Does routine male circumcision really have benefits?

Question

(Assuming that the man is not stupid and knows proper hygiene). I know that a lot of people will argue for circumcision based on religious and cultural norms, but I'm talking scientifically and healthwise. Are there really benefits to removing a healthy functioning foreskin? I know that it reduces the pleasure, which is not good.

Answer 1

Yes, there are definite benefits.

Circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infection, both in childhood and later in life. The best study to read on this subject is a recent review and meta-analysis of the studies performed to date. It found that, on balance, circumcised males had 1/10 of the risk of UTI. (see source 1)

Circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer. All studies to date have shown a reduced risk, from 1/3 (see 2) to 1/22 (see 3).

Circumcision reduces the risk of balanitis. See 4 (and have a look at the references).

Circumcision reduces the risk of phimosis. See 5 and 6.

Circumcision reduces the risk of HIV. See 7 and particularly 8.

There is also some evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of other STDs, cervical cancer in the male's partner, and prostate cancer. See 9.

Although the anti-circumcision lobby regularly claims that circumcision reduces pleasure, there is little evidence of this. The myth that the glans keratinises has been disproven (see 10), as has the idea that it becomes any less sensitive (see 11, 12, and 13). The largest study to address the issue found that circumcision mostly increases sensation (38%), or causes no change (44%). See 14.

Of course, there are risks, most commonly bleeding and infection. These occur in about 0.2 - 0.6% of cases. See 15. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that parents should decide for their son by looking at the benefits and risks (see 16).

Edited to add: looks like I need to address some misinformation.

Example: "Proper hygiene takes care of anything circumcision is "supposed to" take care of."

This claim is scientifically unfounded. The AAP (see 15) state: "In one study, appropriate hygiene decreased significantly the incidence of phimosis, adhesions, and inflammation, but did not eliminate all problems. ... The relationship among hygiene, phimosis, and penile cancer is uncertain, although many hypothesize that good hygiene prevents phimosis and penile cancer."

Example: "There have been studies stating that circumcision reduces UTIs in the first year of life by 10 fold, from 1 in 100 to 1 in 1000. This might seem good and all, but keep in mind that baby girls have more UTIs than either circumcised or uncircumcised boys."

This is incorrect. A Swedish study reported that "The minimum cumulative incidence at 2 years of age was estimated to be 2.2% for boys and 2.1% for girls." (see 17)

Example: "Also, the complication rate of circumcision can be between 1 and 10% depending on the place and person performing."

It probably depends more on whether a little oozing is considered a complication. The AAP cites a figure of 0.2 to 0.6%.

Example: "Recently there has been much debate about the correlation between circumcision and HIV. Studies also show that proper hygiene of the foreskin essentially negates the statistical difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men and HIV rates (see next two links)."

Again, this is incorrect. Recent studies do suggest that improper hygiene may be a risk factor for HIV. However, nobody suggests that this "negates" the effect of circumcision - the two are independent risk factors.

Example: "Basically, there is no real proven benefit, scientifically or medically, of circumcision."

I think that anyone can see, looking at the evidence, that this is merely wishful thinking.

Answer 2

Circumcision was originally done because people genuinely felt it was cleaner, less prone to diseases, and prevented masturbation. It grew popular seemingly overnight and became so ingrained into the US culture that after a generation or two, few knew what a foreskin looked like. As such it became maligned and appeared foreign, and all sorts of myths and rumors arose. The foreskin is not dirty and it's really easy to clean and keep clean. Many people don't really realize that, nor do they care. It's not significantly more prone to diseases, if at all. What's more important than circumcision status is sex behavior anyway. And condoms >>>> circumcision. The link between circumcision and HIV is to be taken very carefully, as there are arguments on both sides (see link). So there are no real medical reasons for routine infant circumcisions, it's more of a cultural thing. It's actually not routine anymore in the US and the rate has dropped to between 50-60% now, and continues to drop slowly. Rates still vary depending on the region of the country. Sometimes I wish people would give people more credit, rather than not trusting them to take care of themselves, as a lot of problems concerning circumcision and foreskin is easily avoidable.

