflammation and infections of the foreskin and glans in uncircumcised males. However, it all comes down to personal opinion whether the increased risks are significant enough to warrant circumcision.

Aside from medical politics, the subject of circumcision also affects our sexuality. There are several advantages for circumcised men when it comes to sexuality. First is that circumcised male have no need to worry about daily cleansing of his foreskin. Meanwhile, men with an intact foreskin must take special care to move it up and down and clean it inside its covered areas to avoid odors or serious infection because of material buildup. Consequently, there might be some bacteria and germs that could surface thus affect their sexual health.

Second advantage is that some women prefer a man with a circumcised penis because it may move inside them in a less friction-based manner. Once he is inside the vagina, the unhooded penis may easily slide up and down to create pleasure for both partners.

Safe sex is an added concern for uncircumcised men and their partners. Men with foreskins occasionally have difficulty finding the right condom or keeping one on during penetrative sexual activity. That spells trouble in bed as well as generates unneeded anxiety. However, with a proper fit and ample lubrication, the problem can be quickly assuaged.

When it comes to sexual pleasure, there is really no better or worse case because it all comes down to a matter of personal taste. Either way, both are medically acceptable conditions and may it be with either a covered or a clipped partner, you can still enjoy the ride.