Turtleneck vs Crewneck: Is Circumcision Necessary Today?

It’s a little bit of skin that is causing a big old ruckus these days: Is circumcision a healthy act, or is it a brutal, antiquated ritual with no real merit? While there are several potential benefits of circumcision, can they really be described as medically necessary? Let’s go through the reason why someone might opt for circumcision, either for their infant son or personally as an adult.

What Is Circumcision?

What is circumcision? Well, it’s the surgical elimination of the foreskin, the skin covering the tip of the penis. It’s generally done in the first few days of life for male infants. The custom that’s now considered as the societal norm today actually originated in multiple religious rites. What used to be performed by shamans, priests, rabbis, or other spiritual leaders is now done by doctors in a clinical environment. While it’s impossible to know, it is said that the surgery is much less painful to a baby than it is to an adult man.

Is Circumcision Necessary? Benefits

There are a number of reasons a parent might opt for circumcision for a son, or an uncircumcised man may decide to go from turtleneck to crew neck as an adult.

1) Religious Conviction. In some religions, circumcision is an important part of affirming one’s faith and commitment. Particularly, it is a covenant between man and God. This is seen predominantly in Judaism and Islam, but other religions also make mention of circumcision.

2) Smegma Solution. That funky buildup of oil, bacteria, dead skin, and emission, aka smegma, can lead to a lot of penis problems if it overgrows. It only overgrows when a man doesn’t wash often enough or properly. It can lead to balanitis and other painful infections and conditions like phimosis, where the foreskin won’t retract, and paraphimosis, where it won’t go back.

3) Preventative Care. Circumcision has been shown to decrease occurrences of penile cancer and urinary tract infections.

4) Diabetes. For some men, diabetes leads to more cases of balanitis and phimosis, and so doctors may advocate for a circumcision.

5) Feelings of Social Belonging and Sexual Acceptance. In the United States, circumcision is more common than is an uncircumcised penis. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with an uncircumcised penis, some sexual partners may never have encountered one before and may be confused, worried about those smegma rumors, or just not into it. While a circumcision isn’t necessary in a medical sense, for some men, it is in a sexual, social, and emotions case.

Is Circumcision Necessary? No

There are many reasons people will say that circumcision isn’t necessary and should be stopped except for religious purposes (which some groups also deride). First, there’s the simple issue of pain. Men who get circumcisions when they are older have more pain, and healing takes longer. No one knows how much it hurts a baby. Second, the foreskin is there because it has a bodily function. It protects the penis and urinary opening from bacteria, fungus, and infection. Finally, with minimal scientifically proven benefits, circumcision raises a lot of ethical concerns and is now linked to genital mutilation practices, which happen all over the world to both women and men.

Is Circumcision Necessary? You Decide

There’s no good answer when it comes to a circumcised penis versus an uncircumcised penis. It is a personal choice, and many times, a man’s parents make it for him. Regardless of whether or not a man has foreskin, he still needs to take care of his penis.

In addition to the usual advice like get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, sleep well, and maintain a healthy weight, daily grooming and cleaning also should be a big part of penis health.

Wash the penis carefully each day with warm water and a mild cleanser. Pat dry (don’t rub!) with a soft towel or air dry if possible. Put a cherry on top with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for the skin). By using a crème made expressly for delicate penile skin, a man can protect, rejuvenate, and preserve sensitivity while fighting off bacteria and nerve damage. To do this, choose a crème with vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as very necessary amino acids like L-arginine and L-carnitine. Doing so will keep the penis fresh, strong, and invigorated.

Is Circumcision Necessary? Reasons for and Against the Ancient Practice

Parents face this question when having a male child and adult men face it later in life: Is circumcision necessary? While there are plenty of reasons to get circumcised, very few of them could be classified as necessary. Generally, most reasons to get circumcised center around personal belief, medical issues, or social conditioning. Let’s look at some reasons that circumcision might be necessary and other reasons one may want to think twice before going under the knife.

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is the surgical elimination of the foreskin, which is the skin covering the tip of the penis. This custom originated in several religious rites and, while unusual in ancient times, grew to become a societal norm. Generally done within the first few days of a child’s birth, circumcision can be performed at any point in a male’s life. A personal choice, the surgery is less painful as a baby but can be more intense as an adult.

Is Circumcision Necessary: Yes

There are a few reasons why a circumcision may be necessary for a man. Here are a few of the most commonly cited reasons.

