Circumcision: Benefits & Drawbacks of Getting Circumcised
Circumcision is the process of permanently reducing or removing the prepuce, also known as the foreskin, of the penis. In general, this procedure has a variety of implications for its recipients. On one hand, it can be considered to have positive effects on hygiene and preventing future diseases like cancer or infections. On the other hand, there are reports that suggest potential drawbacks to being circumcised.
If you are currently weighing the pros and cons of getting yourself circumcised or know someone who is thinking about getting it done, this article will serve as a helpful resource for you. We will first discuss what circumcision is and its implications on both physical and mental health.
Later on, we will reveal common questions concerning circumcision such as where it is performed and its cost. Lastly, we’ll explore advantages and disadvantages of getting circumcised so you can make an informed decision moving forward.
What is Circumcision?
Before we jump into the advantages and disadvantages of circumcision, let’s first clarify what it entails. Circumcision is a procedure that is used to remove the prepuce, or the foreskin, from the penis, either partially or completely. As a result, the exposed tip of the penis is known as the circumcision scar.
In most cases, circumcision is performed on newborns, although there are instances where it is done to older children or adults. When it comes to the foreskin, it acts as a protective barrier that is directly in contact with the surface of the penis. The inner layer of the foreskin is attached to the glans, which is known to contain sensitive nerves and biological fluids like the pre-seminal fluid or semen.
Physical Health Implications
Health benefits of circumcision include a lower risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and herpes. In fact, getting circumcised can reduce the risk of contracting these diseases by as much as 50%. This is attributed to the fact that circumcision reduces the risk of the pre-cum from coming in contact with the external skin and transferring the pathogens to other people.
Another reason why circumcision can reduce the risk of people contracting sexually transmitted diseases is that it promotes better hygiene among its recipients. The foreskin is known to be a very sensitive area of the penis that is prone to getting irritated by external elements like dirt, debris, and bacteria. By getting rid of the foreskin, you can prevent yourself from having to experience unnecessary pain and discomfort during urination.
Mental Health Implications
Circumcision has been associated with positive psychological effects, primarily due to its association with religious values. Some religions, such as Judaism and Islam, encourage the practice of circumcision so that the followers can become more spiritually connected.
Moreover, circumcision is believed to have a positive psychological impact on individuals who have undergone the procedure as infants. Research has shown that individuals who have been circumcised since they were babies are less likely to experience anxiety or depression as they grow older.
This is attributed to the fact that they have no recollection of the pain they experienced when they got circumcised as infants. So, are there any drawbacks associated with circumcision? Yes. While the procedure has been associated with a lower risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and better hygiene, it is also associated with psychological drawbacks.
Drawbacks of Being Circumcised
As we’ve seen, circumcision can reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases by as much as 50%. However, there are also certain disadvantages associated with the procedure. For one, the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases is not completely eliminated even if you get circumcised. Another drawback of the circumcision procedure is that it can lead to the development of meatal stenosis.
This is a condition where the urethra narrows, resulting in a buildup of pressure inside the bladder. This can lead to a loss of bladder control, which can be quite problematic. Additionally, being circumcised can negatively impact the sexual pleasure of both the recipient and their partner. This is because the foreskin is known to contain a large number of sensitive nerves that contribute to increased pleasure during sexual intercourse.
Bottom Line:
It is important to note that circumcision is not an essential procedure, which means that it is not required for health purposes. Rather, it is strictly a cosmetic procedure that can be done for one’s own personal reasons.
While circumcision can have positive implications on physical and mental health, there are also drawbacks associated with it. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of getting circumcised before making the final decision.
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