Circumcision: Is It Worth It?

• What You Need To Know
• Cons of circumcision: it's painful, has psychological consequences and dulls a sexual sensation.
• Circumcision may reduce the risk of urinary-tract infections, penile cancer and STIs.
• The most important thing to do if you're uncircumcised is to make your partner comfortable.

"It had 'no face, no personality... like a Martian.'"

 Russell Crowe went on an anti-circumcision Tweeting spree early this morning, leaving no room for doubt regarding his feelings on foreskin and it's removal.

"Circumcision is barbaric and stupid," he wrote. "Who are you to correct nature? Is it real that GOD requires a donation of foreskin? Babies are perfect." Crowe then reached out to his "Jewish friends," asking them to reject the tradition.

Other public stances on the subject haven't been quite so religiously charged.

Seinfeld’s Elaine fretted that it had “no face, no personality… like a Martian,” while Charlotte from Sex and the City characterized it as “a Shar Pei.” In our pop-culture musings about circumcision, it seems, uncut equals unattractive. With about 75% of American men circumcised, some women may never see an intact penis, or may be shocked when they do.
          
Although circumcision -- removal of a man’s foreskin, typically during infancy -- is rooted in cultural tradition (primarily Muslim and Jewish religions), some parents choose to circumcise their sons because they believe it’s “cleaner” or protects against sexually transmitted diseases and health problems.

Is Circumcision Emotionally Damaging?

As I discuss in my new book A Woman’s Guide to Men and Their Penis Problems, circumcision is currently a very controversial issue. Critics argue that circumcision is painful, may have psychological or emotional consequences, and dulls a man’s sexual sensation by removing the foreskin, which is rich in nerve endings. While evidence is mixed, some studies suggest that circumcision may reduce the risk of urinary-tract infections, penile cancer and sexually transmitted diseases including HPV and HIV. Other research shows no such benefits.

Take Advantage Of Your Foreskin
Many women may be used to circumcised penises, but intact members can have their own advantages. Ian Kerner of Good in Bed says, “If you still have your foreskin, take advantage of it. The foreskin contains nerves, and if you roll it back and forth, it stimulates the frenulum," which is the one of the most sensitive parts of your penis. The most important thing to do if you're uncircumcised is to make your partner comfortable. "Some women get freaked out by the foreskin," Kerner says. "Talk to her and let her know it's an area that responds to stimulation. Ask her to use her tongue and gently nibble during oral sex. But with fewer men being cut nowadays, it's not as big of an issue as in the past.”  

What To Remember With More Skin

Since there is more skin, there is more to play with. This can make hand jobs easier for some and certainly gives you more options. Although the skin does retract when a man gets an erection, you should remember to pull the skin all the way down before putting on a condom for a good fit. As for cleanliness, as long as a man keeps good hygiene, there’s no cause for concern.