Hi all,
First off I wanted to thank everyone who runs/contributes to this site. This is my first post but I've been lurking for a while and have learned a ton.
On to my question...after reviewing a rather large number of studies and other information, I've decided I should get circumcised before I start having sex. I told my doctor about this, but he said he can't refer me to a urologist unless there's actually something wrong with my foreskin, and my insurance won't pay for the procedure unless it's deemed a 'medical necessity'. I'm a college student so I definitely can't pay for it myself. So am I just out of luck here? Should I talk to another doctor? I'm trying to be proactive about my health but it seems they won't let me.
I'm not surprised the insurance doesn't cover it, if only because it is such an uncommon request from an adult male...Why are you so adamant about getting yourself circumcised before having sex, if I may ask? You may not be able to get this procedure done without paying out of your own pocket, so it must be very important. Seeing as many men have been having sex for thousands of years without being cut, is it worth going into debt for?
Welcome aboard!
> after reviewing a rather large number of studies and other information, I've decided I should get circumcised before I start having sex.
What are the reasons or explanations that have convinced you that there is a need to do this? An inquisitive mind wants to know.
I know a man who was uncircumcised for the majority of his life. Complications due to diabetes made it necessary for him to undergo the operation a couple of years ago.
Do you have difficulties--
a) retracting the foreskin
b) cleaning between the foreskin and glans
If cleaning is not a problem and the foreskin easily and freely retracts, then what other reason do you have?
I would recommend removing the foreskin if sanitation is a problem.
Benefits for remaining intact are:
1) much greater sensitivity due to the added nerve endings in the foreskin, AND, much more sensitive nerves in the glans.
2) one more play thing
If/when you become "cut", you will find that the now exposed glans is super super sensitive and it will take many months for the exposed nerves to become desensitized from exposure and rubbing against clothing. If your foreskin remains forward when masturbating (or later when stroking within the vagina), as enjoyable as this is, please understand that it is much more so than what you will later experience with a desensitized penis.
If/when you loose the foreskin, you may find that the glans is much too sensitive to touch directly for quite a period of time. You'll have to wait for the exposed nerve endings to calm down.
If you have no medical or health issues; if you have no cleaning issues, then I do not believe I would opt for removing the foreskin.
If your foreskin has yet to become "unstuck" then I would work with it each day under warm water and gently, gradually, loosen it.
Questions?
Sorry if my post was poorly worded and gave the wrong impression...I wouldn't say that I'm adamant about it or think it "needs" to be done. The primary reason I want to do it is for the reduction in risk for various STDs - so to me it makes the most sense to do it before I start having sex! I was also really shocked to learn that men can be carriers of STDs without showing symptoms, but still transmit them to women. So it seems like the responsible thing to do - I was actually swayed on this point by a couple posters on this forum. Hygiene is a distant second - I have no problem pulling the skin back to clean, but sometimes over the course of the day it can get a little problematic down there, which is bad for my confidence.
I'm not particularly worried about the sensitivity argument - the studies I've seen have all said there's no difference during sex, which is when it really matters!
Hygiene is the key. During the shower just use a moist cloth to get the dirt and other stuff. After sex or masturbation, do the same thing. I too am uncircumcised, so take it from me.
To cut or not to cut; there are pro's and con's to each position. The male population as a whole, world-wide, remain in the natural state, so there is this position. I won't debate whether you or any one else contemplating the procedure is right, wrong, justified, or into pain. There are studies that state certain STDs are more common to men with foreskins, and other diseases that are more prevalent in men without foreskins.** So, which is the best solution? Ultimately, the decision is yours.
> I'm not particularly worried about the sensitivity argument - the studies I've seen have all said there's no difference during sex, which is when it really matters!
Having grown up circumcised, I cannot give a direct comparison; however, for those men who were circumcised as adults and with dual experiences, the information I get is that there is a difference because there are sensitive nerve endings in the glans and also the foreskin. The foreskin nerves contribute to a person's overall pleasure. The protected nerves in the glans remain much more sensitive than the same nerves having had a lifetime of exposure to the elements. So, as good as sex is for us, the pleasure should be much more intense for you when the time comes and you elect to remain intact. Why? Because you also have the added contribution of pleasure from the nerves in the foreskin. After having been circumcised, the nerves in the glans will dull and the nerves in the foreskin will be gone. I do not believe that sex is the same whether
> the studies I've seen have all said there's no difference during sex, which is when it really matters!
Just to play the Devil's advocate: Doesn't masturbation matter much? It seems to me the average guy will stimulate himself much more often than he will receive from a vagina.
> The primary reason I want to do it is for the reduction in risk for various STDs
** See above. Perhaps Brandye will chime in and offer some specifics beyond my generalized retort. Here is an article you may or may not have seen. Here is another article that addresses the health issue.
What you did not include in your rationale is how important condoms play in your quest for safety. Do you plan to use them regardless?
You have valid concerns and/or annoyances with hygiene then these are reasons for removing the foreskin.
If you have to fiddle with the foreskin prior to urinating, then this is a good reason for proceeding.
Question: when you stimulate yourself do you rub the glans through the foreskin, or, are you able to finger the glans directly? Some men can and do, others find the glans much too sensitive to touch directly, so I'm just curious.
> > I've decided I should get circumcised before I start having sex.
Considering that most of the world's male population are not circumcised, I do not believe this is a valid reason to wait considering the fact that you can and should practice safe sex.