Health, hygiene, and appearance differ slightly between circumcised and uncircumcised penises.
Circumcision makes cleaning easier and slightly lowers infection risk.
However, it can also make thepenisvery sensitive and easily irritated.
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Appearance mostly comes down to cultural or personal preference.
And, with proper washing, uncircumcised penises can be kept just as clean.
Circumcision means surgically removing the foreskin, while an uncircumcised penis keeps it.
Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way.
Hygiene
Hygiene is often one of the top considerations when deciding whether or not to circumcise.
It can be difficult to remove, especially if the foreskin is too tight to retract (phimosis).
If it does build up, over-the-counter treatments can help.
In children with phimosis, healthcare providers often recommend circumcision to lower the risk of infections.
Appearance
Some parents factor in appearance when deciding whether to circumcise their child.
This is a personal choice, often shaped by culture and beliefs.
Neither option makes the penis look objectively better or bigger.
Uncircumcised:An uncircumcisedpenishas a foreskin that covers the glans, keeping it protected when flaccid (soft).
The foreskin retracts when the penis is erect.
Circumcised:A circumcised penis has a permanently exposed glans.
In some cultures, this is considered more visually appealing, especially in places where circumcision is the norm.
Sensation
Sensation is an important factor to consider.
While some believe circumcision reduces sexual pleasure, most studies show minimal difference.
Uncircumcised:The foreskin contains nerve endings that may enhance sensation and sexual stimulation.
However, other research indicates that circumcised men experience similar levels of sexual pleasure.
Circumcision can also make the penis overly sensitive, especially in infants.
The exposed glans may become irritated from friction against adiaperor exposure to urine.
This can usually be relieved by applyingpetroleum jellyfor a few days until it heals.
Sexual Performance
Sexual performance is an area where many myths exist about circumcision.
Research has not been able to establish any major difference insexual pleasurebetween uncircumcised and circumcised people.
However, there is no strong evidence to support this claim.
However, overall research is inconsistent, and circumcision does not appear to significantly affect sexual pleasure.
Does Being Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised Affect Erection?
Studies show no major differences in erection quality between people who are circumcised vs. uncircumcised.
While some people report reduced sensitivity after circumcision, there is no evidence this reduces overall arousal or performance.
Uncircumcised:Having an uncircumcised penis does not affect fertility.
These infections can, but don’t always, affectsperm qualityand fertility.
Circumcised:Research shows that circumcision reduces the risk of infections that can affect fertility.
By lowering the risk of penile infections, it may indirectly supportreproductive health.
Penile Medical Conditions
Both circumcised and uncircumcised men can experience penile medical conditions.
However, research supports a slightly reduced risk of certain conditions in circumcised males.
Uncircumcised:There are a number of conditions that uncircumcised males are vulnerable to.
Medical conditions may arise after circumcision surgery, though.
This is especially true in Muslim and Jewish families, where circumcision is a common practice.
Financial barriers:Since circumcision is not consideredmedically necessary, many insurers do not cover the cost.
This can make the procedure expensive in some regions, deterring some people from choosing it for their infants.
Recovery time can take anywhere from two to three weeks.
Summary
Neither circumcision nor lack of circumcision is inherently “bad” or “good.”
Circumcision is generally safe but carries a small risk of infection and complications.
United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.Male circumcision: context, criteria and culture (part 1).
Medicover Hospitals.Smegma: Causes, signs, and treatment.
Morris BJ, Krieger JN.Penile inflammatory skin disorders and the preventive role of circumcision.Int J Prev Med.
2016;23(2):8204-8208.
Alberta Health Services (Canada).Adult circumcision: what to expect at home.
