Pros and Cons of Circumcision

Whether to be circumcised or uncircumcised is generally a matter of personal preference. In fact, most men have strong views on the subject of circumcision and no matter what arguments are given against or in favor circumcision, they never change their positions. Yet, here are some unbiased pros and cons of circumcision you might be interested to learn.

Before we start listing any advantages or disadvantages we should note that circumcision has been a very popular medical practice in the 1970's when over 90% of all American boys were circumcised right after birth. However, ever since the movements to stop this medically unnecessary practice, the percent of the infant males that were circumcised significantly dropped down being about 63% in 1990.

One of the advantages of circumcision according to many people is that it is more hygienic when the penis is circumcised. It is certainly easier to care for it. In fact, about 10% - 14% of all uncircumcised boys are affected by infection or inflammation of the foreskin. In addition to that, uncircumcised children are twice more likely to get inflammation of the glans penis (or "balanitis") than circumcised children. In adults the number of uncircumcised men with balanitis is about five times higher than the number of circumcised men with such inflammation.

Another research states that about 1 in 100 uncircumcised boys suffers from urinary tract infections in the first year of life, while this ratio is 1 in 1,000 for the circumcised boys. However, it is a matter of personal opinion whether this risk is high enough to impose circumcision.

In addition to medical reasons, sexuality also plays its role in determining men's opinion about circumcision. Some women prefer uncircumcised men while others claim that the less friction-based way a circumcised penis moves is more pleasurable. However, when it comes to pleasure during sex there is not really better or worse case; it is all a matter of personal taste. Both circumcised and uncircumcised penises are medically acceptable conditions and can make you enjoy the ride.