Today we’re going to talk #sinrecato about circumcision, a surgery that doctors recommend to be performed during childhood. However, some men get it done as adults, only when it’s already affecting their sexuality. You read that right!
Basically, the procedure’s goal is to remove the foreskin, which is simply the skin covering the glans (the top or head of the penis). It’s done because, when that skin isn’t flexible enough and doesn’t retract properly, it can cause pain. This condition is known as phimosis, which can also make it difficult to urinate and/or have erections.
And while health is the most important factor, this surgery is also performed for cultural reasons, such as in the Jewish faith, where babies are circumcised at birth. This is also practiced in Islam, and although there is no set age, it’s recommended to get it done at an early age.
In Christianity, it’s not something mandatory, but some continue to perform it out of tradition. Additionally, among certain ethnic groups in Africa and Asia, it’s practiced as a rite of passage into adulthood.
Some men delay having the surgery because of the misconception that, after the procedure, they may lose some sensitivity in the glans, which could affect their sexual encounters.
However, the truth is quite the opposite. Not getting the surgery leads to lots of discomfort, such as pain during an erection because the foreskin won’t retract, for example. When that happens, the penis can lose firmness due to a disconnection between the body and the mind, thereby reducing pleasure.
Psychologist and sexologist Arola Poch explains: “The glans retains its nerve endings; those aren’t affected. There are men who, prior to circumcision, felt that that area was hypersensitive, so having the sensation reduced slightly actually benefits them. On the other hand, pleasure doesn’t depend solely on what the penis feels, let’s remember that we have an entire body to enjoy and that the brain is the primary sexual organ,” she states.
When it comes to romantic relationships, it’s important to understand that there’s no difference between having sex with someone who is circumcised or not, because the sensations and pleasure experienced aren’t affected by this.
What’s more, circumcision has many benefits, and we’ll outline them here in case you have any doubts about it or are considering undergoing this procedure:
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Hygiene: After this surgery, cleaning is easier, since smegma, a whitish, foul-smelling substance, tends to accumulate in this area. In other words, it reduces the likelihood of creating a breeding ground for future infections.
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Preventing STIs: Studies show that circumcision reduces the transmission of HIV, HPV, and other STIs and STDs because the glans is covered by a more resistant substance. It’s as if a protective barrier were created, but this does NOT mean you should avoid using condoms.
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Ejaculation control: Apparently, when some sensitivity is lost, ejaculation can be better controlled, thereby prolonging sexual intercourse.
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Better oral sex: Since the glans is exposed, oral stimulation is more pleasurable for the parties involved, both the giver and the receiver.
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Visually more appealing: This point is a matter of personal taste, as some people believe that the penis looks more “attractive” than usual when it’s circumcised.
As we can see, there are several benefits to circumcision, it’s not all suffering, there are also medical reasons behind this decision. It’s not normal to experience pain, discomfort when urinating, or difficulties getting an erection. If you have any concerns or feel any discomfort, it’s best to consult your doctor, who will explain in detail what the procedure entails and how it could help you.
If you decide to undergo this surgery, it’s important for you to know how much time you’ll need to take off for a successful recovery and, above all, how it will positively impact your sexual life and health.
Traducción del español: Catalina Oviedo Brugés
