Male circumcision has many benefits including a lower risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs) and penile cancer. Male circumcision is a procedure that involves removing the foreskin from the penis. In the most common form of the surgical procedure, the foreskin is extended with forceps and a circumcision device may be placed after the foreskin is excised.
There can be many benefits and reasons for males to get circumcised. Although reasons for circumcision may vary because of medical, religious or personal beliefs, benefits attract people. Understand the benefits of male circumcision in this guide.
Male Circumcision: Reasons For Getting Circumcised
Men may choose to get circumcised for medical reasons, cultural or religious reasons or other reasons. Here is what you should know:
Medical Reasons
Circumcision can reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It may slightly reduce the risk of penile cancer later in life. Few people choose circumcision to treat conditions such as phimosis, paraphimosis, recurrent balanitis and balanitis xerotica obliterans. Circumcision can help prevent infections of the foreskin which makes it the choice for many.
Cultural or Religious Reasons
Circumcision runs in many people’s cultural or religious beliefs. Some men may choose to get circumcised to comply with the ethnic traditions of their religion.
Other Reasons
Circumcision may help control premature ejaculation in some men, while some get circumcised because of health reasons.
Although circumcision is usually performed after some days of birth, some men choose to get it done later in life due to personal or medical reasons.
Male Circumcision Surgery: Benefits Of Getting Circumcised
Sometimes there can be a medical need for circumcision including the foreskin might be too tight to be pulled back. Circumcision can be recommended as a way to lower the risk of HIV. Here are the benefits of male circumcision:
Hygiene
Circumcision is considered a hygiene benefit because it removes the foreskin, which can accumulate a substance called smegma, leading to potential odour and infection if not properly cleaned. Removing the foreskin allows for easier cleaning of the glans penis, promoting better genital hygiene and reducing the risk of infections.
Lower Risk Of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Circumcision can lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by changing the bacterial flora around the urethra. Circumcision makes it easier to clean the genital area properly and is particularly beneficial in infants who may have difficulty with hygiene. Elimination of the foreskin allows clean and free skin from bacteria.
Lower Risk Of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Circumcision can help lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by removing the inner surface of the foreskin, which contains a high concentration of cells that are susceptible to particular viruses like HIV, HPV, and HSV-2.
The inner foreskin is rich in Langerhans cells, which are immune cells that can be easily infected by HIV when exposed to the virus. Removal of the foreskin reduces the number of these susceptible cells.
Prevention Of Penile Problems
Circumcision can help prevent penile problems by reducing the risk of infections like balanitis and balanoposthitis, as well as conditions like phimosis and paraphimosis (trapped foreskin), which can occur under the foreskin if proper hygiene is not maintained. It also lowers the chance of developing penile cancer by removing tissue that could potentially become cancerous.
Lower Risk Of Penile Cancer
Circumcision can lower the risk of penile cancer because it can prevent phimosis and smegma buildup. These conditions are known risk factors for penile cancer. Phimosis is the inability to retract the foreskin. Men who get circumcised early are less likely to develop phimosis. Smegma buildup under the foreskin can lead to inflammation and irritation, which may increase the risk of penile cancer. Men who get circumcised are more likely to get prevented from smegma buildup.
These benefits are related to medical reasons and hygiene. Many cultural or religious beliefs influence getting circumcised at the early age of life. But, what is the right age to get circumcised? Let us take a look.
The Ideal Age Of Getting Circumcised
The ideal age for circumcision is within the first week of life, but it can be performed at any age. Here is some brief information:
- Some men choose to get circumcised later in life because of medical or health reasons.
- Adults are more sensitive to pain and can face more complications than children or babies.
- The procedure is believed to be less stressful for the baby in the early stages.
- Delaying the procedure may make it riskier but done by professionalists can lower the complications.
Go for professional circumcision surgery and get expert care.
