Do I Need a Circumcision? Common Concerns and Expert Answers - Urology

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Is circumcision necessary in this case?


Hello Doctor, I have some questions about circumcision! I am 22 years old and have never been circumcised.
A few weeks ago, I went to a hot spring with my brother, and we suddenly talked about how circumcision can make the penis appear larger.
My brother was circumcised when he was younger, and his penis does look bigger.
I would like to ask you:
1.
Is it true that my brother's penis is larger even before erection, and will it definitely be larger after erection as well? (Based on your experience)
2.
If I decide to get circumcised now, will my penis still grow? Why do circumcised individuals appear to have larger penises?
3.
My girlfriend often experiences vaginal inflammation.
Sometimes, when I use my hands on her vagina, she gets inflamed, and other times, even when I briefly penetrate without a condom, she also gets inflamed.
I make sure to clean under my foreskin thoroughly every day.
Could her inflammation be related to me?
4.
Do I need to get circumcised? Would you recommend it? I can easily retract my foreskin all the way back without any issues, and I regularly clean under it.
Sometimes, when I masturbate with a little water, I notice a white substance that looks like skin.
What does this mean? Thank you for your answers, Doctor!

Xiao Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/06/07

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology


Xiao Wu: Hello.
1.
Does the size of the penis before erection determine that it will be larger after erection? (Based on your experience) This is not the case; penis size is related to individual physiology.
2.
If I undergo circumcision now, will my penis still grow? Why do circumcised individuals appear to have a larger penis? This phenomenon does not occur.
3.
My girlfriend frequently experiences vaginal inflammation.
Sometimes, when I use my hand on her vagina, she gets inflamed.
Other times, when I penetrate her briefly without a condom, she also gets inflamed.
I make sure to thoroughly clean under the foreskin every day.
Is her inflammation due to me? It is possible that I may be introducing bacteria from other parts of my body.
4.
Do I need to undergo circumcision? Would a doctor recommend it? I can easily retract my foreskin completely without any issues.
I also regularly clean under the foreskin.
Sometimes, when I masturbate with a little water, a white substance that resembles skin appears; what does this mean? Whether circumcision is necessary can only be determined through an actual examination.
The white substance is smegma, which appears daily and needs to be regularly cleaned.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director Xu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2009/06/07

More Info


When considering circumcision, it's essential to address several common concerns and questions, especially for someone who is 22 years old and has not undergone the procedure. Let's break down your questions one by one.

1. Does the penis appear larger before and after an erection if circumcised?
The perception that circumcision makes the penis appear larger is often subjective. Circumcision removes the foreskin, which can make the shaft of the penis more visible, potentially giving the impression of increased size. However, the actual size of the penis does not change due to circumcision. When erect, the penis will still expand based on its natural size, regardless of whether it is circumcised or not. The key takeaway is that circumcision does not inherently increase the size of the penis; it may only change its appearance.

2. If I undergo circumcision now, will my penis still grow?
The penis typically reaches its full size during puberty, which generally concludes in the late teens. By age 22, most men have reached their adult size, and circumcision will not affect this. The idea that circumcision leads to a larger penis is more about the visual effect of removing the foreskin rather than any actual growth. Therefore, if you were to undergo circumcision now, it would not result in any further growth of the penis.

3. Could my girlfriend's vaginal inflammation be related to me?
Vaginal inflammation can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, or irritants. If your girlfriend experiences recurrent inflammation, it may be due to a sensitivity to something, such as soaps, lubricants, or even your skin. While proper hygiene is crucial, if you are experiencing a buildup of smegma (the white substance you mentioned), it could indicate that there is not enough cleaning or that there is a sensitivity issue. It’s essential for both partners to maintain good hygiene, and if her symptoms persist, it would be wise for her to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any infections or other underlying issues.

4. Do I need circumcision?
The necessity for circumcision varies from person to person. If you can easily retract your foreskin and maintain proper hygiene, there may not be a medical need for circumcision. Circumcision is often recommended for medical reasons such as recurrent infections, phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin), or other complications. If you are not experiencing any issues and can clean your penis effectively, circumcision may not be necessary. However, if you have concerns about hygiene, recurrent infections, or any other issues, it would be beneficial to discuss these with a healthcare provider who can give you personalized advice based on your medical history and current health.

In summary, circumcision is a personal choice and can be influenced by medical, cultural, or personal preferences. If you are considering it, consult with a healthcare professional who can provide you with the necessary information and guidance tailored to your situation. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your health and lifestyle.

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