The idea probably seems cruel and strange to most men at first: The removal of the foreskin of the penis as part of a medical or ritual procedure. Some medical conditions, such as foreskin constriction, make circumcision absolutely necessary. For us continental Europeans, however, the removal of the foreskin is primarily associated with religion. In the Anglo-Saxon world, however, especially in the USA, circumcision has become a common procedure. But does circumcision really offer significant advantages? We provide a brief overview of the cultural and religious background and the most common pro and contra arguments. And, of course, we also examine the myth of whether a circumcised man can actually "last longer".
The oldest known depiction of a circumcision today comes from a tomb relief in Egypt and is over 4000 years old. There are various theories about the ritual motives for circumcision at that time. The Old Testament explicitly describes how Abraham circumcised himself and his sons to seal the covenant with God. To this day, Jewish parents have the foreskin of their male infant removed by a mohel, a specially trained professional (who does not have to be a doctor). The Koran does not explicitly require circumcision. However, as the Prophet Mohammed was born without foreskin according to ancient legend, it is still performed on boys up to the age of 13 in most Islamic societies and is accompanied by a big celebration. In Germany and most European countries, however, circumcision remains a rarity. Here, less than 20 per cent of men are circumcised.
In contrast, the circumcision of women and girls, which is still common in African cultures, is ostracised worldwide.
According to a 2010 study, 77 per cent of all male infants in the USA are circumcised. Circumcision is also widespread in many English-speaking African nations and in Australia. In the USA, there has been a persistent public debate between opponents and supporters of circumcision for years. Due to the high proportion of circumcised men in the population, the topic also takes on a different significance in pop culture. For German audiences, it may therefore seem irritating when discussions about the pros and cons of circumcised or non-circumcised sexual partners are discussed in American films or series.
In 2012, the German Bundestag passed a law that allows the circumcision of infants in principle, even by people who are not doctors (but are specially trained). However, opponents warn of health risks and classify the circumcision of infants and young boys as bodily harm or interference with the right to physical integrity. It is often argued that circumcision is a good preventative measure against various diseases. For example, the infestation of viruses and germs that would otherwise find favourable living conditions under the foreskin is made more difficult. This prevents urinary tract infections, for example, and makes the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, more difficult. In Africa, public calls for circumcision are often part of AIDS campaigns.
But what about sexual desire? We know of several surveys from the USA in which at least some of the women stated that they found the sight of a circumcised penis more attractive. A study from Turkey found that 42 newly circumcised test subjects experienced a longer period of sexual intercourse before ejaculation. So it's probably true - circumcised men can have sex for longer at a stretch. This is also supported by the fact that the foreskin is a particularly sexually sensitive part of the body that is removed. The frenulum, the most sexually sensitive part of the male body with the most erogenous nerve endings, is also lost. It is therefore reasonable to assume that circumcision in men tends to be associated with a reduction in sexual sensitivity. And there is indeed empirical evidence for this: In some studies, test subjects stated that they experienced orgasms and pleasure less intensely.
Incidentally, according to a clinical study, the sexual sensitivity of 41.7 per cent of the test subjects intensified after wearing PHALLOSAN forte for six months. As many as 20 per cent stated that they ejaculated later during sex. Whether you have a circumcised or uncircumcised penis: We have developed PHALLSON forte for maximum comfort. When used correctly, the risk of injury is very low for all men - even those with a circumcised penis.
