# Circumcision, +or- ? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 24, 1999, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682 "1999-05-24T03:25:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/1 "1999-05-24T03:25:00Z")
## O.K, I’ll ask. Is it good or bad? I’ve read scientific opinions, which seem to slightly favor not to circumcise, But I trust the opinions of the teeming millions. Citing cleanliness is ridiculous (soap & water work just fine), but what about sensitivity? It makes sense to me that constant contact with clothing would reduce sensitivity somewhat. Also, what do women think (of male circumcision)? Do most have a preference? There are many issues around this topic, so what do you open-minded geniuses think? Also state whether you (or your s.o.) are or aren’t circumcised, and if this has an impact on your opinion. I’m not. Still got my tonsils, too. Wierd 🙂 Peace, mangeorge “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything” Mark Twain 1894 ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/2 "1999-05-24T03:35:00Z")
Cleanliness may not be an issue, but it becomes one where laziness abounds. To wit: Most guys I know who aren’t cut don’t seem to care much about keeping it clean, and it’s noticeable (don’t ask me how). I don’t see the big deal, myself. I don’t feel as though I was mutilated or violated at all. Never having had it, I don’t really miss it. I’m cut, and I’m PLENTY sensitive. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/3 "1999-05-24T04:45:00Z")
I just wish they had consulted me first, dammit. I’ll always wonder if I’m missing anything, sensitivity or otherwise. As for appearance, I’m always reminded of what Elaine said on Seinfeld - "It looks like an _ALIEN_. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/4 "1999-05-24T06:06:00Z")
Yeah, sensitivity seems to be the rrreally big issue here. I suspect you’ll hear cut men say it doesn’t make any difference, and uncut men say that it does. 😉 I know that when my foreskin is pulled back, the head is very touchy. I can’t imagine having it rub against my jeans all day. As for cleanliness, there are plenty of gentle ways to tell a lover “yuck, go wash that thing”. I wouldn’t hesitate (and haven’t) to tell a woman if she “offends”. Not exactly in those words, of course. A mutual washdown can be fun. Peace, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/5 "1999-05-24T13:06:00Z")
It seems like a cruel thing to do to a kid. Oh well, at least we don’t give 'em neck rings or those stupid lip plates. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/6 "1999-05-24T13:29:00Z")
The evidence I’ve seen indicates a slight (very slight) advantage for circumcision. Penile cancer, while extremely rare in either case, is more prevalent in uncircumcized males. Course it’s a difference between one in a million vs. one in a million and a half (statistics made up, but you get the idea). Anecdotal evidence from men who were circumsized later in life (usually due to religious conversion) indicates no loss of sensitivity. For a “cut and dry” issue, this one sure spurs a lot of debate ;). * * * The overwhelming majority of people have more than the average (mean) number of legs. – E. Grebenik ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/7 "1999-05-24T14:23:00Z")
Purely anecdotal evidence ahead: When my son was born 13 years ago, we worried over the circ./ no circ. issue. Finally, we decided to have him cut – largely on my (uncircumcised) father’s recommendation. Turns out Dad has had various problems with his jones over the years and had been told by urologists that circumcision would solve them. Dad declined the proposed circumcision for years, but his problems started escalating with age. Apparently his sausage was tender and prone to tearing – often it was so fragile he had to refrain from sex. Dad waited until he retired last year to have the surgery – the doc had told him to expect an excruciatingly painful experience and a lengthy (4-6 week) recovery period and Dad didn’t want to file a disability claim for 6 weeks off for willy-surgery. Anyway, he had the surgery last year and it was both successful (in that it cured his problems) and much easier than advertised. He never even needed any of the pain meds the doc prescribed – extra-strength Tylenol did the trick – he was pretty much healed within 10 days and was back in the saddle (sexually) within a month. He says he wishes he’d had it done 30 years ago when it was first recommended. * * * ``` Jess ``` Full of 'satiable curtiosity ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 1999, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/8 "1999-05-24T15:07:00Z")
No offense, but true stories: Funniest story a woman told me was when she was talking to another woman friend and she said, ‘uncircumcized men are so ugly.’ To which her friend said, ‘hush, my husband is not circumcized!’ Another woman told me that the first time she saw an uncircumcised penis she thought it was so weird that she put on her clothes and left. American women, sheesh. My friend Eric, got circumcized when he was 25 years old! Whoa. But I guess you’d have to find someone who was not and then was to compare notes on how it feels and how it keeps clean. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 1999, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/9 "1999-05-25T03:56:00Z")
I didn’t have Greg circumcised because when i was in the hospital, thinking about it, I heard the screams of poor little babies who were being circumcised (I know that’s what they were…the nurse told me so). I couldn’t stand the thought of him suffering like that and I figured I’d just teach him proper hygiene, anyway. Why don’t they anesthetize beforehand, anyway? * * * MaryAnn Sometimes life is so great you just gotta muss up your hair and quack like a duck! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 1999, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/10 "1999-05-25T04:11:00Z")
