Despite so many potential benefits, misinformation about adult circumcision continues to spread. So, let’s look at common myths and learn what’s true and what’s completely incorrect.
Myth 1: You’ll lose sensation in your penis
A popular misconception is that circumcision decreases the sensation in your penis and makes sex less enjoyable.
However, this isn’t the case. One study reported that 64% of circumcised men found that their penis was more sensitive.
Myth 2: Circumcision is only carried out for religious or cultural reasons
Although some religions and cultural practices involve circumcision, there are multiple other reasons why you may want adult circumcision. Cosmetic preferences are just one, but it could also be for medical reasons.
Some of the medical grounds for circumcision include treating:
Recurrent balanitis – an infection under your foreskin
Phimosis – a condition where your foreskin becomes too tight, often leading to pain, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and painful erections
Balanoposthitis – inflammation of the head of your penis and foreskin
Cancerous or precancerous growths
Myth 3: Circumcision causes erectile dysfunction and harms your sexual function
Another myth is that circumcision leads to erectile dysfunction (ED). Many men face ED, but it doesn’t matter whether they have been circumcised or not.
One study found that circumcision does not affect sexual function. Another study discovered that 62.7% of the men who struggled with premature ejaculation saw an improvement within 18 months of the procedure.
These studies show that the myth of circumcision harming sexual function is not based on science and is, therefore, untrue.
Myth 4: Circumcision is risky in adult men
While circumcision is a surgical procedure, it carries minimal risks and recovery is straightforward. Your surgeon will give you all the aftercare advice and information you need to support your recovery. They’ll tell you when you can have sex, return to work and drive.
Circumcision has the following possible risks:
However, all surgical procedures carry risks. These risks and complications are infrequent in adult circumcision.
Myth 5: Adult circumcision is more painful
The common misconception that circumcision as an adult is more painful than it would have been in infancy is a complete myth.
Surgeons carry out circumcision with a general or local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Afterwards, you’ll have pain relief medication to support your recovery and minimise pain.
It can take at least 10 days for your penis to heal, and you’ll likely experience some discomfort, pain or swelling for the first few days. However, pain relief medication can help and the pain should subside within a few days.