1) Religious Belief. For some religions, circumcision is a godly thing. Specifically, it is a covenant between man and god. This is seen predominantly in Judaism and Islam, but other religions also make mention of the practice.

2) Issues with Smegma. Smegma is that funky build-up of oil, bacteria, and dead skin under the foreskin which can lead to a gross, sour smell and hosts a bacteria party (bacteria’s plus-one is almost always infection). Not only that, but it creates a hard-to-get-past moment with a potential partner. Some men get it to drastically reduce instances of smegma.

3) Infection Preventer. Circumcision prevents infections of the penile skin such as balanitis, balanoposthitis, paraphimosis, and phimosis. A man still has to properly wash and protect his favorite firecracker, but a lack of folds and hiding places for bacteria means less infection.

4) Men’s Health. Circumcision has been shown to reduce instances of penile cancer and urinary tract infections.

5) Diabetes. For some men, diabetes leads to greater instances of balanitis and phimosis, so doctors may recommend a circumcision.

6) Social Acceptance. In the United States, circumcision is pretty common. For men who aren’t cut, this can translate to some uncomfortable moments with partners who’ve never encountered an uncircumcised penis before. Some men opt to get the surgery to avoid potential embarrassment (really though – an uncircumcised penis is nothing to be ashamed of!).

Is Circumcision Necessary: No

While there are some bona fide reasons to get a circumcision, here are a few reasons why some men opt to keep their turtleneck.

1) Pain. Someone is cutting the penis skin off. It’s going to hurt. The older a man gets, the more it hurts.

2) Protection. The foreskin serves a purpose; it protects the penis and urinary opening throughout life from foreign invaders. It’s border patrol for the penis.

3) Ethical Concerns. There’s a lot of conversation surrounding circumcision, likening it to other genital mutilation practices around the world. In recent years, more and more doctors are also speaking up to tell parents it’s a personal choice, not a medical necessity.

4) Minimal Health Benefits. While it can help with certain issues and cleanliness, there aren’t a lot of empirical benefits to getting circumcised.

Penis Health for the Cut and Uncut

When it comes to penis health, penises of all shapes, sizes, and foreskin-statuses should follow the same rules. Get regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, sleep well, and stay hygienic. Cleanse the penis thoroughly each day with warm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat dry with a soft towel. Finish off with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for the skin). Choose a cream full of natural vitamins and ingredients to not only soften the penis, but also keep bacteria at bay, encourage cell turnover, and provides ample hydration and elasticity for the healthiest member possible.

The Penis Foreskin: A Woman's Guide

Although the majority of men worldwide are intact - that is, have a penis with a foreskin - in some parts of the world, such as the United States, most men are circumcised. In such areas, women rarely come into contact with a foreskin and so could benefit from a short guide to this body part. Although there is ongoing (and sometimes fierce) debate as to whether being circumcised or intact is "better" or has a positive impact on penis health, most intact men are quite satisfied with having a foreskin.

What is it?
 
The technical term for the foreskin is "prepuce," although there are many other slang terms for it (such as hood, cap, sheath, etc.). The foreskin is a flap of skin that covers the glans of the penis when it is in its resting state. When the penis becomes erect, the foreskin retracts to allow the glans to protrude. All boys are born with a foreskin; some become circumcised, meaning that the foreskin is removed.

The foreskin can provide an extra layer of protection for the glans, which can be quite sensitive otherwise. Studies also indicate that the foreskin contains highly sensitive nerve endings which can play a role in sexual stimulation. In addition, foreskin tends to be self-lubricating, which many intact men find to be a plus.

What to know
 
So what are some of the things that a woman may need to know about the foreskin? Well…

- It does retract. Although on boys the foreskin may be tight and require loosening in order to appropriately retract, in adult males the foreskin does "roll back" during the erectile process.

- But sometimes it doesn't retract. However, there are cases where the foreskin is too tight, often due to the glans becoming swollen. (The condition in which the foreskin is too tight for easy retraction is called phimosis.) If this is an issue, a man needs to see a doctor, who may recommend treatment such as application of a steroid cream or manual stretching techniques.

- Men are individual; so are their foreskins. Every guy is slightly different - and so is his foreskin. Some men have hoods that are very flexible and loose; they may enjoy having a partner gently stretch on them or roll them back. Other men's prepuces are tighter and more sensitive, and a more cautious approach may be necessary. When being introduced to a man's foreskin, a woman may want to do some exploring - with the owner's permission, of course. She can ask a man how he likes his foreskin handled or she can begin touching it and asking if what she is doing feels good, or if there is something else she should try.

