Info on circumcision

Answer 1

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that cuts off part of the skin of the penis. Circumcision is practiced in certain religions, specifically Judaism and Islam. Circumcision may also be common in certain countries. However, the fast majority of the world's men are not circumcised.

No major medical association recommends the routine circumcision of male infants. Circumcision was once common the in United States. In the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, almost 80% of newborn male infants were circumcised. By 2007, less than 40% of newborn male infants in the United States were circumcised.

The foreskin, which is removed by circumcision, has a number of important functions. It serves to protect the sensitive head of the penis from friction and irritation from sources such as rubbing against clothes. This lets the head of the penis to retain its maximum sensitivity, allowing for more pleasure during sex. The foreskin itself is also very rich with nerve endings, which also provide pleasure during sexual activity. Perhaps most importantly the foreskin allows for a natural sliding motion as it slides up and down along the head and shaft of the penis. This reduces excess friction while providing full stimulation to the most sensitive parts of the penis.

Circumcision is opposed by many human rights organizations which have asserted that genital integrity is a basic human right. Campaigns to eliminate female circumcision (also called female genital mutilation) have started to focus on reducing routine male infant circumcision as well.

Occasionally, adult men may have medical problems that require circumcision. These conditions are rare, and can be treated by a qualified urologist. Medical problems such as urinary tract infections are no more common in uncircumcised men than in circumcised me.