When my son was born, we had it done mainly for the issue of cleanliness. Of course, this is after my grandfather had gone through some nasty times with his uncut penis later in life. I was and like anyone else cut as a child, can’t say I miss it cause I don’t know what it’s like to have it. On the other hand, I’d think women might be all for anything to decrease the trigger reflex in the male sex organ 😉 * * * “I guess it is possible for one person to make a difference, although most of the time they probably shouldn’t.” ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 1999, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/11 "1999-05-25T08:22:00Z")
Jeez man I cannot support that. I heard the kids getting it done and it freaked me. I will let my kid go uncirc and let him choose it later if he wants it ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 1999, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/12 "1999-05-25T12:30:00Z")
Mangeorge, Just an opinion here: I worked in a hospital when I was in the military and any man that came in uncircumcises invariably was not very clean-don’t ask me why. I’m sure you are though, if this is your situation. Anyway, there you go: just an observation. Jess, your post had me rolling! Nice use of euphemisms! * * * Carpe Diem! or at least seize something! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 1999, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/13 "1999-05-26T05:30:00Z")
I have a friend who had VERY strong opinions on this - even went so far as to look into foreskin-replacement surgery (he was circumcised.) His main problem was that he felt that there was a loss of sensitivity for circumcised men that was especially noticable when using a condom. He has a bunch of friends from Europe who were uncircumcised, and they told him that they never had any problems shall we say… “finishing” when using a condom. He, on the other hand, used to win bets as to how long it would take him to “finish” while using a condom. He never could. Apparantly, the logic goes that a foreskin provides a certain amount of lubrication and friction, and the sensitive part of the penis rubs against the foreskin while having sex, rather than against say, a condom. Thus, the condom was a non-issue. The uncircumcised men never even felt it. I have no idea as to the accuracy of the above theory. I’m just repeating what my friend told me. I maintain that the reason he could never achieve satisfaction while using a condom was that he wanked off too much to begin with, and if he gave himself a rest he’d be able to finish just fine. Come to think of it, he didn’t protest too much when I told him that… ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 1999, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/14 "1999-05-25T18:05:00Z")
Regarding the sensitivity/condom issue, safe sex demonstrations suggest using a little lubricant inside the condom at the tip (not along the entire length, as it might slip off in action). This is recommended because a lot of people use the “it doesn’t feel as good with a condom” excuse for not wearing one, and put themselves at risk in the process. This is supposed to create additional mild friction, and to me seems about as close as you can come (har!) to having foreskin. I’ve never tried it, myself, because as I already said, I’m cut and already plenty sensitive. One of you less sensitive guys give it a try and let us know how it feels. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 1999, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/15 "1999-05-26T04:55:00Z")
Reuters Health (3/1/1999): “Existing medical data does not support the routine circumcision of male newborns, concludes a Policy Statement released by experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics” ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 1999, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/16 "1999-05-27T23:56:00Z")
Thank you for your replies, teeming dozen. I guess I’m not yet ready to bring out the ole hedge clippers quite yet. 🙂 I was hoping for more responses from women about their feelings about circumcised men, as lovers. Mostly curiosity at my age. I’ve never had any real comments, plus or minus, but women are kind to our egos. I think cleanliness would be the issue here. Peace, mangeorge * * * “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything” Mark Twain 1894 ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 1999, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/17 "1999-06-01T14:04:00Z")
Aparantly getting the snip makes the Old Chap look bigger. * * * It only hurts when I laugh. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 1999, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/18 "1999-06-02T00:26:00Z")
## “Aparantly getting the snip makes the Old Chap look bigger.” —Moonshine Never heard that before. Where do I sign up??? 🙂 Peace, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 1999, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/19 "1999-06-02T01:59:00Z")
Is circumcised. Does not regret what he lost since he has a reasonably fulfilling sex life. Read a story in the Economist a few weeks ago (cannot cite it) in which they said that circumcised men have a significantly lower probability of picking up the HIV virus than uncircumcised men do. That seems to be a good argument in favor of circumcision. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 1999, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682/20 "1999-06-02T02:08:00Z")
Hmm, my hubby is not circumsized, and my most significant ex-boyfriend was. Doesn’t make much difference to me one way or the other. -Melin * * * I’m a woman phenomenally Phenomenal woman That’s me (Maya Angelou) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-or/4682.md?page=2)