—Considering Clipping

Circumcision is the surgical removal of all or part of the foreskin, the skin that covers the head of the penis. The procedure is usually performed for religious, cosmetic, and/or hygienic reasons. Circumcision also can alleviate problems that arise from certain medical conditions, such as phimosis, where the foreskin is so narrow that it is difficult, if not impossible, and painful, to pull back. As a medical procedure, circumcision has both health benefits and risks.

Critics of adult circumcision point to its disadvantages, among which include:

• temporary pain after the operation (this is true for any surgery)
• temporary irritation of the glans (the head of the penis)
• different and/or decreased sensation during sex
• risk of complications and/or surgical errors (again, as with any surgery)

Also, for what it's worth, health care providers recommend that after circumcision a man abstains from any kind of sexual activity for four to six weeks to allow for a full recovery. In fact, even having an erection in this period of time after the procedure can cause complications, such as discomfort, pain, and disruption of the sutures. Moreover, some men may find arousal, erection, and/or ejaculation to be so uncomfortable that they may not mind the break from sex.

Proponents of adult circumcision advocate it for a number of reasons, including:

• cleanliness or ease of maintaining hygiene
• slightly reduced risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV — the virus that causes AIDS) and human papillomavirus (HPV — the virus that causes genital warts)

Regular cleaning of the foreskin and the glans, however, usually alleviates most potential hygienic problems. Additionally, safer sex techniques are much more effective in preventing STIs than circumcision.

Some critics may also argue that after the surgery, some men may find that their penises just aren't what they used to be, aesthetically speaking. On the other hand, some advocates of circumcision may believe that circumcised penises are better looking. In the end, it comes down to personal preference.

Given the fact that the health benefits of circumcision are negligible or unclear, consulting with a health care provider before deciding to have the procedure done is highly recommended. If circumcision is the final choice, then a person can discuss a variety of topics about the operation (including the amount of foreskin that is removed) with the surgeon, usually a urologist, before the procedure.

Alice

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