My Circumcision Story

WindSock · 06-03-2007 12:38pm

This is interesting, I'm just wondering If I have a Boy, should I get him circumcised when he is a baby? By the sounds of things, foreskins seem to be a lot of hassle. On the other hand I don't want him to grow up thinking we mutilated his bits without his input...

tbh · 06-03-2007 1:02pm

my 2c would be to not do it unless you had to. He might never have a problem with it, and if he does, it's easy enough to sort out later. as I said, tho, just my 2c.

LegacyUser · 07-03-2007 1:47am

'

boreds wrote:

This is interesting, I'm just wondering If I have a Boy, should I get him circumcised when he is a baby? By the sounds of things, foreskins seem to be a lot of hassle. On the other hand I don't want him to grow up thinking we mutilated his bits without his input...

Don't. This is a thread about people with a specific medical problem, these aren't normal issues affecting the average guy. It doesn't affect most men and foreskins on guys without this condition are absolutely zero hassle. It'll make it unnecessarily harder for him to masturbate and since most guys aren't circumcised in Ireland, if he's found out to be circumcised when he's a teenager(communal showers) he could potentially face a lot of slagging over it.

Having a guy circumcised at birth is about as useful as removing their appendix at birth. A guy should only be circumcised if a condition develops.

Don't get me wrong, a small percentage of guys(5-10%?) may need circumcisions, and I'm sure not having a foreskin doesn't affect their lives very much, however, there's a feeling of over-enthusiasm in some posts in this thread for circumcisions(some attributed to happiness that they're getting their medical condition sorted out, others for more questionable reasons....). It should be then very last option for treating a tight foreskin IMO. It seems to me from this thread that doctors refer patients to get circumcisions done a little too readily.'

patto_chan · 07-03-2007 6:14pm

I would agree with tbh and curious.
Although it's common practice in some religions/cultures, a baby cannot give informed consent.
I would leave well enough alone unless it became necessary for medical reasons.

metrovelvet · 07-03-2007 6:44pm

boreds wrote:

This is interesting, I'm just wondering If I have a Boy, should I get him circumcised when he is a baby? By the sounds of things, foreskins seem to be a lot of hassle. On the other hand I don't want him to grow up thinking we mutilated his bits without his input...

Its standard practise in the US for baby boys to be circumsised as it is for muslims and jews, and a European practise not to. Also apparantly is can help prevent HIV being contracted.

However, rumour has it that uncircumsised ones have more sensitivity but are harder to clean.

LegacyUser · 07-03-2007 10:13pm

curious..... wrote:

' It'll make it unnecessarily harder for him to masturbate and since most guys aren't circumcised in Ireland, if he's found out to be circumcised when he's a teenager(communal showers) he could potentially face a lot of slagging over it.

'

This is ridiculous, I was circumcised as a child and I'm well happy with it. The thought of having a piece of skin hanging from your penis makes me sick. I never got a slagging over it. What's there to slag about? My penis just looks tidier. Doesn't have what looks like a leech hanging from it.

Wibbs · 08-03-2007 12:04am

boreds wrote:

This is interesting, I'm just wondering If I have a Boy, should I get him circumcised when he is a baby? By the sounds of things, foreskins seem to be a lot of hassle. On the other hand I don't want him to grow up thinking we mutilated his bits without his input...

Have to agree with curious and tbh on this one. If only 10% of foreskins cause trouble why remove a fully functioning part of your sexual anatomy for absolutely no reason. Even with that 10%, surgery for at least some is not always needed. If it is needed he can make that decision for himself at a later date. You could argue that because a very serious disease, breast cancer affects women, removing the breast tissue of girls would save a lot of lives. But we don't for good reason.*

metrovelvet wrote:

Its standard practise in the US for baby boys to be circumsised as it is for muslims and jews, and a European practise not to.

While I can understand the religious angle, the blanket circumcision practised in the states is a bit over the top. Most of the early(victorian) medical literature on the subject in the US advocated the practice as a method to stop "excessive" masturbation. As if there is such a thing.

It also seems to be a fashion thing too. Not a good reason to remove healthy tissue from an infant I would have thought.

Also apparantly is can help prevent HIV being contracted.

Depends on the studies you look at. Most of the studies involved African males. If you read them, you find that the circumcised males belonged to devout Christian and Muslim groups. Not people well known for sleeping around. That alone skews the figures. While I can see that a keratinised glans is more likely to resist the HIV virus, it's hardly a good reason to blanket circumcise infants.

However, rumour has it that uncircumsised ones have more sensitivity but are harder to clean.

Cleaning in the adult functioning penis is not exactly difficult. It's down to education really. Put it another way, womens genitals are far more prone to infection, but doctors aren't removing parts of their anatomy to stop that.

circumsexy wrote:

This is ridiculous, I was circumcised as a child and I'm well happy with it.

You don't know any different though, do you? Speaking as someone that has a healthy one, I can assure you no amount of money would persuade me to lop it off. It's sensitive on it's own you know.

The thought of having a piece of skin hanging from your penis makes me sick.

