The Benefits of Adult Circumcision

There are a variety of reasons for men to consider adult circumcision if they were not circumcised in infancy. Almost eighty percent of American men have been circumcised and in later life, men choose to undergo adult circumcision for a variety of cultural, religious, and health reasons. Some men may choose circumcision as a matter of personal preference.

Circumcision And Hygiene

The primary benefit of circumcision is hygiene. Circumcision reduces the risk of transmission of many sexually transmitted infections, according to the CDC. These include:

• Chlamydia
• Human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Syphilis
• Genital ulcers
• Herpes

Studies also show that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission in heterosexual men. The reduced risk of STD transmission is a good reason to undergo circumcision, but the CDC also cautions men that circumcision is not a substitute for safe sex measures.

Some men may decide to have an adult circumcision procedure because they experience pain during intercourse, and others are circumcised to reduce recurrent urinary tract infections. The foreskin provides a moist, warm environment for bacteria to grow. Circumcision allows men to keep the penile area clean with greater ease, which also reduces infection risk.

Circumcision And Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is also less likely to occur in men who have been circumcised. Since HPV transmission is reduced, circumcision also can reduce the risk of cervical cancer in female partners. There are several other conditions that are much less likely to occur in men who undergo circumcision. These conditions include:

• Balanitis refers to tenderness and inflammation of the glands
• Balanoposthitis refers to irritation of the glands and the foreskin.
• Phimosis, or the inability to pull the foreskin back in retraction
• Paraphimosis, or the inability to return the foreskin back to the normal position, covering the head of the glans penis.
• Urinary tract infections.

A recent study also suggests that there may be a slightly decreased risk of prostate cancer among circumcised men.

Since many men are circumcised in infancy, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a statement in support of circumcision, which states that the preventative health benefits of circumcision far outweigh the risks. Although the AAP outlined the potential benefits of circumcision in their statement, they add that it is a cultural, religious, and social decision that should be undertaken on an individual basis.

If you are considering adult circumcision, call us today to schedule your consultation. Our surgeon will clarify the benefits and risk of this popular procedure.