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Circumcision pros and cons - more details
That was a very brief summary of the issues. There are a few points I would like to provide additional details for parents to be aware of.
First, the jury is out with respect to the effects of the foreskin in HIV rates. But, babies do not have sex. It is premature to circumcise an infant for an adult disease that is readily prevented through practicing safe sex. Also, by the time the infant is old enough to have sex, there may be a cure or vaccine for HIV.
Second, hygiene is straightforward for intact boys and men. Baby boys require no more care of their intact penis than their fingers. Wipe it off. Retraction is not required and will harm the boy if done prematurely. It takes a moment to retract the foreskin in the shower and rinse it off.
As for sensitivity, I was circumcised at birth. I restored my foreskin by manual tugging after I reached my 50s. I have much more sensitivity and enjoyment with my restored foreskin than I ever remember having when circumcised. Sure, it's anecdotal, but that does not mean it does not happen.
Also, the Internet is a great educational tool and many young men are learning what happened to them when they were circumcised. Unlike many men who were circumcised years ago and who are in denial about the ill-affects of circumcision, the youth of today are much better informed and are more willing to question why. Many young men are questioning why they were circumcised when there was so little, if any, true benefit to the surgery. They are questioning why their parents consented to the surgery when there was all sorts of information available about how circumcision is primarily a cosmetic surgery performed for the benefit of the parents.
Chances are, when today's infants grow up they will want their foreskin. Parents should be aware that there are many young men who are very angry at their parents for having them circumcised as an infant.
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