Reasons for circumcision, or avoiding circumcision, vary. Maintaining penile hygiene and practicing safe sex will help prevent against infection and disease, and is necessary with or without foreskin. With controversy and varying prevalence globally, the main elements relevant to foreskin are sexual behavior and social attitudes. Other concerns about circumcision include fear of decreased penile sexual function, sensitivity, and/or pleasure, but most studies find little difference-which suggests these factors are largely dependent on individual experiences (8–10).Įthnicity, religious belief, social norms, and perceived health and sexual benefits are the driving factors behind circumcision (3). Additionally, studies have shown female partners of circumcised men have reduced risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) and bacterial vaginosis (7). Evidence shows properties in the inner foreskin have greater susceptibility to HIV infection (5, 6). Research has shown circumcised males are about 60% less likely to contract human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from an infected partner-and are also somewhat more protected from other STIs including human papilloma virus ( HPV) and genital herpes (4). However, research has demonstrated there are health benefits to circumcision, a position supported by both the WHO and the CDC. With foreskin removal being almost universal in the US, parents also fear if their child is not circumcised they will face stigma, like being shamed in sexual situations or locker rooms.

People have been questioning with the ethics and need behind circumcision some believe it could be a human rights violation (as it’s non-consensual for infants) and are calling for more transparency on medical benefits. Adolescent and adult circumcision is more complicated, but possible when done under proper medical settings (3).Ĭircumcision is so typical in the United States that uncircumcised penises are commonly stigmatized. Comparatively, fewer than 2 in 10 males in Europe and South America are circumcised (3). It’s typically performed during infancy as a simple procedure and is common in the United States, Canada, West Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, where about 8 in 10 males are circumcised. According to the World Health Organization, circumcision is likely to be the most common surgical procedure globally. Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin-the protective barrier to the head of the penis - for cultural, social, medical, or religious (often Jewish and Muslim) reasons.

Common penis shapes