Circumcision
Men are born with a foreskin – a skin that covers and protects the penis head.
When a boy or a man is circumcised, his foreskin is removed and the head of the penis is exposed.
Reasons
Circumcision is done for a variety of reasons. In some places, it shows that men belong to a certain religion, ethnic group, or tribe. In other situations, parents have their sons circumcised for hygiene or health reasons.
Male circumcision around the world
The World Health Organization estimates that 30 per cent of males around the world is circumcised. Among some groups, such as Jews and Muslims, nearly all men are circumcised.
What are the advantages of being circumcised?
According to some research, circumcised men have a lower risk of:
This may be because a foreskin provides a moist environment where germs are more likely to grow.
With a circumcised penis, the head may be less sensitive, so the man can go on longer during intercourse before ejaculating. For some men, this can be a bonus.
What are the disadvantages of being circumcised?
Research suggests that circumcised men may find it much harder to reach an orgasm as they get older. This can also make sex less pleasurable for their partners.
Some people feel that circumcision is a violent act and harmful to a boy’s or man’s body. For example, the Royal Dutch Medical Society (KNMG) calls circumcision for non-medical reasons ‘an infringement of a child’s right to autonomy and the right to bodily integrity’. The society says the operation brings unnecessary risks of complications.
Finally, some uncircumcised men are very happy to have their foreskin!
Tell us what you think
Recent Comments (73)
MINE ITCHES WHY
MINE ITCHES WHY
Which part itches exactly…
Which part itches exactly Ronald?
After circumsize lenth two…
After circumsize lenth two inches less why
Hi John, Circumcision doesn…
Hi John, Circumcision doesn’t reduce the penis size but rather removes the foreskin.
How old were you?
How old were you?
It reduces the inches.even…
It reduces the inches.even mine reduce after circumcision
Hi Ben,
Circumcision does…
Hi Ben,
Circumcision does not lead to a shortened penis. Maybe you think yours reduced in size because the foreskin was taken out?
Can one be circumcised twice…
Can one be circumcised twice???
Not really Bob, unless the…
Not really Bob, unless the second procedure is to correct something that went wrong.
At what age can correction…
At what age can correction be done
Hi Cy,
Visit your doctor…
Hi Cy,
Visit your doctor so that he can analyze the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Surely Bob how can someone…
Surely Bob how can someone be circumcised twice?how many fore skin do u have?unless trimming the skin which was not properly cut normally on the shaft of the penis.
Thank you for your…
Thank you for your contribution Collins.
As circumcised men get older…
As circumcised men get older starting in there 50’s some of there foreskin Comes back.
Hello Jax, we cannot find…
Hello Jax, we cannot find any medical evidence of this. Do you have any proof to support this claim?
Why is putting on condoms…
Why is putting on condoms becomes a problem to uncircumcised men?
Hi Tttd, using a condom…
Hi Tttd, using a condom shouldn’t be a challenge to either circumcised or uncircumcised man. The steps to follow when using condoms are the same. Check out this article; https://lovematters.co.ke/birth-control/types-of-birth-control/condom
how many shots do normal man…
how many shots do normal man go for
Hi Bonnie, how many shots a…
Hi Bonnie, how many shots a person can go is depended on a number of things and these may vary from person to person. If you wish to go for more than one shot, talk to your partner and agree on this. Remember, there is the refractory period, where a man can’t get an erection. This happens immediately after ejaculation. It is a good time to focus on their partner, soon enough one will be able to get an erection and they can have intercourse again.
What’s one shot please…
What’s one shot please educate me on that?
A shot is basically a round…
A shot is basically a round of sex that ends in the ejaculation of the male.
Y IS IT GOOD
Y IS IT GOOD
Hey Ojulu, do have a look at…
Hey Ojulu, do have a look at the above article for information on the advantages and also disadvantages of Circumcision.
I was circumcised at 14 and…
I was circumcised at 14 and the head of my penis still irritates when touched. why?
Hello Mike, the head of your…
Hello Mike, the head of your penis, the glans, is a sensitive part of your penis – usually the most sensitive part. It is normal for it to be that sensitive. Check out this article for more information: https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/male-body/overview-the-male-body
It’s now day 10 after…
It’s now day 10 after circumcision but there’s still a swelling underneath my penis and it hurts when my penis erects to the extent of blood coming out is this normal?
Denis, if the wound is not…
Denis, if the wound is not completely healed, the stretching of the skin when the penis is erect may lead to tearing of the wound resulting to bleeding. Do consult your health provider to advice about the swelling.
