Ugh, he’s not circumcised!
Dear Dr Mitchell,
My fiancé is not circumcised and I personally think uncircumcised males are less clean. Is there any merit to my thinking? I’m especially concerned about my being exposed to anything if he doesn’t clean properly, or doesn’t take a bath every day. He’s very sexual, but I’m always worried about whether he is clean. I’m trying to convince him that in the future, our sons will be circumcised because it’s cleaner. What do you think?
Circumcision is not necessary for all men and uncircumcised men are not necessarily at any increased risk for infection than circumcised men if proper hygiene is adhered to.
Circumcision is a personal choice and the decision should be undertaken by your partner only. Removal of the foreskin does make washing the penis properly a lot easier for most boys and men, but this is definitely not a good reason for circumcision. In some instances where the foreskin is extremely tight and cannot be pulled back, then circumcision is definitely necessary since this can cause severe pain on sexual intercourse and make the man prone to having an infection around the head of the penis since the foreskin will crack or tear.
In some cases, it is also alleged that circumcision may in fact reduce sensitivity during sexual intercourse and so is definitely not recommended.
Your partner should pull back the foreskin and wash properly with soap and water each day at the time of a regular bath and the risk of any infection will be of no concern. Note that circumcised males still need to bathe regularly and wash properly.
The desire to circumcise your sons is a personal choice and ultimately this decision has to be taken by you and your spouse. Whether or not you choose to do so, they will live a fulfilled, normal life.
Best wishes.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax to 968-2025. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
