Circumcision
Circumcision is a small operation to entirely or partly remove the foreskinForeskinPiece of skin on the glans (end) of the penis. The foreskin protects…Read more from the penisPenisMale sexual organ. The penis is used for sex (ejaculation) or to urinate.Read more.
After circumcision, the skin of the glansGlansRound tip of the penis. The glans is the most sensitive part of…Read more becomes a bit thicker. Sometimes the glans becomes a bit darker in colour.
Man standing. The focus is on the visible sexual organs.
Man holding his foreskin between his fingers.
Penis with foreskin: not circumcised
Penis without foreskin: circumcised
Reasons for circumcision
Circumcision can be done for several reasons:
- The foreskin is too tight and cannot be pulled back. Urinating, erectionErectionA hard penis. A man gets an erection when he is sexually aroused…Read more or having sexual intercourse are often painful;
- for religious reasons;
- for hygiene;
- in some African countries circumcision is used as protection against HIV. In Europe, circumcision is not recommended as protection against HIVHIVA virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that affects the natural immune system. When someone…Read more.
Some women are also cut. Because this is harmful to women, it is called female genital mutilation.
RiskRiskPossibility that something unpleasant may happen, for example a disease.Read more
Male circumcisionMale circumcisionCircumcision of a man or boy means cutting away the foreskin from the…Read more carries a risk of medical problems. Bleeding, infections and urethral stricture occur regularly. Medical organisations understand that parents from certain cultures and religions circumcise their sons. However, they advise against it because of possible healthHealthFeeling physically, mentally and socially well in your environment. Health is more than…Read more consequences.