Male Circumcision

[yourdesertrose]

So, in human sexuality last night, the issue of male circumcision came up. I was extremely surprised that about 1/3 of the class supported it, 1/3 were against it, and 1/3 were undecided

Comments

[lizard4]

I've heard things that are good, and I've heard things that are bad, so I'm pretty unsure on this one.

[posis_das]

I guess the only real reason I've heard for it is that it makes it easier to clean (and thus, lower the chance of infection)

I guess I mainly see it as mutilating the penis. I'm circumcised and I wish I wasn't.

[thaadd]

Too bad you do not have a 'hell no' catagory.

Having entered the modern age of hygiene, I do not think it is an issue. Having dated 4 boys with their full tackle, and a number of those with chopped, I can seriously say that the 'extra' bit of skin has a use. If they don't want to have it, let them choose later in life. I would fully support that it be considered a serious, talk having, opt in only choice for babies. Like strong religious convictions, or in some cases, for medical reasons. (Like, if your child is developmentally disabled, and not likely to be able to handle the washing.)

[inclementine]

I agree with everything Thaadd said so I don't have to say anything else, except for that I wouldn't mutilate the genitals of a female child, nor would I mutilate the genitals of any male child I had. And I agree that if they wanted to make the choice later in life, I would be all for it. Body modification of any kind is a choice that should be left up to the person who owns the body.

[arturis]

*gasp* bad Jew!

[inclementine]

You'd better believe it.

[hereticchick]

well, i like guys who aren't circumcised for my own personal, intimacy-related reasons. however, you're asking if i would have a male infant, presumably my son, circumcised. because i like to think i am the only one in the world who has a sex drive (well, me and the person i'm having an intimate relationship with), i would have to say "ew!" kidding. this issue requires more thought than i'm willing to or even can give it right now. so i'll say a resounding "maybe."

*finally! i have the perfect icon with which to respond to a post!

[draconline]

Personal preferences aside, I'd still say yes, because of recent studies that have shown that male circumcision can reduce the rate of HIV infections among heterosexual men by around 60%. In one study I heard about, the correlation (randomized assignment for circumcision of young men, following their exposure to HIV over time) was so striking that they stopped the study in order to just circumcize all the men to cut their probability of infection!

Dude. Do you *need* another reason?

[inclementine]

don't condoms reduce the risk of HIV infection by about 99% when used properly?

[draconline]

oh yeah, there's always that too. But hey, when/if I'm a parent, if HIV/AIDs is still a significant threat, I'd probably be a little paranoid and consider one more factor to decrease the chances of my kid getting it to be a good thing.

[inclementine]

it only decreases the chances if they don't use a condom.

I still don't see how that's of any benefit to people who have access to and should be using condoms.