Regardless of where you come from, circumcision is a procedure that you may end up choosing for medical, traditional, or religious reasons. Although this is a term that most men are aware of, you should understand that it is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin of the male genital organ.
The foreskin refers to the excess skin or tissue that covers the tip or head of the male genital organ (glans). It is an ancient practice, one that has its origins dating back to the time when religious rights came about (prominently in Egyptian culture).
However, today, the choice to opt for circumcision is one that parents choose for their sons for religious and other reasons (particularly medical). Adult circumcision is also a common practice now, which aims at the removal of the foreskin in men who for some reason did not opt for the snip in childhood.
Considering this from the medical perspective, circumcision in men targets the removal of the foreskin, which is responsible for the accumulation of bacteria if it isn’t trimmed off. If done at the time of birth, this surgical procedure takes about 10 minutes. However, adult circumcision may take an hour and the male genital organ will take about 5-7 days to heal properly.
Routine Circumcision
Many medical practitioners, such as those at Circumcision Center and others believe that circumcision in the 19th century was a better decision in terms of hygiene compared to uncircumcised men. As such, the concept of routine circumcision for boys of all ages, regardless of their religious beliefs became a practice worldwide.
However, a time came when this practice began to fade away, and so many people argue that opting for the snip had no medical benefit in the majority of the cases.
When men consider going for the routine circumcision, it well offers a good number of potential benefits. Some of these include reducing the risk of some infections. On the other hand, some medical experts agree there may be some risks associated with the routine Adult circumcision, including excessive bleeding and infection. However, the benefits always outweigh the benefits.
The Health Conditions for Circumcision in Men
The top health conditions that often push men to consider going for the snip include:
- Balanitis: This is the inflammation of the head of the male organ or the tip
- Paraphimosis: A medical condition where the foreskin of
male organ traps under the male organ tip, making it difficult for men to retract their skin - Balanoposthitis: This is an infection that affects the foreskin of the male organ, often caused by bacteria. It causes inflammation and pain while trying to push the foreskin backward.
The Pros and Cons
Under circumcision in adult men, you will come across several advantages. Some of these include:
- Reduces the risks of men developing UTI’s (Urinary Tract Infections), which includes the infection of any of the parts in the urinary system, as well as the bladder.
- Reduces the risks of men developing penile cancer or cancer of
the male organ. - Reduces the risks of transmitting and contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like HIV, syphilis, and others.
However, for infants, most healthcare providers agree that the above benefits may not be strong enough reasons to justify the need for routine circumcision in children. Some critics argue that circumcision also comes with some disadvantages.
The Cons
- Possible complications: Although this is rare, sometimes, excessive bleeding may be a risk and post-operative infections may outweigh the potential benefits.
- Reduces Sensitivity: Some men say that uncircumcised penismay be more sensitive when compared to a circumcised one, which means that circumcised men have a greater tendency to experience less pressure during intercourse. However, no much evidence surrounds this according to health associations.
Some critics also argue that routine circumcision in boys based on medical grounds has the risk of violating the principle of consent for the treatment. They agree that the decision to circumcise children should be only when the child is old enough to make the right decision about whether they choose to opt for the snip or not.
Does It Hurt To Opt For The Snip?
Although one can never know for sure unless they go under the surgical lights, some believe that the pain that comes with the circumcision is just momentary. In adult circumcision, surgeons inject the male organ with anesthesia, which helps the patient to experience less pain and swelling. For the next 5-7 days, they prescribe pain medications like over the counter medications (some like paracetamol), which helps to keep the pain under control.
Some men say they feel more pain, but the results vary. If you are planning to go under the knife for the snip, you should consider consulting health experts in your area. For further assistance and guidance, make sure you feel free to ask them and address all your concerns.