Well, I'm 22 and my two little brothers (15 and 17) came to me and told me they want to go get circumcised. They sad they're the only ones in their gym class with foreskin and they hear all the girls saying how gross foreskins are. We live with our grandparents--haven't talked to our parents in years--and I don't want to bring this subject up with them. They're also complaining about a itchy red rash on their penis heads. They say they are selfconscious about being uncircumcised, so I mean is it really a big deal to have it done at this age? It's like just a snip-snip and they feel better about themselves and no more infections, right? Should I bring them to the doctor to have it done? Please give me advice on this as I know nothing about this kind of thing (all my boyfriend's have been circumcised so I dont know anything about foreskins!!).
2006-12-04 04:54:06 · 15 answers · asked by Marissa 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Singles & Dating
"They're also complaining about a itchy red rash on their penis heads."
Both of them? Sounds to me like there might be an environmental cause - an allergic reaction, perhaps. I'd suggest checking whether you're using any new household products - detergent, for example.
"They say they are selfconscious about being uncircumcised, so I mean is it really a big deal to have it done at this age? It's like just a snip-snip and they feel better about themselves and no more infections, right?"
Well, it'll take a few weeks to heal, but the infections will probably cease, yes.
"Should I bring them to the doctor to have it done?"
At their ages, you'll need to get consent from their legal guardian.
The next part of my answer addresses some misinformation:
"It is by no means beneficial. It actually reduces sensitivity."
This is a myth. No studies have ever shown that. In fact, those that have tested sensitivity in circumcised and uncircumcised males have found no difference. To quote the AAP (see sources): "Some people believe that circumcision makes the tip of the penis less sensitive, causing a decrease in sexual pleasure later in life. This has not been proven by any medical or psychological study."
"The only countries that practice routine circumcision, aside form the U.S. (about 60% of male babies are circumcised nowadays in the U.S.), are in the third world (the Middle East, and parts of Africa)."
As I explained in my answer to another question (see sources), the US rate is actually closer to about 83%. In total, about one fifth to one third of the world's male population are circumcised.
"The only reason women would not like a uncircumcised penis is because of CULTURAL factors i.e.: they believe that circumcision is the norm because it is all they have seen."
This is an interesting hypothesis, but it is incompatible with the evidence. Studies performed in areas of Africa with very low circumcision rates have found that, on average, 69% of women would prefer a circumcised partner (see sources). Clearly this cannot be attributed to cultural conditioning.
"As more people become educated, fewer and fewer people are choosing to circumcise their sons. Soon there will be a class gap where only sons of uneducated parents will be circumcised."
Ignoring the speculation, the only study to investigate the incidence of circumcision has found that it is actually increasing (see sources). Interestingly, a study found that education is associated with a higher circumcision rate: "Respondents whose mothers did not complete high school were circumcised at a rate of 62%, whereas the rate varied from 84% to 87% for respondents whose mothers were high school graduates, attended some college, or were college graduates." (see sources)
"ALL national medical associations of ALL industrialized countries, including the U.S., are AGAINST circumcision."
This is false. All do not recommend *routine* circumcision (that is, circumcision of all newborn boys), but none are opposed to parents choosing circumcision. The AAP, for example (see 1st source) explicitly recommends that parents should decide for their son.
"Circumcision does not protect against infection."
Actually, it does. Lack of circumcision is associated with inflammation or infection of the glans in almost every study (see sources).
2006-12-06 23:20:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry that your brothers are being targeted by their classmates for being the only boys in the class who have normal, fully functioning, whole penises. They are being harrased but it's really their CLASSMATES who, by teasing and condemning your brothers, are subconsciously realizing they it is THEY who are not normal. You brothers have something, something of value, that they do not have and they don't like that. The girls are just brainwashed so forget about them.
Tell your brothers they are lucky that their foreskins, which have many functions both protective and sensory, were not chopped off when they were babies and thrown into the garbage.
It always amazes me. If you go to the store and buy an Ipod, the salesperson will try to get you to buy a ipod cover, which costs something like $30. The ipod cover will protect the surface of the wonderful new electronic music-playing device that you now have. And the salesperson will show you an ipod that never had a cover and it will look really damaged, with scratches and scuffs and everthing. Something that doesn't look nice anymore. But when it comes to a penis, people chop off their forskins as if they serve no purpose whatsoever, as if there is absolutely no difference at all in having one or not having one. I would suggest that you read the article linked below called "How Male Circumcision May Be Effecting You Love Life".
You can replace an ipod cover and if you save your money you can even replace an ipod. But you can't replace a forskin and you can't do much about circumcised penis that's numb and gray and dry and coarse.
2006-12-06 23:58:20 · answer #2 · answered by Soccerfan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Totally normal, totally beneficial, totally recomedable!
Most 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.
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.
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.