Answer 3

People say "Oh it reduces yeast infections, Oh it reduces this and that" I think the hell with it all. Humans are at risk for lots of cancers. We can't seem to escape from all these diseases. Also if you are a sexually active uncircumcized male who is deciding to get circumscized it may reduce sexual pleasure. I've heard that there are some nerve endings in the foreskin. Since I am circumcised i'll say this, i'm a virgin and when I do have sex i won't know the difference of having sex with the foreskin. Circumcision isn't really a hot issue right now, so talk to your urologist and they can give you the most info. I'm lazy, and sometimes skip showers (stinky me) so having a foreskin wouldn't be in my best interest. But for those who take more care of their bodies, circumscision is not really required. Like I said, Since you have the foreskin anyway, who cares. Your already used to it. Plus you'll remember the pain, and it doesn't seem worth it. But whatever, its your decision. Plus not having the foreskin makes you not have to worry that if you don't clean it every five seconds that it will get infected. But sometimes I think I should've been left alone.

Answer 4

Assuming the man practices proper hygiene then there is virtually no benefit of infant circumcision. Proper hygiene takes care of anything circumcision is "supposed to" take care of. About 80% of the world's male population is uncircumcised, and about 95% of them never have any problems (medically) with their foreskin. Of the 5% that do, only a fraction is severe enough to warrant medical circumcision.

There have been studies stating that circumcision reduces UTIs in the first year of life by 10 fold, from 1 in 100 to 1 in 1000. This might seem good and all, but keep in mind that baby girls have more UTIs than either circumcised or uncircumcised boys. Also, the complication rate of circumcision can be between 1 and 10% depending on the place and person performing. These complications can be far worse than a UTI (see link).

Recently there has been much debate about the correlation between circumcision and HIV. Studies also show that proper hygiene of the foreskin essentially negates the statistical difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men and HIV rates (see next two links).

Basically, there is no real proven benefit, scientifically or medically, of circumcision. If about 5% of uncircumcised men develop problems concerning their foreskins (including yeast infections, irritations, phimosis, etc) and the complication rate of circumcision is 1-5%, then any benefit is essentially negated. The other links are just more info.

Answer 5

circumcision does NOT reduce the pleasure. i got circumcised 2 years ago. sex is alot more pleasurable, and no it was not done for 'medical reasons'
healthwise. the people that argue pulling it back once or twice a day to wash it will keep it as clean as a circumcised one. how? the circumcise penis is fully exposed 24/7. foreskin covers the head on an uncut one most of the time. most males urinate more than once or twice a day.
the issue of infections, well i guess that would also depend on climate, job(some people work damn hard and sweat for a living) and activities in private life.
the issue of penile cancer a 'rare condition' even if it reduces the risk from 1 in 1000 to 1 in 1000000 wouldn't that be a good thing. i'm sure no one would be happy if thier son was the 1 in 1000 getting penile cancer which could have been prevented by the lil snip as a bub.
'tight foreskin' being able to be 'fixed' via stretching and the like in children is sick and disturbing. why, handle contiually and draw attention to your sons 'bits' over however long it takes to stretch and 'manage' these problems. simple snip over and done with alot less traumatic option than all these anti circ people say

Answer 6

NIH backs circumcision in AIDS fight
Procedure an effective way to stop HIV, says National Institutes of Health
Circumcising adult men is an effective way to limit transmission of the virus that causes AIDS. The National Institutes of Health announced today that two clinical trials in Africa have been stopped because an independent monitoring board determined the treatment was so effective that it would be unethical to continue the experiment.

"We now have confirmation — from large, carefully controlled, randomized clinical trials —showing definitively that medically performed circumcision can significantly lower the risk of adult males contracting HIV through heterosexual intercourse," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. "While the initial benefit will be fewer HIV infections in men, ultimately adult male circumcision could lead to fewer infections in women in those areas of the world where HIV is spread primarily through heterosexual intercourse."

The NIH has been sponsoring two trials — one with 5,000 men, ages 15 to 49, in Uganda and a second with 2,784 men, 18-24, in Kenya. Half the men voluntarily underwent circumcision. The men were then monitored for about two years. Far more of the uncircumcised men became infected with HIV.

The studies found that the circumcised men in the Kenyan study were 48 percent less likely to get infected and 53 percent less likely in the Ugandan study.


This finding appears to apply only to heterosexual transmission, which is the main mode of spread in Africa.

Male circumcision is common at birth in the United States. But in sub-Saharan Africa, home to more than half of the world’s almost 40 million HIV-infected people, there are large swaths of populations where male circumcision is rare.

