Male circumcision is necessary and mandatory in some cultures while ignored in some cultures. However, it can be beneficial for male reproductive health and hygiene. We listed 5 things you probably didn’t know about male circumcision.
- History of circumcision
It is a bizarre thing to do for some people and for others it is a painful and scary remedy of some disease. We are talking about circumcision. Yes! It has a long historical background.
It started way back in 2400 B.C. in Egypt, where people used this method as a symbol of the transaction of manhood to boyhood.
At a certain stage, every boy had to go through this process in that era to prove that they are now capable to make their own decisions and are also eligible to join the forces.
In some other tribes and empires, this process was done as a symbol of the admission to the army. They used a form of the surgical knife made of flint rocks and an ointment to relieve the pain or rather can be said to accept the pain.
The main purpose of the ointment was to provide an antiseptic defense. Circumcision back then was more to be used for the sake of cleanliness which was important for their transition to another phase of life.
- Representation of a particular class in the society
In some countries, all these medical procedures are done by some quacks that use ancient techniques and equipment to complete the procedure.
But in most other countries it is done in a proper medical institution with all the modern methods and devices. At present many people get the medical facility for childbirth and also they opt to choose circumcision for their child.
This gives a rise to their medical bill. In some countries, not everyone can afford the increased medical bills and only the upper-class society can easily handle the expense.
So, there is a clear classification of the status in those regions.
While the normal middle-class people think this procedure as an extra luxury that they cannot afford, the rich society depicts circumcision as a medical treatment for future safety, and gradually among those society members, circumcision was no longer just a medical procedure rather it became a social norm to show their ability and economic status.
Also, according to an article on the UNAIDS website, circumcision can have specific social or class-related importance in certain societies.
For instance, in certain African communities, circumcision is closely linked to the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
For instance, among the Maasai tribe in East Africa, circumcision is considered a significant rite of passage that assists individuals in finding their role within society. It is regarded as a symbolic representation of maturity, strength, and masculinity.
- It was thought to cure complex diseases
Many people along with physicians in ancient times believe that circumcision was a cure for some complex diseases.
Although there is no medical reasoning to prove this back then people had reason to believe that cutting the excessive foreskin of the genital area of both males and females was some kind of cure for diseases like paralysis, fever, or even brass poisoning.
This led to a situation where many males had to go through this painful procedure and many females had to lose their ovaries for the sake of hysteria.
There is a medical event back in the time when a young boy had a paralyzed leg and was unable to walk. But after successful circumcision, he was again able to walk which led the people to believe that the cure works although there was no proof.
But still, in some cases of urinating difficulties and genital skin crumbling, circumcision is an effective treatment that is also referred by the doctors and physicians around the world.
According to the National Library of Medicine, an increasing body of evidence suggests that male circumcision can reduce the risk of viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs), genital ulcer disease, and penile inflammatory disorders in men.
Additionally, it has shown potential benefits in reducing bacterial vaginosis, T vaginalis infection, and genital ulcer disease in their female partners. Circumcision is considered an effective treatment for phimosis and recurrent balanitis.
- Less pleasure during sex
Although there is no scientific proof behind this, many people believed that circumcision was behind less pleasure and sensation during sex.
The reason behind this feeling was that the penis is the key part of sex and you are cutting the foreskin of that part while the skin provides the most sensations of a feeling.
Also, there are a number of nerves in the skin that carry the sensation to the brain and the brain reacts to these sensations giving you the best feeling out of sex.
Some groups tried to conduct a study which was not concluded but their prediction was that circumcised people could enjoy less pleasure during sex than uncircumcised people.
Many believed that you might have some other difficulties in your sex performance due to circumcision such as premature ejaculation, difficulties in orgasm, erection problems, etc.
Although there is not enough scientific proof behind these thoughts. These arguments have just been floating around men for ages.
- Rise and fall in health risk
Circumcision is a medical procedure and also a very painful procedure. Although doctors use methods and anesthesia to cut the pain, still the pain persists after the effect of the medicine ends.
Pain or no pain, circumcision still is thought to have some beneficial effect as well as some risks. Some believe that it reduces the risk of some diseases and others believe the opposite. Both arguments have very minimal scientific proofs.
There are some beliefs that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV, Cancer, and some sexually transmitted diseases.
As you are clipping off the extra foreskin on the tip of your penis, you are reducing the attachment of any germs on or under the skin of that area. Hence the risk of sexually transmitted disease is reduced and a similar goes for HIV.
Well, are some contradictions that circumcision procedure may give rise to the possibility of autism and some other mental sickness. Although both parties have strong beliefs and arguments, there is no scientific proof to support these thoughts and beliefs.
According to WebMD, research suggests that circumcision can offer health benefits.
These advantages include a decreased risk of urinary tract infections, a lower likelihood of acquiring certain sexually transmitted diseases in men, protection against penile cancer, and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners.
Observational studies conducted in the United States have shown that male circumcision is associated with a lower risk of heterosexual HIV and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in men.
In conclusion, we discussed five things about a stigmatized topic: male circumcision. We hope that we have provided all the unique and interesting facts that we are sure can help you increase your knowledge regarding male circumcision.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Are 3 Risks Of Circumcision?
Introduction
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin of the penis. This ancient practice is still widely performed in some countries, but it has become a controversial topic in recent years. The procedure is performed on both medical and non-medical grounds, and while it may offer some slight benefits in terms of reducing the risk of certain infections, there are also potential risks associated with circumcision. In this paper, we will examine three of the most common risks of circumcision.
Risk #1: Infection
One of the most common risks of circumcision is the risk of infection. During the procedure, the area around the penis is exposed to the elements, and germs can enter the wound and cause infection. The risk of infection is further increased if the procedure is not performed properly or if the area is not properly cleaned and sterilized before and after the procedure. In some cases, the infection can be serious enough to require antibiotics or even hospitalization.
Risk #2: Bleeding
Another risk of circumcision is the risk of excessive bleeding. During the procedure, the foreskin is cut and removed from the penis, and this can cause significant bleeding. If the bleeding is not controlled, it can lead to blood loss and even shock. Additionally, if the wound is not properly cleaned and treated afterwards, it can lead to infection and further complications.
Risk #3: Pain
Lastly, another risk associated with circumcision is the risk of pain. The procedure is a surgical one, and it can be painful for the person undergoing it. In some cases, the pain can be unbearable and may require pain relief medications or even anesthetic. Additionally, the pain can be psychologically damaging to the person, as it can cause anxiety and fear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, circumcision is a surgical procedure that has been performed for centuries and is still practiced in some countries today. While it may offer some slight benefits in terms of reducing the risk of certain infections, there are also potential risks associated with the procedure. Some of the most common risks include infection, excessive bleeding, and pain. It is important to understand these risks and weigh them carefully against any potential benefits before deciding on whether or not to undergo the procedure.
