A circumcision can be carried out for various reasons. Sometimes religion or personal preference plays a role, but there can also be clear medical and hygienic benefits. For instance, a circumcision can permanently resolve certain problems with the foreskin and makes keeping the penis clean easier. In addition, research shows that circumcised men have a lower risk of certain infections. But what exactly are the main benefits of a circumcision?
What is the main benefit of circumcision?
There is no single benefit that is equally important for everyone. For men and boys who experience complaints caused by the foreskin, a circumcision can above all be a medical solution. Think of a narrowed foreskin, recurring inflammation or pain.
When there are no medical complaints, the benefits lie mainly in easier hygiene and a lower risk of certain infections.
Hygienic benefits of a circumcision
Easier to keep clean
An important benefit of circumcision is that daily care becomes easier. Without a foreskin, the glans is directly accessible and the skin does not first have to be pulled back to clean the area underneath.
An uncircumcised penis can of course also be kept clean well. A circumcision mainly makes this easier because there is no longer any space under the foreskin that needs cleaning.
Less build-up of smegma
Smegma can form under the foreskin. It consists mainly of shed skin cells, sebum and moisture. If it is not removed sufficiently, it can build up and cause odour or irritation.
After a full circumcision, smegma can no longer collect under the foreskin in the same way. This makes it easier to keep the area clean and dry.
Less chance of problems with the foreskin
No more foreskin narrowing
With phimosis, the foreskin is so tight that it cannot be pulled back over the glans, or only with difficulty. This can cause, for example, pain, problems with urinating or complaints during an erection.
When other treatments do not help enough, a circumcision can offer a permanent solution. Because the foreskin is removed, narrowing of this foreskin cannot develop again afterwards. Phimosis that causes complaints is therefore a recognised medical reason to consider a circumcision.
Fewer recurring inflammations
Some men and boys regularly have to deal with balanitis or balanoposthitis: inflammation of the glans and/or foreskin. When this inflammation is severe or keeps coming back despite treatment, a circumcision can be considered.
By removing the foreskin, the part of the penis that keeps becoming inflamed is taken away, and at the same time the area becomes easier to keep clean. Recurring balanitis is therefore also a medical indication for circumcision.
Circumcision and the risk of infections
Lower risk of urinary tract infections
Research shows that circumcised boys and men have, on average, a lower risk of urinary tract infections. The benefit is not equally large for everyone. It can be medically relevant especially in children who have an increased risk of recurring urinary tract infections because of an abnormality of the urinary tract.
Lower risk of certain STIs
Circumcision is also associated with a lower risk of some sexually transmitted infections. Good studies in heterosexual men show, among other things, a reduced risk of certain HPV infections and genital herpes. A lower risk of heterosexually acquired HIV has also been demonstrated in areas where HIV is common.
However, a circumcision does not offer complete protection against STIs and does not replace other preventive measures.
Are there long-term benefits?
An important benefit is that problems caused specifically by the foreskin cannot develop again after a full circumcision. For someone who regularly suffers from a painful narrowing or recurring inflammation, this can mean a lasting improvement.
In addition, some health risks are lower in circumcised men. How relevant these benefits are, however, varies greatly from person to person. A circumcision also remains a medical procedure with possible risks and must therefore always be weighed up carefully.
Conclusion: what are the benefits of circumcision?
The main benefits of a circumcision lie in the medical and hygienic areas. The penis is easier to keep clean, problems such as phimosis can be permanently resolved and recurring inflammation can be prevented. In addition, circumcision is linked to a lower risk of certain infections.
Especially when the foreskin is actually causing complaints, a circumcision can therefore be not only a practical but also a lasting medical solution.
