Circumcision: Common Myths vs Facts

Circumcision has been practiced for thousands of years, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood medical procedures. It involves the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis and is performed for various reasons, such as cultural, religious, personal and medical. Despite being fairly common, about 23% of men globally are circumcised, many people still hold strong opinions or deep misconceptions about it. Some believe it drastically changes sexual pleasure, while others think it's only a religious ritual or a cosmetic choice. The truth is often more complex. Whether you're circumcised, considering the procedure for your child, or just curious, it's important to separate fact from fiction. Read on to know the most prevalent circumcision myths and misconceptions and get them debunked by facts.

Why Circumcision Is Performed?

Circumcision is usually based on religious or cultural tradition, particularly among Jewish and Muslim communities, and some Indigenous communities. It may also be part of family tradition, hygiene practices, or employed for preventive health care.

Now let's answer: Is circumcision necessary or optional? Circumcision is typically optional, but in certain cases, circumcision is medically required. For instance, when the foreskin is too tight to retract over the end of the penis. It may also be advised in cases where HIV is common, such as in some areas of Africa, to reduce transmission.

Myth 1: Circumcision Is Only Done for Religious or Cultural Reasons

Fact: Circumcision is often preferred by individuals due to personal or medical reasons entirely unrelated to culture or religion. Physicians can prescribe it for some conditions, such as phimosis, when the foreskin cannot be pulled back because it is too tight, or balanitis xerotica obliterans, an ongoing skin disorder that occurs on the foreskin. It is also useful for recurrent infections or foreskin swelling and head of the penis. Other than medical purposes, a few pick circumcision due to personal reasons like better hygiene or aesthetics. These are usually due to comfort, cleanliness, or a recommendation from a medical professional.

Myth 2: Circumcision Offers No Health Benefits

Fact: Circumcision has been proven by research to reduce a man's risk of getting certain infections and diseases. They include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), foreskin infections or inflammation, urinary tract infections (UTIS), and even penile cancer. In addition, studies have proven that circumcision reduces a heterosexual man's risk of getting HIV by as much as 60%.

Also Read: Recovery after laser circumcision: What to expect?

Myth 3: Circumcision Is Extremely Painful and Takes Longer to Heal

Fact: Many men are reluctant to undergo circumcision because they believe the operation will be painful or emotionally traumatic. In fact, circumcision is typically performed under anaesthesia, so it is a safe and largely painless procedure. Although there may be some pain during the healing process, it's generally mild and can be easily controlled with painkillers and proper aftercare.

For infants, physicians use numbing creams, while for older children and adults, local or general anaesthesia is administered to make them comfortable throughout the procedure.

Myth 4: Circumcised Men Feel Less Sexual Pleasure

Fact: Studies indicate that circumcision has little effect on sexual pleasure or performance. Penis sensitivity is preserved, as the areas most sensitive, such as the glans (head) and frenulum, are not cut off in circumcision. Indeed, circumcised men are said to report equal or even better sexual satisfaction, perhaps because of fewer infections or more hygiene-related discomforts. Although the foreskin does have nerve endings, the general sensation of arousal and orgasm is still intact following circumcision. Emotional, psychological and relationship aspects also contribute a great deal to sexual satisfaction and circumcision has no demonstrated negative effect on them.

Myth 5: Circumcision cures HIV/AIDS

Fact: HIV/AIDS is not cured by circumcision. Nevertheless, studies have found that it decreases the risk of HIV transmission in a very effective manner, especially among heterosexual males. Circumcision can also decrease the likelihood of contracting other sexually transmitted infections (STIS) like syphilis, gonorrhea, and even penile cancer.

Despite these benefits, using protection during sexual activity remains essential, as it is the most reliable method of preventing infections. The choice to use protection should be made regardless of whether someone is circumcised.

Myth 6: A Circumcised Penis Requires Extra Care And Caution

Fact: This is a common misconception. In reality, circumcised penises do not require any special or ongoing care beyond normal hygiene. Doctors typically provide only a few simple aftercare guidelines following the procedure, such as avoiding intense physical activity or sexual intercourse for a short recovery period. 

There are no strict rules, and once healed, the penis functions normally. The removal of the foreskin does not make the penis more fragile or sensitive in a way that demands special handling.

Benefits Of Circumcision for Males

The evidence shows that circumcision offers health benefits. Here are medical facts about circumcision:

• Lower risk of urinary tract infections.
• A reduced risk of several sexually transmitted illnesses.
• Protection from penile cancer and a decreased risk of cervical cancer in sexual partners
• Preventing balanitis (inflammation of the head of the penis) and balanoposthitis.
• Preventing phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (inability to restore the foreskin to its normal position).

Risks of Not Being Circumcised

Being uncircumcised is medically safe for the majority of men, provided good hygiene is observed. But risks associated with not being circumcised can be:

• Higher Infection Risk: Lack of foreskin hygiene can increase the risk of infections such as balanitis or posthitis.
• Increased STI Transfer: Research indicates an increased STI transfer rate for uncircumcised men.
• Difficulty with Retraction: Boys might have a tight foreskin (phimosis), which may require future medical care.
• Increased Risk of Foreskin-Related Complications: Like tears, irritation, and inflammation in an adult.

Choose the Right Clinic For Circumcision!

Medically and health-wise, circumcision is neither harmful nor unnecessary. Owing to its known advantages, it is hardly ever discussed in public and even remains a taboo topic. Nevertheless, as information becomes more prevalent and more people learn about it, such misconceptions will slowly start to reduce with time. Do not feel ashamed to go to a doctor in case of any problem related to your genital well-being.

If you are considering circumcision for yourself or your baby, it's crucial to choose the appropriate healthcare provider. Apollo Spectra provides circumcision services for infants, kids and adults. The operation is brief, lasting only about 10 minutes, and is intended to cause minimal discomfort.