PRINTCircumcised vs. uncircumcised
People ask themselves an age-old question, penis cap or no?
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION By BAILEY JONES
An illustration that represents the age-old procedure.
May 6, 2010 | 12:00 a.m. CST
* Christopher Kelley is 24, not age 23.
To snip or not to snip? For most men, the circumcision decision is made by parents. It might be for religious reasons or to follow what’s common. Here, Vox helps determine which choice makes the cut.
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Circumcised
Pro
Some faiths, such as Judaism, believe trunk trimming brings you closer to God. Debbie Kaplan, director of education at Congregation Beth Shalom, says circumcision represents a covenant made between God and Jewish men. Mazel Tov.
Con
The National Organization of Circumcision Information Resources Center says circumcision removes five extra sensitive areas of the penis, so foresaking foreskin means less sensitivity. Do you want to lose that loving feeling?
Uncircumcised
Pro
Christopher Kelley, an uncircumcised 24-year-old, says that, contrary to myth, having a foreskin doesn’t change a thing when it comes to performance: “I’ve never had any trouble operating,” he says. And there’s added sensitivity for better sex.
Con
A 2009 New England Journal of Medicine study says circumcision reduces the risk of contracting HIV, HPV and genital herpes. Keep your uncircumcised penis clean, but know there’s a fine line between cleansing and playing.
VOX PICK
Circumcised
Don’t put your member in danger — a higher risk for HIV and herpes is never a good idea.
Female circumcision seems to be linked with lower rates of HIV. Is that a Vox pick too?
How about just not having unsafe sex with partners who have HIV or herpes rather than cutting parts of genita1s off?
Posted by Mark Lyndon on May 6, 2010 at 9:42 p.m. (Report Comment)