Sex and circumcision: everything you need to know
In some religions, such as Judaism and Islam, circumcision of infants and young children is widespread. Even in the United States, where about 70 percent of men are circumcised, circumcision is a routine procedure. Here, only at the end of the 19th century, more and more children were circumcised, because the subject of sex was taboo and it was hoped that circumcision would prevent boys from masturbating in adolescence.
Although American pediatricians today clearly state that the medical benefits of circumcision without a specific medical indication do not justify the risks, this practice is still performed.
Circumcision yes or no?
For us it is different: in Italy circumcision is usually justified from a medical point of view, for example in case of narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) or problems with the urinary tract. However, there are also men who voluntarily undergo this operation because they expect it to improve aesthetics, resistance and hygiene. But what are the real benefits of circumcision for men? And what are the drawbacks?
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When performing a circumcision operation, the foreskin of the glans is completely or partially removed. This practice is usually routine for some religions and is done during the childhood of the child.
© iStockAre there any health benefits?
Of course, daily hygiene for men without foreskin is a little easier. However, eventually, even an uncircumcised man should be able to handle it. In addition, circumcised men should have a lower risk of urinary tract infections, papilloma virus infections, the so-called HPV, ie those viruses that can be precursors of cervical cancer in women, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Does circumcision change the pleasure during intercourse?
Naturally, one wonders if the glans is much more sensitive without the protective foreskin. Researchers at the University of Sydney analyzed the results of 36 studies in which a total of 40,473 men participated. They found that, especially if circumcision occurred during infancy, there is almost no difference in sensitivity, arousal or level. of orgasmic capacity.
However, there are also studies that come to the opposite conclusion. Research conducted in Denmark in 2011 found that circumcised men suffered from orgasm problems three times more often than uncircumcised men.
Are circumcised men harder to arouse?
Unfortunately. The foreskin covers the glans penis and protects against external influences. It has thousands of nerve endings where it connects to the penis and is very sensitive. The foreskin therefore plays a significant role in the sphere of male desire.
The sensitivity of the glans decreases with circumcision. Many women who have experience with circumcised and uncircumcised men say the same. Circumcised men often cannot be stimulated that easily. In any case, to date it has not been shown that men without foreskin are able to last longer in intercourse because they are less sensitive to stimulation.
What is certain is that masturbation is more difficult for circumcised men, because there is no possibility of pushing the foreskin back and forth. The more the portion of skin that is removed during circumcision is extended, the more unpleasant the stimulation of the dry glans with the hand Often this sensation becomes pleasant only with the lubricant.
The same precaution also applies to us women: the techniques for masturbation or fellatio are simply different, because in circumcised men they no longer have the foreskin that can be used as a stimulant.
What does a woman experience during intercourse with a circumcised man?
Many women don't notice the difference. However, in the polls uncircumcised men lead the popularity ladder. The problem that arises is the following: if a lot of skin was removed during the circumcision, the penetration during sex can be more uncomfortable for both, because normally the sliding of the penis is aided by the presence of the dermis which reduces friction - which is not the case with circumcised men.
Humidification, or natural lubrication, of the vagina cannot always completely compensate for this absence and, therefore, lubricants are frequently required for some circumcised men.
All of which is to say that there would be no reason to be circumcised without cultural or medical necessities. In any case, even circumcised men shouldn't worry: many women find them even more aesthetically beautiful without foreskin, and the pleasure derived from sex ultimately depends on so many different factors that one cannot focus on circumcision alone.