When it comes to circumcision in men, most doctors remain at the forefront because of all the controversies that surround it. It’s a sensitive topic and has several myths, fiction, and facts that surround its practice. Removal of the foreskin of the penis comes with some uncertainty due to all the religious conflicting research and the cultural beliefs some people have regarding it.
Right from the impact of the surgery on the possible emotional implications, expecting men to decide on whether or not adult circumcision is for them could be a difficult decision. It is a safe procedure and one that requires a great deal of attention post procedure. The typical concerns men have is the technique their surgeon will use and the possible risks that will occur after the surgery.
Circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, and like any other invasive procedure, it does have some risks, including infection and bleeding. However, with proper care, this is not an issue.
Note that circumcision in men brings about two important benefits, including better hygiene, and lower chances of urinary tract infections and other health benefits. To clear up your doubts on the myths that surround the procedure, here’s an insight into the things everyone knows about circumcision that you don’t.
The Percentage
It is an estimate that the percentage of circumcised men in all corners of the globe is 30%. The percentage is often higher among Muslim and Jewish men, who require the procedure by their faith. However, talking about adult circumcision in the United States, the percentage of circumcised men is 80%. The reason for this is due to the major health benefits that it brings.
Lowers the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Research reports from the past often show that when people go through circumcision at a Circumcision Center, this reduces their risks of contracting some sexually transmitted diseases like HIV by about 60%, even though the exact cause of the problem is not known. Based on research the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGRI) conducted, removal of the foreskin of the penis can alter the microbiome or bacterial community that leads to improved protection against HIV.
The institute had also conducted the study on about 156 Uganda men, who went through circumcision as adults, and their research showed that the number of bacteria in the sensitive area actually went down by about 33%. They found that circumcision reduced a specific type of bacteria that would activate Langerhans cell in the penis foreskin. These cells are famous as the body’s defense mechanism, and when activated, they would enable the transmission of the HIV virus.
Lowers the Risks of Prostate Cancer
Circumcision can also protect men against the risks of prostate cancer developing. Several studies show that the rate of this cancer is often lower among Jewish and Muslim men that belong to the West. Compared to the men who went through the procedure as infants, the percentage is 14% less to develop cancer. However, those that choose to go through the surgery later in their lives are about 45% less compared to uncircumcised men.
The Surgery is Not Painful
The surgery often proceeds only under the effects of local or general anesthesia, so you should rest assured that during the procedure, you would not feel any pain. However, like any other surgery, the post-op pain will likely occur at a gradual pace and increase further. At such times, doctors often prescribe painkillers, which should help to manage the pain. After a few days post operation, the pain then subsides, and the healing process begins.
Has Emotional Implications
Based on research, some men circumcised men are also prone to having some serious emotional implications, like aesthetic worries. Yes, some men feel conscious or worried about how their female partners would feel about the appearance of their penis, especially at the time of intercourse. However, there are those that wish to go through the surgery because it helps to boost their self-esteem. Such men are not always happy about the appearance of the excess, loose foreskin, and prefer to opt for the surgery to get rid of it.
Uncircumcised Men are Prone to Other Health Problems
You should also know that an uncircumcised penis might also lead to other complicated health issues such as phimosis, which would occur when the foreskin is unable to retract. This condition causes the foreskin to remain stuck in a fixed position and prevents men from retracting it from the penis tip. In several cases, this may also lead to other problems like pain, infections, balanitis, and others.
Adult circumcision can keep men away from the risks of various health problems. Before you decide to go for the cut, make sure that you consult your healthcare expert to avoid all the doubts you may have. Make sure you discuss the procedure your surgeon plans to use with the technique and only choose an experienced surgeon for the surgery.
