Table of Contents
Although it is in generally regarded as a common condition, not too many people have heard about phimosis. What exactly is this condition?
Urinary tract infections: One of the most beneficial things about circumcision is the fact that it has been promoted as a means of reducing the risk of urinary tract infections, which are more common in uncircumcised males younger than 6 months. Several types of research have proven that the risk in circumcised kids is approximately 1 in 1000, while the risk in uncircumcised kids is about 1 in 100.[10]
Sexually transmitted diseases: Another very serious vote in favor of circumcision is a prevention of STDs, particularly HPV infection. A large number of case-control studies concerning the relationship between the foreskin and HIV infection have confirmed the presence, but not a definite link. Oddly enough, USA has one of the highest rates of STDs, HIV infection, but male circumcision as well.
Penile cancer: Timing of circumcision could also be extremely important. Although it may sound impossible, infant circumcision seems to decrease the risk of penile cancer, while the same procedure done later does not. Fortunately, penile cancer is a rare disease in the United States, with an incidence of 1.5 per 100,000 people. Direct proof of the connection is the fact that the lowest incidence has been reported in Muslims and Jews, and both of these groups have high rates of neonatal circumcision.
Diabetes mellitus: Experts claim that phimosis may be a presenting symptom of early diabetes mellitus. Where is the connection between these two conditions? Well, when the residual urine of a patient with diabetes mellitus becomes trapped under the foreskin, the combination of a moist environment and glucose in the urine may lead to a proliferation of bacteria, which can then cause phimosis complications.[11]
Circumcision and sex: Experts today know that the presence of the foreskin actually enhances the sexual experience for men because it constantly moves over the head of the penis causing more friction and pleasure. Therefore, it is logical to assume that men will also lose much sensitivity to the glans if circumcised. Not only that, it has also been proven that circumcised men have to deal with discomfort and a dry glans. The foreskin has many needed functions: protective, erogenous, sensory, and physiologic.