Circumcision

Circumcision: what is it and why is it done?

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the very fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. The practice has been around for thousands of years and has its roots in religious and cultural traditions; however, in the modern world, the procedure is performed not only for religious reasons, but also for medical and sometimes even aesthetic reasons.

Parents deciding to circumcise their son may be guided by family tradition, hygiene considerations, or potential health benefits. On the other hand, adult men sometimes undergo circumcision for medical reasons, such as phimosis (a narrowing of the foreskin that prevents normal hygiene and sexual activity).

How often is circumcision performed?

This surgery is considered the most common procedure for people born with male genitalia. In the United States, for example, more than 70% of men are circumcised. In other parts of the world, the statistics vary widely: in the Middle East and parts of Africa the procedure is practiced everywhere, but in Europe it is much less common, where circumcision is treated more as an exception. On average, about 33% of men undergo the procedure worldwide.

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The link between circumcision and HIV

There is evidence that circumcised men have a slightly lower risk of HIV infection. Such studies have been conducted in African countries, and the results do show that the likelihood of transmission through sex is reduced in circumcised men. However, for other sexually transmitted infections, there is still no clear scientific confirmation. Studies give conflicting results, so it is impossible to claim that circumcision completely protects against STIs.

What does a circumcised and uncircumcised penis look like?

The main difference between a circumcised and uncircumcised penis is the presence or absence of the foreskin. In uncircumcised men, the foreskin covers the glans, while in circumcised men the glans always remains open. Many believe this affects sensitivity, but studies have found no significant differences in how men perceive touch and experience orgasm.

There is also no evidence that circumcision affects sexual function or fertility. The issue is rather subjective: some men claim a decrease in sensitivity after the procedure, while others, on the contrary, note that sex has become more pleasurable.

At what age should circumcision be performed?

Most often the procedure is carried out in the first days after the birth of the child - usually on the 1st or 2nd day of life. In the Jewish tradition it is customary to perform circumcision on the eighth day. If the operation is performed in adulthood, the process becomes more complicated: anesthesia is required, healing takes longer, and recovery can be a bit uncomfortable.

How long does the surgery last?

If the circumcision is done on an infant, it literally takes a few minutes. For teens and adults, the surgery takes a little longer - about 20 minutes on average. Either way, it is a quick and relatively uncomplicated procedure, especially if performed by an experienced surgeon.

Is it true that circumcision reduces sensitivity?

Many men who have been circumcised at an advanced age wonder if it will affect sensation during sex, and studies show that there is no serious difference. Some claim that over time the head of the penis becomes less sensitive due to constant contact with underwear, but this is more of an individual feeling.

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Does the procedure cause pain or discomfort?

Circumcision is performed using anesthesia, so there is little or no pain during the operation. Of course, there may be a little discomfort after the procedure, but modern anesthetics help minimize it. In infants, the healing process is fairly quick, but in adults it may take a little longer.

Reasons for circumcision

Parents who decide to circumcise their child are usually guided by several factors. On one hand, in many cultures and religions, the procedure is mandatory or traditional; for example, in Islam and Judaism, circumcision is considered an important rite of passage.

On the other hand there are also medical reasons. For example, some studies show that circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infections and some sexually transmitted diseases. There is also the belief that the absence of the foreskin makes hygiene easier because bacteria can accumulate in the folds of the skin.

However, not all doctors believe that circumcision is necessary. In Western countries, more and more parents refuse the procedure, believing that the child should make this decision when he or she is older. Other reasons for refusal include possible complications (albeit rare), fear of pain in the child, and lack of real medical necessity.

What are the different types of circumcision?

There are several circumcision techniques, each with its own characteristics.

• The Gomco method is the most common option for infants. A special metal clamp is used that secures the foreskin before removal. This method helps minimize bleeding.

• Plastibell method - another popular method in which the foreskin is clamped with a special plastic cap and then falls off on its own after a few days.

• Mogen method - here a special metal clamp is used, but without a protective cap. It is used mainly in Jewish circumcision rituals.

For adult men, the procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, and the healing process takes longer.

Full and partial circumcision: what is the difference?

Full circumcision is the removal of the entire foreskin, leaving the head of the penis completely exposed; while partial circumcision removes only part of the foreskin, leaving a small fold of skin.

Some men choose partial circumcision if they want to retain some of the sensitivity or if they aesthetically prefer this option. This method is also sometimes used for medical reasons when the foreskin is too tight, but complete removal can be avoided.

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Who may be contraindicated to circumcision?

Circumcision is not a safe procedure in all cases. A doctor may recommend against it or postpone the operation if:

• The child has congenital abnormalities of the genitals;

• The baby has blood clotting problems or other medical complications;

• The baby was born prematurely and needs additional time to gain weight and generally strengthen the body.

In such situations, it is better to make a decision about circumcision after consulting a doctor.

How is the recovery after circumcision?

In most cases, the patient can go home on the day of the procedure. Doctors recommend wearing loose underwear to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the healing area, as well as regularly applying petroleum jelly or special healing ointments.

For infants, the healing process takes 7-10 days, while in adults it takes about 4-6 weeks. In the first few days, there may be some swelling and redness, but this is a normal reaction of the body.

During recovery, it is important to follow a few rules:

• gently rinse the penis with warm water without aggressive detergents;

• apply healing ointment to avoid irritation;

• do not lift heavy objects for at least a week;

• avoid sexual intercourse for at least 4 weeks to avoid traumatizing the healing skin.

Stitches (if used) usually dissolve on their own after 2-3 weeks. If there is severe pain, prolonged bleeding or an unpleasant odor from the area of the incision, it is better to immediately consult a doctor.