Males are born with a hood of skin that covers the head of their penis. This hood is called the foreskin. The surgical removal of this foreskin is called circumcision. The circumcision is mostly done in childhood and may be done for either religious or medical purposes. Adults may also undergo circumcision for aesthetic reasons or medical reasons.
- When an uncircumcised penis is erect, the foreskin will have to be retracted to reveal the penile head. For a circumcised penis, the head is always visible. An uncircumcised penis when flaccid may appear to be bulkier due to the presence of the foreskin.
- Circumcision has been shown to prevent some sexually transmitted infections. When men are circumcised, they are less likely to get the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from their HIV-positive female partners. The inner lining of the foreskin has more of those cells that the HIV infects compared to other areas of the body, thus making it more susceptible to contracting the infection. HIV may survive in the space between the foreskin and the penis. In addition, certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are less common in circumcised men.
- Male circumcision reduces the incidence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in their female partners by 28%. However, it does not reduce the risk of nonulcerative STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. There is also evidence that circumcision can reduce the acquisition of ulcerative STIs, such as genital herpes and syphilis. Circumcision is also shown to prevent bacterial vaginosis (BV).
- In an uncircumcised penis, dead cells, sweat, and dirt can accumulate under the foreskin. This can lead to the buildup of a thick secretion called smegma. The smegma is implicated in many penile problems, such as balanitis and posthitis. Thus, more efforts need to be made to maintain the proper hygiene of an uncircumcised penis. For a circumcised penis, however, maintaining hygiene is relatively easier by washing the penis while bathing to maintain good hygiene.
- As per a few studies, women with uncircumcised partners are more prone to cervical cancer than women with circumcised partners. It has also been proven that circumcised men are less prone to penile cancer than uncircumcised men. Circumcision during infancy nearly eliminates the risk of penile cancer.
- Though sexual drive remains the same in both cases. As per few researchers, circumcision may solve the problem of premature ejaculation for some men. Circumcision is believed to make the man last longer and this can be more pleasurable for both men and their partners.
- Circumcision can affect the natural ability to lubricate the penis during intercourse and masturbation. However, this can be compensated for by using extra lubrication, which can enhance sex for both partners.
During the procedure:
The doctor may give a shot of numbing medicine at the base of the penis. The medicine will keep the patient from feeling pain, but they may be awake. In some cases, general anesthesia may also be given. The doctor uses a bell-like device to cover and protect the penile head during the surgery. Then, the doctor will make an incision and cut away the foreskin, which is pulled over the device. The edges of the skin will be closed with stitches that will dissolve within a few days. Petroleum jelly and a dressing will be placed on the area. Laser circumcision is a minimally invasive procedure that is being used widely nowadays. It involves no pain and no intra-operative bleeding.
Circumcision is about the personal preference of a person. It does not impact the size of the penis, sexual pleasure or sexual sensitivity, sperm production, etc. However, it can have a big impact on your hygiene and overall health. The uncut penis needs regular care under the foreskin to reduce any risk for urinary infections and other conditions. An individual must be more careful to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, such as using condoms. The age at which the foreskin can be retracted varies from person to person. The foreskin typically cannot be retracted in children younger than 5 years, but it should be fully retractable by puberty.
Top Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised: The Difference Related Articles
Balanitis is a condition in which the skin of the head of the penis becomes inflamed. If the foreskin is also inflamed, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. Balanitis usually occurs in uncircumcised males with symptoms of pain, swelling, and redness at the head of the penis. Often, balanitis is caused by poor hygiene or some medical conditions such as diabetes, and yeast infections. Treatment for balanitis is directed at the cause of the condition and may include creams or other medications.Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
The penis is the male sex organ, reaching its full size during puberty. See a picture of the Penis and learn more about the health topic.Peyronie's Disease (Curvature of the Penis)
Peyronie's disease or curvature of the penis (Peyronie disease) is a condition in which scar tissue develops inside the penis. This scar tissue causes the penis to develop an abnormal curvature in the scarred area. At this time, there is no known cause of Peyronie's disease. Symptoms of Peyronie's disease include pain during intercourse or ejaculation, erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence), the inability to have sexual intercourse, anxiety, stress, an indentation of the shaft at the site where there is plaque or scarring, and an angulation of the penis when erect or flaccid. There is no cure for Peyronie's disease, however, there are medications that can reduce symptoms of the disease. Surgery or penile implants may be an option for severe cases.Priapism (Penis Disorder)
Priapism is a penis disorder characterized by a prolonged, unwanted erection of the penis. Medical conditions, trauma, or medications can cause priapism. There are three categories of priapism: ischemic priapisim, non-ischemic priapism, and stuttering priapism. Treatment includes medical intervention, medication, and at times, surgery.Sex Tips for Men: How to Have a Better Sex Life
Learn sex tips for men that lead to more sexual pleasure such as better communication, focusing on pleasurable sensations, scheduling sex and more. Explore new ways to spice up your sex life and get sex tips for better sex.What Is the Foreskin Good For?
The foreskin has several roles in penis health: protects the penis head, maintains sensation, reduces friction, and contributes to immune system function.