2006-12-06 17:05:05 · answer #3 · answered by popibz 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ok well iam a girl, and I don't like foreskin, i think it just looks groos as well, and i mean i am 25,
your brothers, are going to feel taht way, and alot of doc's not like doing it anymore but they still will..i mean if your brothers are having rashes and all that stuff going on down there, i think they should go and get it done,
My friends dad had gotten a really bad infection down there and had to get it done at 45, he said taht if he could have it back he would have gotten it done when he was younger, i have a 16 month old son and i got him circumsied when he was born, and i wouldn't change it for the world, and if i have another son, he will be done as well..its cleaner, and less cause of infection, if you don't want to bring this up with your grandpartents, take them to the doctor and talk to him about it, he can tell you pro's and cons about getting it doen or not having it done, and then you have to talk to your grandparents about for the simple fact that they are the teen's legal guardians right? if this is going to help your brothers be more confident about themselves then you should seruiosly help them out ok
GOOD LUCK
2006-12-04 13:03:41 · answer #4 · answered by Newfie_Girl_13 2 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Natalie,
First allow me to congratulate you on your sense of responsibility and solidarity with your brothers.
Circumcision is as 'normal' as the society, religion, or medical condition that warrants it. 'Normal' in as far as the number of men that have it worldwide I would say not because statistically men without it far outnumber those with it.
Your brothers are at an age where peer pressure to adopt to the 'norm' is imperative. They want to feel accepted. That is a perfectly logical way to feel. But if they live their lives trying to please the whims of others they will truly never have peace of mind.
The fact that they have occasional rashes on their glans may be attributed to poor personal hygiene but then again it may be a totally different factor altogether. I would suggest they seek medical attention before deciding if they want to go through with circumcision. The operation is very simple and will cause them minor discomfort if looked after properly.
2006-12-04 13:12:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
It is by no means beneficial. It actually reduces sensitivity.
The only countries that practice routine circumcision, aside form the U.S. (about 60% of male babies are circumcised nowadays in the U.S.), are in the third world (the Middle East, and parts of Africa).
The only reason women would not like a uncircumcised penis is because of CULTURAL factors i.e.: they believe that circumcision is the norm because it is all they have seen. As more people become educated, fewer and fewer people are choosing to circumcise their sons. Soon there will be a class gap where only sons of uneducated parents will be circumcised.
ALL national medical associations of ALL industrialized countries, including the U.S., are AGAINST circumcision.
Circumcision does not protect against infection. And even if it did, infections are treated with antibiotics, not amputation. If you had an infection in your finger, would you cut it off? No, you would take penicillin. Saying "I'm going to circumcise my son because it protects against infection" is like saying "I am going to have my son's tonsils removed because it protects against infection!"
2006-12-04 18:20:13 · answer #6 · answered by Javisst 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yes it is! Most of the time when your a baby you are circumsised! IT is also a painful procedure! They could just wash thier foreskin better and live with it! I am not circumsied and Iove my foreskin beacuse Not many boys sill have it!
2006-12-04 13:00:16 · answer #7 · answered by victors530 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
YES, CIRCUMCISION IS VERY NORMAL AND VERY BENEFICIAL TOO. its cleaner and several research bodies have concluded that circumcised men have less risk of contracting STD's such as AIDS-HIV or herpes. IT CAN BE DONE AT ANY TIME. Have a look at this site: http://www.circinfo.com
Uncircumcised penises are difficult to keep clean, and more prone to infections and penile cancer, studies have shown.
A circumcised penis is naturally clean and virtually free from urinary infection. You will not have to worry again with careful washing of your penis.
About STD's:
As I said, several studies carried out by prestigious research bodies have concluded that uncircumcised penises are more prone to infections and contraction of STD's, including AIDS-HIV. Circumcised men have been proved to be up to seven times less likely to be infected than those who are uncircumcised. Have a look at this site: http://icuxbridge.icnetwork.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=14095142&method=full&siteid=53340&headline=-circumcision-protects-against-aids--name_page.html
As for women, studies also show that circumcision also protects female partners from AIDS-HIV and other STD's. Browse this article: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2006/02_08_06.html
About sensitivity of a circumcised penis:
No medical or physiological study has proved that circumcision reduces sensitivity, opposed to common belief. It is completely FALSE that circumcision reduces penis sensitivity. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) confirms this on their web site; have a look at: http://www.aap.org/pubed/zzzjzmemh4c.htm
Circumcision is an easy and nowadays painless procedure, which has many benefits, and virtually no risks.
Circumcision is NOT an amputation. Circumcision is NOT comparable at all to female circumcision, which is something completely different.
Circumcision rates are INCREASING nowadays, both in the United States and overseas. Many African and South American countries with little circumcision tradition are starting to promote the procedure to help to reduce the AIDS-HIV infection rates.
2006-12-04 16:30:25 · answer #8 · answered by Scuba 3 · 2⤊ 4⤋
No way! My cousin had his botched, screwed up his sex life forever. It is not worth it! Those kids prolly have a yeast infection, no biggie. They gotta unwrap it in the shower every day, that's all...
2006-12-04 17:43:42 · answer #9 · answered by Chloe 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Circumcision is normal and healthy, and a good thing. If you have the authority to get medical attention for your brothers, then by all means take them to the doctor and have this done. You might even talk to a Jewist Rabbi and have it done by him.
But probably seeing a doctor or surgeon is best.
Take them, it is a good thing to do.
2006-12-04 13:00:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 5⤋