Hello, Denis, it is…
Hello, Denis, it is normalcfor a penis to swell underneath after circumsition, it takes a while to heal, just keep it clean to prevent infection. If its bleeding alot you may consider going back to the doctor or nurse to rectify something.
Thanks
Is OK if I start washing my…
Is OK if I start washing my wound with warm water?
Hi Denis, are you referring…
Hi Denis, are you referring to a circumcision wound? You can only wash the penis after the wound is completely healed. Do you consult your health provider for additional information.
Is is true that it is very…
Is is true that it is very hard for circumcised men to infected with HIV during when they have sex?
Hi, research has shown that…
Hi, research has shown that circumcision reduces the risk of infection among circumcised men slightly over 60 per cent. This however doesn’t mean a circumcised man cannot be infected, circumcision only reduces the the risk. For this reason, it is important to use protection to protect oneself from the risk of getting infected with HIV.
what can I do to avoid…
what can I do to avoid reaction before my circumcision wound heals
Hey Tom, you can try and…
Hey Tom, you can try and avoid those things that will trigger an erection. However, Penises have their own minds and sometimes one will get an erection even if they didn’t want to have one. Sometimes an erection will have nothing to do with arousal. Also, sometimes you will wake up with an erection, hopefully you will heal with minimal challenges.
Is it advisable for someone…
Is it advisable for someone who is over 18 years to be circumcised? What happens when he gets an erection when he is not healed completely?
Hey Rapemo, An erection when…
Hey Rapemo, An erection when the circumcision wound is not completely healed can lead to tares which can complicate the healing process. While penises will sometimes have minds of their own, it is important for one to try and avoid getting one. An important tip is to try and avoid what can lead to an erection, perhaps triggers that may cause you to be aroused, keeping you bladder empty has also been cited to help ensure one does not get an erection including sex. Talk to the health provider who may also provide tips on taking care of the wound.
Will sex hurt when my penis…
Will sex hurt when my penis is uncircumised
Hey there, it shouldn’t be…
Hey there, it shouldn’t be very uncomfortable. It’s only in very rare cases that a foreskin is too small and causes consistent pain during sex. If that proves to be the case with you, go see a doctor who will be able to help you solve this. See the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/male-body/does-sex-hurt-with-a-foreskin
Hello I have a question I…
Hello I have a question I want to know if it is possible for my son to get a circumcision done on him because his foreskin does not open.
Hello there, kindly seek…
Hello there, kindly seek advice from a medical personnel who will advise you appropriately. Feel free to get back to us for more information.
Is it adviceable for a man…
Is it adviceable for a man grown man to be circumcised?
Hi Joel, yes a grown man can…
Hi Joel, yes a grown man can choose to be circumcised considering the benefits one stands to gain following this procedure. The main one being that their risk of getting infected with Sexually Transmitted Infections particularly HIV is reduce by over 60%. Talk to your health care provider and they will be able to direct you where to get this service at a medical facility.
I have heard that people who…
I have heard that people who have been circurmcised dont enjoy sex like men who are not circumcised is it true?
Hey Mike, Research suggests…
Hey Mike, Research suggests that circumcised men may find it much harder to reach an orgasm as they get older. This can also make sex less pleasurable for their partners. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/male-body/circumcision
I have heard about the…
I have heard about the benefits of circumcision but as an adult man in my mid 20s will it not take long to heal? What happens if I get an erection before it heals?
Hey Ratemo, I suggest you…
Hey Ratemo, I suggest you talk about this with your health care provider who will get you full information of what to expect and how address your concerns.
When I sleep with alady,I go…
When I sleep with alady,I go longer in bed,round two I can use 30 _minutes before ejaculating. Am I right?? Lady complain that am hurting them
Hi Joachim, it is normal for…
Hi Joachim, it is normal for the second round to take a little longer than the first. When intercourse is extended it is possible that the vagina becomes dry leading to pain. It may help to stop, get your partner aroused again which makes the vagina to self lubricate before continuing with intercourse. You could also consider using lubrication to supplement. Have a look at the following article;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/making-love/orgasms/her-orgasms
For how long should someone…
For how long should someone wait for sex immediately after circumcision?
Hi Dave, you want to wait…
Hi Dave, you want to wait until you are completely healed before attempting to have sex. Having sex before you are well healed with lead to complications which may make healing take more time including exposing one to lots of pain and infections.
