Are you familiar with the term, Circumcision? In case you already know it, are you aware that there are several myths around the procedure which may not be true.

Sometimes myths are close to reality but false information could be dangerous.

This is why Karepedia is here to bust the common myths related to Circumcision. And provide you with the correct facts to make sure you make an informed choice.

What is Circumcision?

Before deep diving into the myths and stating the facts, let us take you through what Circumcision actually is.

It is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin of your penis is removed.

Why is it performed?

• It is an option for preventive healthcare.
• It is also an option to treat cases of phimosis.
• It can prevent UTIs and also lowers the risk of certain STDs.

Busting The Myths

But there are a lot of facts and myths around circumcision. And not everything on the internet is true.

Also, you must be aware of certain true facts before going for it.

So let’s start with the myth busting first. Here they are: BOX

Myth 1: During circumcision the penis is mutilated.

Reality: During circumcision only the foreskin of your penis is surgically taken out. They do not mutilate your penis or any other genital parts. They just take out the foreskin and leave the whole penis unharmed.

Myth 2: Circumcision can reduce sexual urges and pleasure.

Reality: Not at all and you don’t have to worry about it. There is no relation between removing the foreskin of penis and sexual urges.

Myth 3: During circumcision the penis is amputated.

Reality: This is incorrect. Only a part of your foreskin is removed during the whole surgical process which is about 20-40% of the total foreskin.

Myth 4: Circumcision is a bad thing.

No, it is not. Besides being a religious practice among men, Circumcision also has a number of benefits, out of which maintaining your genital hygiene is one.

But it is not compulsory to go through circumcision. There are a lot of ways through which you can maintain genital hygiene.

Female Circumcision Is Not Good

Circumcision is a personal choice for men. But even the females have circumcisions. Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), is the ritual of cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia.

• The practice is found in some countries of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and within their respective diasporas.

• FGM is carried out by a traditional circumciser using a blade, from days after birth to puberty and beyond.

• This might shock you, but the procedure is often performed without anaesthesia, and can lead to severe bleeding, infections, and other complications.

• FGM is a violation of human rights and has no health benefits.

Factual Benefits of Circumcision

• Reduced risk of urinary tract infections: After the Circumcision there has been a certain decline in the risk of urinary tract infections in males. It is considered only to reduce the risk not eliminate the risk.

• Reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Circumcision has been associated with a minimal risk of some STIs (including HIV in this category). It will just minimise the risk of transfer not stop the transfer.

• Reduced risk of penile cancer and reduced risk of cervical cancer in female partners: Circumcision has been associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer in female partners of circumcised men. So it can be beneficial for both of them.

Hope we’ve been able to bust some of the common misconceptions about Circumcision. And shed some light on the facts around it. You are now more empowered to make an informed choice about whether to go for it or not.