- Men can be particular about their condom fittings. Some intact men prefer to slip a condom on with the foreskin covering the glans; others prefer to roll back the foreskin and expose the glans before fitting the condom on. It’s generally recommended that a man be retracted. If a woman is helping apply the condom, she should ask a man for guidance so as not to go too fast or rough.

- Hygiene is important. For all men, good penis hygiene is crucial. For intact men, washing "under the hood" is essential - and can sometimes be a little difficult. This is especially true if the foreskin is tight; rolling it back to wash under the foreskin can be challenging. On the other hand, sometimes a guy can over wash-under the skin, which can cause the glans and surrounding area to dry up.

Using a first-rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help with these foreskin cleaning challenges - and a woman can guide her man to this option. A crème with a combination of a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) can help to keep the skin moisturized. All men are prone to penis odor problems; when cleaning under the foreskin is challenging, this can be pronounced. Fortunately, a crème with vitamin A, which has potent anti-bacterial properties, can help to kill the bacteria that contribute to persistent penis odor conditions. Women may want to recommend Man1 Man Oil to their intact partners to help maintain precious penile health.

Uncircumcised Penis Myths - Get the Facts Straight

A man with an uncircumcised penis in the U.S. gets a raw deal in many ways, at least when it comes to common conceptions about what he’s packing. There are many great things about having foreskin, but cultural myths have influenced opinions about penile hygiene and aesthetics that give the sheath a bad rap. But so long as a man practices routine penis care, his tool is likely not only healthy, but quite lovely to behold, foreskin and all. Getting to that realization requires dispelling the misconceptions that lead one to regard his natural skin as unsightly or unclean.

Myth #1: Smegma is dirty.
While it is true that smegma, the white substance that forms beneath the foreskin, can trap bacteria and lead to odors and infection, this situation is easily manageable. A man generally just needs to retract the sheath in the shower and gently wipe the stuff away with his wet fingers. Men who produce a lot of smegma may benefit from wiping it away a few times a day outside the shower as well.

Myth #2: Most guys are cut.
While this is true in the U.S. - about 75% of American men are snipped - worldwide the situation is the different. Only one-third of men around the world are circumcised.

Myth #3: Women hate foreskin.
Women’s preferences cannot be generalized in this way. It is true that some women espouse negative views of the prepuce, but this is likely due to the same misconceptions that lead men to frown upon the layer of skin. Some women actually enjoy it - the process of retracting the foreskin with the hand or lips can be a thrilling extra step, kind of like a strip tease for the head of the penis!

Myth #4: There are clear health benefits of circumcision.
Actually, major health organizations disagree on whether there are enough benefits of circumcision to recommend it. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) made a push to endorse the practice of circumcision; however, the American Academy of Pediatrics disagrees.

Myth #5: Foreskin is ugly.
Says who? It’s important here to understand that conceptions of beauty don’t form in a vacuum. Culture and the images we commonly see (think: porn) influence how we perceive things. This can certainly be a difficult influence to combat, but it is possible. It is not necessary to compare oneself to men in adult videos. Think of the foreskin for what it is: skin. What’s ugly about skin?

Myth #6: There are no benefits to foreskin.
Foreskin provides natural lubrication to the penis, which can be a boon when masturbating or having sex. Also, sliding it over the head during masturbation can provide extra pleasure. Some research suggests that foreskin may improve sensitivity of the head by protecting it from constant friction, but there are also research results to the contrary. Likewise, some researchers think smegma contains anti-bacterial properties, while others disagree.

Men with foreskin have nothing to be ashamed of. Since cultivating positive body image and self-confidence is important for both mental and sexual health, it benefits a man to dispel misconceptions about his body and appreciate what he has.

A man can show his penis appreciation by not only washing it regularly, but using a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) as part of his daily routine. Applying this product after showering can help combat issues with dry skin and/or unwanted odor that some men experience. Vitamin A is a great ingredient to seek out, as it has anti-bacterial properties that can help fight infections and odors. Shea butter and vitamin E are important as well, as they are gentle natural moisturizers. Thinking fondly of one’s endowment is nice, but actually treating it kindly as well is best.