What is the age limit to…
What is the age limit to circumcision? I thing it takes long for older men to heal because of getting erections?
Hi, there is really no age…
Hi, there is really no age limit for get circumcised it is however it maybe important to have the procedure done at a health facility to avoid such complications like excessive bleeding. Talking to health care provider will help provide advice of what issues may arise and how to address them if they do. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/male-body/male-circumcision-and-its-side-effects
Is there a cut off age after…
Is there a cut off age after which a man should not get circumcised?
Hi, there’s really no upper…
Hi, there’s really no upper limit but it maybe useful to talk to a health care provider to get finer details. Check out the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/male-body/male-circumcision-and-its-side-effects
What is the risk of being…
What is the risk of being circumcised as a grown adult man?
Hi there, since this is a…
Hi there, since this is a surgical procedure, there are risks associated with circumcision. However, the risk is low. Some of the issues include, pain, infection at the site of the circumcision, irritation of the glans, increased risk of inflammation of the opening of the penis and risk of injury to the penis. As mentioned these risk are low especially when one undergoes medical circumcision. It is important to discuss this with their health provider for any specific advice. Have a look at the following article for additional information;- https://lovemattersafrica.com/our-bodies/male-body/male-circumcision-and-its-side-effects
healing of the wound due to…
healing of the wound due to spantonous erection would take long.
Hello Anonymous, thank you…
Hello Anonymous, thank you for being courageous enough to share, and do not worry, healing takes time but you will be just fine and your spontaneous erections will return just fine! Have a wonderful week ahead and stay safe okay buddy? Chin up!
What is the disadvantage of…
What is the disadvantage of not being circumcised?
Hi there, Research suggests…
Hi there, Research suggests that circumcised men may find it much harder to reach an orgasm as they get older. This can also make sex less pleasurable for their partners. Some people feel that circumcision is a violent act and harmful to a boy’s or man’s body. Some people also feel that the operation brings unnecessary risks of complications.
it’s two weeks now after…
it’s two weeks now after being circumcised all parts of the penis are almost healed but only the bottom part is not healing, what could be the problem
Hey Augustine, was this…
Hey Augustine, was this medical circumcision? You need to have your doctor review your healing progress and further advise. All the best.
Whenever I try to have sex…
Whenever I try to have sex without the Condom I get too sensitive and eventually my penis starts to hurt mostly when doing from the behind to note I’m uncircumcised but looks circumcized and one of the doctors advised me not even bother to circumcise, advise me more pls!
Hello Emmer, thank you for…
Hello Emmer, thank you for reaching out to us. The penis is naturally sensitive. Also, for many men, the underside of the penis is considered to be the most sensitive. Being hypersensitive is also rather common and may be caused by a wide range of issues. If the doctor was not able to diagnose the issue medically, then you may need a second opinion. In the meantime, since you have noticed that sex with a condom reduces sensetivity, then continue using them until you get a comprehensive diagnosis.
Why is the dicks head round…
Why is the dicks head round the neck have some small pimples
Hello Trs, rashes on the…
Hello Trs, rashes on the penis could be a sign of an infection. Kindly see a medical professional for a comprehensive diagnosis.
I was circumcised at the age…
I was circumcised at the age of 10 but up to now am 25 my penis refused to increase in size
Hello Toney, thank you for…
Hello Toney, thank you for reaching out to us. Circumcision is not known to increase penis size.
Why do I still get UTI yet…
Why do I still get UTI yet am circumcised and always using protection
Hi Bob, most UTIs are caused…
Hi Bob, most UTIs are caused by E. coli, which is naturally present in your body. The bacterium gets into the urinary tract through the urethra and is caused by being immobile for long periods, not drinking enough fluids, recent urinary tract surgery, diabetes, fecal incontinence, or engaging in anal intercourse, which exposes the urethra to more bacteria.
How long can someone at 30ts…
How long can someone at 30ts of age takes to heal after the exercise?
Hi Joner,
It usually takes…
Hi Joner,
It usually takes at least 7-10 days for noticeable healing to take place after circumcision. During the first few days, you will notice that the redness is fading and swelling subsiding. Note that proper healing can take one to several weeks, give it 1-6 weeks. The best thing is that the pain, redness and swelling goes away with time. Ensure that you take good care of the penis after the procedure as instructed by the doctor to avoid infection since this may delay healing. The most important thing is that your doctor can give a more appropriate timeline based on your healing and health.
I am becoming knowledgeable day in day out .