Lets talk about Circumcision

[Rowan]

A great debate amongst people from all walks of life. Some do it for medical reasons, some do it for religious reasons... hell, some people do it for cosmetic reasons. Whatever the reason, the most important thing to know are the benefits and risks associated with such a procedure. But even the following items on the list must also be taken with a grain of salt

Pro's

Urinary tract infections. These affect up to four percent of boys, especially in infancy, but may be 10 times less frequent in circumcised boys. This is not considered by doctors to be sufficient reason for circumcision
Penile cancer. This cancer is rare (one in 250,000 Australian men develops it) but there is an increased risk of cancer of the penis in uncircumcised men
Cervical cancer. Uncircumcised men may be more likely to acquire and transmit the human papilloma virus (HPV) that is responsible for most cervical cancers. However, cervical cancer rates are declining in Australia due to effective screening and vaccination programs
Penile inflammation and dermatoses (skin disorders). Penile inflammatory disorders are less common in circumcised men but can develop whether or not circumcision has been performed. Uncircumcised males who retract the foreskin while bathing are less likely to experience problems with inflammation. Acute and recurrent problems of the foreskin can sometimes be managed medically but surgical intervention may be required
Sexually transmitted infections (eg syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, HIV). Although circumcision may slightly reduce the risk of transmission, particularly in high-risk groups, it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections and should not replace safe sex practices.


Risks

Pain and distress. Surgical excision of the foreskin is painful. Safe and effective pain control should be offered to all infants undergoing the procedure. Post-operative pain, swelling and bruising are common
Cosmetic concerns. Too much or too little skin removal may present problems or abnormal scar tissue may develop
Buried penis. Refers to a penis that is buried under scar tissue that develops at the site of incision. It may occur if too much or too little skin is removed. Treatment is surgical.
Sexual dissatisfaction. Some men say the end of the penis becomes less sensitive when the foreskin is removed. However, most circumcised males do not describe psychological trauma or decreased sexual function as a result of being circumcised.
Psychological trauma. Some males resent having been circumcised and increasingly, are requesting a procedure be developed to recreate the foreskin.

In addition, some find it aesthetically pleasing to be circumsised, in rare cases, some dont. Are you circumsised? Was it done at birth? How do you feel about it?

[Odin1199]

Don't mess with mother nature. If we're born uncircumcised, then it's for a reason. In arid conditions, it can be bad for hygiene so maybe in those cases it's better. That's why it was popular there, as well as not eating pigs, because they'd get sick in arid environments and you'd too after eating them. You have to take climate and other things into account to understand why people invented these rules. Same goes for alcohol. Under the sun, it would be devastating to get drunk. Bible and politics went hand in hand then.

[Alpha]

It's hard to have an opinion either way. For most people, the decision is made at birth, so all of our cognisant experience is with it or without it. I wonder if anyone has had it performed as an adult and has described what it is like with and without a foreskin?

[Rowan]

I know someone who has it done in his early 20s. Said it doesn't feel difference in terms of pleasure, the most concerning thing I suppose.