Penile Cancer Prevention – Lifestyle Choices for Better Penis Health

Penile cancer is thankfully rare, but it can and does affect a small number of men every year. Therefore, it is important to understand the risk factors that can increase a man’s chances of developing this potentially deadly disease. The issues that are most commonly linked with penile cancer are described below, along with the appropriate penis care and lifestyle choices that can help men reduce the risk of developing cancerous tumors.

1) Human papilloma virus. Men who have been exposed to human papilloma virus (HPV), a contagious disease that can cause genital warts, are at greater risk for developing penile cancer later in life. To avoid exposure to the virus, vaccination against HPV is strongly urged by many health care professionals. Only men who receive the vaccine before the age of 26 are protected, and it is best to have boys vaccinated in their early teens, before they become sexually active. At the very least, all men should use barrier protection for every sexual encounter to limit their risk of exposure.

2) Smoking. Smoking tobacco products exposes the body to numerous cancer-causing chemicals. These can affect all parts of the body, not just the mouth and lungs; quitting smoking is critical in preventing many different health problems, including cancer of the penis.

3) Smegma. The cheesy substance that tends to accumulate underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis can cause irritation and inflammation if it is not regularly removed. This inflammation is known as balanitis, a condition which has been linked to a greater risk of penile cancer. Men who are uncircumcised should carefully clean the smegma from under the foreskin every day using warm water and a mild cleanser. The foreskin should never be forced back, however, so if there is any difficulty retracting it, this should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

4) Uncircumcision. Men who are not circumcised, particularly in developing countries, have a greater chance of developing cancerous tumors. However, while circumcision may reduce the risk in some men, maintaining adequate hygiene may be preferred; circumcision should not be taken lightly and is a matter to be considered carefully by a man and his doctor.

5) Phimosis. Men who have had issues with phimosis, where the foreskin is difficult to roll back over the head of the penis, may have a greater risk of penile cancer. Frequent occurrences of phimosis may warrant full or partial circumcision to prevent ongoing problems with penile health.

6) Psoriasis treatment. Individuals who suffer from psoriasis are sometimes treated with UV rays, as well as various medications. UV treatments, like exposure to the sun, can increase the risk for cancer. Men who have psoriasis on their penile skin may want to discuss alternative types of treatment with their doctor.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to cancer, and even men who are careful about their overall health may still be at risk. Therefore, regular inspection of the penile skin for any signs of changes that could indicate cancer is necessary. Men should closely examine their penis skin for any unusual spots, bumps or lesions. Successful treatment of cancer depends largely on early detection, so men should waste no time in having these evaluated by a doctor. As an added measure, many men choose to use a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) to provide nutrient support for the penile tissue. A formula that is enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C and E is a good choice, as these elements can help fight the free radicals that can cause the cellular damage that may lead to cancer.

Avoiding Foreskin Problems through Proper Care of the Uncircumcised Penis

The foreskin is a double layer of tissue made up of smooth muscle, mucus membranes, skin, nerves and blood vessels. It covers the penis in uncircumcised men and provides a layer of protection for the glans. Because it contains a large number of nerve cells, the foreskin can be very sensitive and provide a great deal of pleasure. On the other hand, when foreskin problems occur, they can be quite painful, and in some cases, they can cause lasting damage to the penis. By practicing appropriate penis care on a regular basis, men can avoid most of the issues described here.

1) Swelling after masturbation. Boys and men who are uncircumcised often report swelling after masturbation. This generally occurs due to an excessively tight grip and/or aggressive movements; the foreskin may remain swollen for several hours afterward and may or may not be sore to the touch. The swelling will typically recede on its own; applying a cool compress (not ice) to the area may help reduce the swelling and relieve any discomfort. Men can avoid this issue by using a personal lubricant during masturbation and easing up on the grip.

2) Smegma. This refers to the whitish, pasty substance that may accumulate underneath the foreskin. It is made up of sloughed-off dead skin cells, natural oils from the body, and other fluids. Smegma is not harmful in itself, but it does attract bacteria that can emit a very unpleasant odor; the presence of bacteria may increase the risk of inflammation in the area. Smegma should be removed during cleansing.

3) Balanitis. This inflammatory condition is characterized by a red, itchy rash, swelling of the foreskin, a whitish or yellow discharge, and discomfort or pain. Balanitis is typically caused by poor hygiene; men who do not clean well underneath the foreskin are more likely to have frequent problems with balanitis. Proper cleansing is important to maintaining overall penile health. Uncircumcised men should gently - never forcibly - roll back the foreskin to wash underneath, making sure to dry the glans carefully before replacing the sheath.