Circumcision is not perfect protection, Fauci stressed. Men who become circumcised must not quit using condoms nor take other risks — and circumcision offers no protection from HIV acquired through anal sex or injection drug use, he noted.

“It’s not a magic bullet, but a potentially important intervention,” agreed Dr. Kevin De Cock of the World Health Organization.

These findings present enormous ethical and policy decisions which have yet to be addressed. But scientists say the reduction of infection is so substantial that the findings cannot be ignored.

© 2006 MSNBC Interactive© 2006 MSNBC InteractiveThe Associated Press contributed to this report.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16184582/

Answer 7

It doesn't reduce pleasure. I took an online class about the male anatomy when I was in high school (the males had to do one on female anatomy).

The foreskin is just a place for bacteria to grow. Little fuzzies, germs, dirt, and even loose hair gets up in there and you can't properly clean the area out. Not only that, males that still have the foreskin have problems in the future. They sometimes develop the disease called "The drip."

Whoever told you that you lose pleasure getting your foreskin removed needs to eat his own foot.

Not only are you cleaner, but you are much more attractive down there as well. Women like the looks of a circumcised penis rather than a shriveled up soggy-looking penis...

If you haven't been circumcised... I suggest you get it done ASAP... for your health and the person you sleep with.

Answer 8

I think is actually the opposite. It enhances the pleasure and also will keep your partner from contracting any little germs that you may have overlooked. I recommend circumcision for hygienic reasons only. The rest is up to you. It used to be related to jews but not any longer; has nothing to do with race or religion. Purely for hygienic reasons. I am confused about your word circumcision routinely. Circumcision is a one time procedure and usually done before the male leaves the hospital. The only time it woud need to be repeated is if it was not successful, like still leaving too much skin. Having had three sons, they are all glad they were circumcised.

Answer 9

YES!!!!!!

I got circumcized reluctantly at age 28 due to medical reasons & my EX girlfriend at the time was also non too keen on me getting circumcized as all the males in her family were not circumcized.

I once spoke to a doctor who worked at a cancer hospital who said all males should be circumcized coz anti circ zealots don't or haven't experienced men who are infirmed & elderly and who cannot or don't wash themselves down there.

Firstly being circumcized does NOT remove pleasure. how can I say this well for 28 yrs of my life I had a foreskin & now I don't. So unlike most I've had a foreskin & now am circumcized. In fact I'd say I now have more pleasure coz my head doesn't haven't the same sensivity nor moisture down there so I enjoy headjobs & handjobs way way more.

Other benefits

No smell - I used to wash & shampoo down there under my foreskin & only 1/2 an hour later there'd be a smell. {best benefit to my girlfriends}

No smegma

I can pee straight all the time after circumcision

no foreskin in the pubes all the time {uncomfortable when the skin rolls back}

More intense orgasm {The best benefit to me}

My Ex girlfriend thought it felt bigger but we gathered probably because there is less give in the skin so it feels bigger though realistically it's not - still to her surprise it felt BIGGER.

I last longer

Afterwards it don't hurt THAT bad - resumed sex in 5 weeks

If I had've read the anti circ websites I might've not had it done but I can tell you what - I am bloody glad I did - best thing I've done

- My only two regrets is not getting circumcized a fraction tighter & not getting it done earlier in life.

My opinion is if you are uncirced & enjoy your skin & there is no medical reasons DON'T get it done.

If you are uncirced & wondered & think you want it done - just do it.

If you are circed ENJOY your circumcised penis as life is too short not to - it ain't THAT bad hey!!!

Answer 10

You should definetely have him CIRCUMCISED.

Why? Keep reading...

CIRCUMCISION IS VERY BENEFICIAL, its cleaner and several research bodies have concluded that circumcised men have less risk of contracting STD's such as AIDS-HIV or herpes.

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.

Is it NOT true that the AAP (American Academy of Paediatrics) does not recommend circumcision. They simply say they leave the decision to parents. But recently, and specially after the New Zealand study, the AAP has been discussing if it may be necessary to change their policy and recommend circumcision to all newborns as they used to do, so in the future we may see that the AAP advocates again circumcision.
Have a look at: http://www.baby-health.net/articles/381.html

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.

Finally, this site has a lot of useful and *unbiased* information. Make sure you have a good look: http://www.circinfo.net