What are the pros and cons of male circumcision?

Answer 1

Pro: If there's a recurrent and frequent problem involving the foreskin (severe phimosis or frequent irritations/infections) then a circumcision might be a good idea. But this is actually very uncommon, so it's rarely necessary medically.

Recent studies seem to show that circumcision might help decrease the chances of contracting HIV. But no one knows (though there are theories) how circumcision actually helps decrease the probability, and it may just be a correlation. Also not publicized is that good genital hygiene is just as effective (link 1), and safe sex (i.e. condom use) is far more effective than circumcision.

Con: Circumcision removes a lot of nerve endings in the foreskin that could otherwise contribute to sexual sensitivity (link 2).

Several studies indicate that the foreskin may be beneficial to the sexual satisfaction/pleasure of both partners (links 3, 4, 5).

Misconceptions: The circumcised penis is not necessarily more hygienic or cleaner. The uncircumcised penis is actually very easy to clean and keep clean, if one knows what he's doing.

Outside of HIV, most studies show no significant difference between uncircumcised and circumcised men in contracting STDs or infections.

The bottom line, as long as the foreskin's working normally, one maintains good genital hygiene (which is easy), and one practices safe sex (which he should anyway), there's no real "pro" for circumcision.

Answer 2

Well the answer to the second question "Is it really necessary" is obviously no. Otherwise most people would do it and healthcare would cover it. Circumcision is mainly done for religious reasons (Jews & Muslims) and otherwise it's only done out of medical necessity (rare foreskin related problems) or for cosmetic reasons. It's only popular in the United States mostly for cultural reasons (its considered more aesthetic due to the commonality of the practice there and there are some stigmas, mostly due to ignorance about not being circumcised). Pros to circumcision: 1. Reduces the chances of urinary tract infection in first few years of life. 2. Lowers risk of acquiring HIV through unprotected sex. 3. Circumcised penis is easier to keep clean because smegma never builds up underneath the foreskin. 4. Depending on location, being circumcised may allow individual to fit in more with the majority. Cons to circumcision: 1. Reduces sensitivity of penis and potentially reduces sexual pleasure in male. 2. Lack of foreskin makes masturbation more difficult (as lube is usually required in circumcised males). 3. When done in infancy it takes the "choice" away from the male which can be considered unethical. 4. Circumcision is a painful operation that takes several weeks to recover from. 5. It's a permanent procedure that cannot be undone if the patient isn't happy with the results. 6. Leaves a scar that person might consider to be less aesthetic in appearance. 7. Depending on location, being intact may allow individual to fit in more with the majority.

Answer 3

Pros:
a few incredibly shallow twits say a mutilated penis looks cute. Very few, very shallow.

Cons:
Decreased sexual pleasure -- for life -- for both you and your partner -- surveys show that a full 90% of women say sex is better with an uncut partner. And there are many studies that show decreased sensation for the man.

Being cut is painful (once the anesthesia wears off), and, as with any surgery, there is a chance of complications. More so than most surgeries because it's impossible to completely isolate the surgical site during healing, since you need to urinate (ouch!).

At older ages (past 40), the chances get pretty high that a cut man will not be able to ejaculate from normal intercourse. Makes a woman feel awfully inadequate to have you pull out and jerk off.

Masturbation is easier for an intact guy -- no need for lube.

Cleanliness is no problem -- just wash!

Best of all, you are saved from getting involved with some airhead who thinks natural men are gross!

Answer 4

Pro's: None except for those rare few that need it because it is medically necessary. Cons: Male mutilation, no justification for 99.9% of all procedures other than for religious or personal grounds. Any claims regarding health benefits or hygiene are suspect, as over 70% of all men on the planet are not circumcised, and there is no big epidemic of penis diseases due to hygiene issues. Some studies suggest that it may reduce the transmission of HIV, but that study is flawed since there is no way to document when transmission actually occurs.

Answer 5

Agree with the above^

Not to mention the fact that sex doesnt feel the same, or good if you dont have your foreskin anymore.
You will be in pain and irritation for many weeks, because the head will be exposed to the harsh conditions like your shorts and such, and will take a long time to get used to without the skin. The head wont be lubircated anymore, which means when you have sex it will be painful not to mention harder to penitrate and get a sensation.

If your ok with all this, then go for it.

Answer 6

The only "pro" I can think of is the reduced chance of getting your foreskin caught in you zipper if you go commando. For the guy with cancer comment, why don't you cut the whole thing off, along with any other body part you don't absolutely need to survive?

Answer 7

Pro : It looks better to some people. It is more hygienic.

Con: It looks worse to some people. You need a lubricant to masturbate.

Answer 8

well it does help prevent against HIV and Aids which is a fact not my opinion, look at this new article.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070724/ap_on_he_me/aids_conference

it also is better for hygene reasons and prevents infections and penile cancer which is also a fact.

And to me and many other people it looks much better and nicer. All males should be circumcised