Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is the skin covering the tip of the penis. This practice originated in several religious rites and eventually became the norm in society today. It is usually done within the first few days of a child’s birth, Fthough it can be done at any time. Some adult men decide to get circumcised for religious conversion, hygiene, as the result of a complication of a disease like diabetes, or just for aesthetic effect.
Adult Circumcision Pros
There are several pros to having a circumcision. Here is a list of the five most common benefits of circumcision.
1) Grooming.
A circumcised penis is easy to keep clean – hands down. Why? Because it reduces the instance of smegma, the funky build-up of oil, bacteria, and dead skin under the foreskin which can lead to a foul smell, infection, and an unfriendly reaction from a sexual partner.
2) Prevents the “-itis” and the “-osis.” Circumcision prevents infections of the penile skin such as balanitis, balanoposthitis, paraphimosis, and phimosis.
3) Safer Sex. It’s been shown that circumcision reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including female-to-male transmission of HIV. Of course, use additional measures as well.
4) Men’s Health. Circumcision has been shown to reduce instances of penile cancer and urinary tract infections.
5) Women’s Health. Circumcision has been shown to decrease the risk of some infections and cervical cancer in female partners. You’re welcome, ladies.
Adult Circumcision Cons
While there’s a lot of good that can happen with a circumcision, there are also some not-so-great points to consider as well. Here is a list of the five most common cons of a circumcision that men should consider before choosing to have the surgery.
1) Pain. The older the man, the more painful a circumcision tends to be. Of course, pain medication and cool compresses can help reduce pain and swelling.
2) Take a Week or Two Off. All surgeries require downtime and circumcision is no different. Be prepared to take some PTO from work and some leave from intimacy while healing. The good news? A week or two of wearing loose sweatpants without anyone judging you.
3) Complications. While a small surgery, circumcision can still carry risks such as cutting the foreskin too long or too short, infection, bleeding, and slow healing.
4) Showcases a Man’s More “Sensitive” Side. For men who’ve only know a sexual life with foreskin, intimate contact may feel after surgery as the penis is exposed in a whole new way. A man who gets a circumcision will need to relearn his personal sensitivity ranges during self-pleasure and partner pleasure. It may be a nice second puberty though.
5) Minimal Health Benefits. While it can help with certain issues and cleanliness, there aren’t a lot of health benefits to getting circumcised.
Penis Health
Whether a man is always wearing a turtleneck down below or going bare, regular penis cleaning and care should always be a priority. Men should wash with a gentle cleanser and be sure to stay away from products with rough abrasives and harsh additives to keep the penis clean and balanced.
After washing, a specially designed penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) should be used to keep the penis soft, smooth, and inviting. Look for a crème packed with vitamins A, C, D, and E, which are well-known for their skin-soothing and healing properties. Also, choose a crème that has a natural base like Shea butter which will lock in moisture, and improve the elasticity and suppleness of the penis.