4) Phimosis. This condition is diagnosed in boys and men who are unable to retract the foreskin fully over the head of the penis. With a normal uncircumcised penis, the foreskin is fully attached to the glans at birth; the adhesions that hold it in place wear away during childhood, and most boys are able to retract the foreskin by their late teens. In men who have previously been able to roll back the foreskin, this problem is referred to as pathological phimosis; it is often caused by scarring due to frequent balanitis. Cortisone creams are often used for treating phimosis, but men should always talk to their doctor rather than attempting self-treatment.

5) Paraphimosis. When the foreskin is retracted (usually during an erection or sex) and becomes trapped behind the head, this is known as paraphimosis. It is generally caused by an injury resulting in swelling. If not treated, the swollen foreskin can cut off the blood flow to the head of the penis, which can cause tissue death. Paraphimosis should be treated as a medical emergency. Treatment involves reducing the swelling, either through application of ice packs or injection of medication. Circumcision may be necessary in some cases.

Men who develop foreskin issues like these should consult with a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Most of these problems can be avoided by keeping the entire penis clean, using a condom for every sexual encounter, and exercising care when handling the foreskin. Applying a penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) on a daily basis can also help maintain a healthy foreskin by providing nutrient support, as well as keeping the foreskin supple, elastic and well-moisturized.

The Uncircumcised Penis Debate - Are Woman For or Against?

When it comes to the male anatomy, there are two distinctive ways that the actual penis itself can appear: with or without a foreskin. Sure, a man can try all sorts of tricks to see what makes him look bigger, longer or more attractive, but by the time a man reaches adulthood he is probably pretty used to the equipment that does - or perhaps doesn’t - come with his package. However, even with only two choices out there, the decision on whether or not to circumcise baby boys is one fretted over by many parents. But is there really a strong preference for one over the other? Are women more attracted to an uncut penis than a cut penis, or vice versa? Learn more about the great foreskin debate, as well as how to keep the penis healthy in any form.

What do Women Think?
As with every matter of opinion, there is no single answer that applies to every woman in the world. The U.S. does continue to have a high circumcision rate, and of U.S.-born men, the majority are circumcised at birth. That being said, some of woman’s preferences are certainly culturally based, and they may have never had a face-to-face encounter with an uncircumcised penis. This doesn’t mean they would not like an uncut penis; it just means they have never had the pleasure of trying one out.

Are there advantages or disadvantages to being circumcised?
In the U.S., the reason most people give for having their babies circumcised is hygiene. A circumcised penis is easier to keep clean, does not produce the same buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria (i.e., smegma), and has a lower risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, men who have their foreskin intact tend to have a higher rate of urinary tract infections; whereas men who are cut rarely get UTI’s. Does that mean men who have a foreskin are unclean or dirty? No. It just means they will need to take more care during the shower routine and retract the foreskin to clean under it.

Perhaps the biggest debate regarding the foreskin is whether it increases or decreases sensitivity. The foreskin itself has very few nerve endings, but the glans is jam-packed and therefore extremely sensitive. Men with the foreskin intact make the argument that their penis is more sensitive because the foreskin protects the delicate head of the penis, whereas the uncut penis has no protection and therefore becomes desensitized from friction of clothing and so forth. The only way to know for a man to know for sure what he prefers is to go from being uncut to cut, but he sure will have a hard time reversing that if he prefers the former.

Should a man get circumcised to get more ladies?
There are legitimate reasons to have a circumcision done as an adult - for instance, chronic infection or an inability to retract the foreskin are both situations that put one’s health at risk -- but undergoing surgery as a means to get more women is probably not well-judged. Anytime a person undergoes elective surgery, they are taking on certain risks, so they need to be 100% sure they are doing it for the right reasons. If a man is suffering from severe self-esteem issue or has difficulty becoming intimate with a woman because he is embarrassed about his foreskin, he may want to discuss these fears with a therapist before going ahead with a circumcision - because there may be another cause of the sexual shame. The last thing a man wants is regret for a surgery that is pretty much irreversible!

Keeping the penis clean
Whether or not the penis is circumcised, men need to maintain excellent hygiene to protect their sexual health. Daily showering with soap and water is a necessity, and men with a foreskin need to retract it and wash underneath. Finally, after stepping out of the shower, apply a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) especially one formulated with vitamin A to help bust odor-causing bacteria - because foreskin or not, any partner would be turned off by a smelly penis.