Turtleneck or Crew? Discussing Male Circumcision
Recently, several people have asked us about our thoughts on male circumcision. Male circumcision is a practice that removes the top portion of the foreskin (the outer sheath) of the penis. Although sometimes performed for religious beliefs, circumcision is also a cultural, moral, medical and social practice, taking on different meanings at different times.
Anatomy of a Penis
As a quick review, the shaft of the penis ends in the bulb-like glans. The foreskin is the soft membrane skin that doubles over the penis, covering the glans. In circumcised males, the amount of remaining foreskin varies, but is usually a ring of extra skin below the glans. For uncircumcised males, the foreskin covers the glans completely, except when erect. Foreskin proponents cite the uncircumcised penis’s natural “gliding action” - where the foreskin can completely engulf the penis during stimulation - as one of many foreskin benefits.
Foreskin Facts
Worldwide, approximately 1/6th to 1/3rd of the world’s male population is circumcised. The U.S., however, has the highest rate of circumcision in the developed world (which some estimates place around 60%). This varies greatly by geographic region, culture, and race, with the Midwest having one of the highest percentages of circumcision. Most of the circumcisions in the U.S. are performed for non-religious reasons.
A Brief History
Male circumcision has been practiced for thousands of years throughout the world. Historically, circumcision is seen as both a rite into manhood and a ceremony of cleanliness. In Judiasm, Islam, and Christianity, circumcision can be part of a religious ceremony for newborn boys.
Circumcision has long been seen as a hygienic intervention to help boys keep themselves clean and free from disease. But there has always been a moral meaning behind circumcision, too. In the 1800’s, anti-sex advocates, such as John Kellogg, advocated circumcision to prevent extensive “self-abuse”(aka masturbation).
Medical Thoughts
Recently, the World Health Organization began advocating circumcision as a step towards HIV-prevention in Africa, as some research suggests that circumcised men have lower rates of transmission than uncircumcised men. In addition, some research suggests that circumcision may be linked to lower rates of penile and cervical cancer (in female sexual partners). However, much of this research may not control for other variables, such as economic factors and is much debated in medical and sexual science.
In the U.S., circumcision has not slowed the spread of sexually transmitted STIs or heterosexually transmitted HIV. Nationally, the American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that they believe the benefits to circumcision do not merit routine circumcisions. Additionally, they strongly advocated the use of pain relievers during the procedure, as research increasingly shows that pain has a negative impact on infants.. The American Academy of Family Pediatricians similarly recommended that doctors discuss the benefits and risks of circumcision thoroughly with parents.
Take Back the Foreskin
There is a movement of men and some women to challenge circumcision (or as some of these groups call it, male genital mutilation). Many of these men have been circumcised and believe that this circumcision was a non-consensual alteration of their bodies. And, some of these men are quite angry.
There are surgical and non-surgical methods for “restoring” foreskin, many of which can be painful, expensive or minimally effective. Whereas surgical methods involve skin grafting from the scrotum, non-surgical methods usually involve stretching the remaining foreskin with weights or elastic cords.
What’s the Difference?
It depends on who you talk to as to whether circumcision makes a difference, particularly on sexual pleasure. Legendary sex researchers Masters and Johnson determined that there was no difference in the tactile sensations on the glans of the penis between circumcised and uncircumcised men. Opponents of circumcision suggest that the loss of nerves, as well as the loss of the protective foreskin around the glans, produces a loss of sensitivity in the penises of circumcised men. At the same time, research on the impact of circumcision on penile sensation and sexual satisfaction is inconclusive.
Hygiene is sometimes a reason for recommending circumcision. But an uncircumcised penis need not be more difficult to keep clean than a circumcised penis. Teaching proper hygiene to young boys - circumcised and uncircumcised - can help them take proper care of their penises. At the same time, because circumcised penises are the majority in the U.S., uncircumcised boys & men may find themselves ridiculed because their penis doesn’t look like the “norm.” By discussing this issue early on with uncircumcised boys, parents or caretakers can help them understand their bodies and prepare them to respond to questions or teasing.
Make Your Own Decision
Circumcision is a personal decision for parents/legal guardians, or for adult males. In the U.S., the medical and sexual effects of circumcision are negligible. But circumcision holds social (looking like dad or other males) and religious importance. Before you snip, consult with your medical provider and do your own research.
Next week, join Doin’ It Well as we talk purity balls.
Sex 411: It’s all in how you wear it
Check out http://www.teenwire.org/ to see pictures of both uncircumcised and circumcised penises.
Kim Rice and Ross Wantland are professionals in the fields of sexuality and violence prevention. Email them at buzzdoinitwell@yahoo.com