I now think much the same of a particular ex of mine.

I never got a slagging over it.

That's good.

My penis just looks tidier.

Tidier? Huh. Compared to what? It's not a suit you know.

Doesn't have what looks like a leech hanging from it.

May I respectfully suggest that if anyone out there has what looks like a leech attached to the old fellow, he should seek medical help, along the lines of what has been outlined in this thread.

* there are exceptions with women who may have a particular gene that makes it almost certain they will come down with the disease. In that case radical mastectomy is advised

Carrigart Exile · 08-03-2007 5:47am

boreds wrote:

This is interesting, I'm just wondering If I have a Boy, should I get him circumcised when he is a baby? By the sounds of things, foreskins seem to be a lot of hassle. On the other hand I don't want him to grow up thinking we mutilated his bits without his input...

Its mutilation, nothing but.

LegacyUser · 17-07-2007 7:42am

'Got this done yesterday. Was in for 8am, back at home in bed by 2.00.

No pain at all so far, a bit sensitive against clothes, and didnt sleep too well last night, but so far no problems. Although my testicles are badly bruised doesn't hurt, just looks sore.

Have to go sort something out in the bank today, might throw a loose fitted bandage on it for a half an hour, and go in. I should be ok.'

LegacyUser · 18-07-2007 10:20am

'Hey all.

I've been following these threads about circumcision/tight foreskin etc. for a while now, as I'm suffering from the same myself. (I find my foreskin quite tight although when I'm in the shower it's easy to clean behind it. It's uncomfortable to draw it back 90% of the time. A circumcision is the last thing I want though) I finally plucked up the courage this morning to go see my doctor (after years of putting it off) Nervous as fúck so I was!

I explained my situation to him. He had a look. All he said to me was: "You're grand!"

I explained to him that I CAN pull the foreskin back the whole way but it's the discomfort that is my main concern.

I asked him questions about circumcisions, steroid cream, stretching exercises, etc. He fobbed them all off, saying such things as "Just keep an eye on it, you'll be fine"

I left the place raging.

Sorry about the rant. I spent years worrying about this. And as soon as I decide to do something about it, I get this guy telling me to "Keep an eye on it"

What now? Second opinion? DIY Circumcision?

'

tbh · 18-07-2007 2:05pm

strike while the iron is hot unrage, make another appointment asap. Even if the second doc tells you the same thing, it'll put your mind at rest.

riiight! · 02-08-2007 12:43pm

I (21) suffer from the same problem as the rest of you guys. When erect, the foreskin does not retract over the head. Instead when I'm jerking off i can only see the very top of the glans/head. I have tried stretching it gently when erect but it never looks like it will roll over. It is not sore or anything when I get an erection or masturbate but my technique is different from the normal way: I stroke it gently as opposed to pumping.

Will this cause me problems when having sex? as I have been put off from trying it on with girls for this reason.

milod · 02-08-2007 2:37pm

riiight! wrote:

Will this cause me problems when having sex? as I have been put off from trying it on with girls for this reason.

Didn't cause me major problems for years but I was using a condom - it only becomes an issue when you're having sex without a condom - and even then, you can simply use a bit of lube. Over the years I managed to strech it to the point that it just about retracted, but I finally had the circ done at the age of 40 when it started to tighten up even more than usual...

riiight! · 02-08-2007 4:45pm

milod wrote:

Didn't cause me major problems for years but I was using a condom - it only becomes an issue when you're having sex without a condom - and even then, you can simply use a bit of lube. Over the years I managed to strech it to the point that it just about retracted, but I finally had the circ done at the age of 40 when it started to tighten up even more than usual...

So what your saying is that if I I use a condom, when I suffer from a tight foreskin (about a centimetre and a half of the head is visible when erect) I don't need to worry about any injuries (the foreskin tearing/ripping) happening when having sex?

thanks for responding

finbarrk · 02-08-2007 4:45pm

It wont be a problem when having sex without a condom because the womans juices will make it easy.

riiight! · 02-08-2007 4:53pm

finbarrk wrote:

It wont be a problem when having sex without a condom because the womans juices will make it easy.

So what about the stories I have heard where having sex with a tight foreskin has caused injuries to people? like someone said earlier in the forum that they ripped they're frenulum/ banjo string

finbarrk · 02-08-2007 5:02pm

Sex is natural, believe me it will work out ok.

riiight! · 02-08-2007 5:10pm

ok thanks for your help

This problem is just annoying me to the point that I have avoided getting close to girls for fear of ending up in a messy situation, so sorry for my scepticism.

what do you mean when you say that everything will work out ok? that the foreskin will forcibly pull back when enter her? or will there be little friction to pull back when I have a condom on so there is no chance of injury?

finbarrk · 02-08-2007 5:12pm

It will come back naturally when you enter her, it will feel great actually, it wont be sore.

riiight! · 04-08-2007 11:03pm

finbarrk wrote:

It will come back naturally when you enter her, it will feel great actually, it wont be sore.

Anyone care to back this up?

Wibbs · 04-08-2007 11:07pm

Yep, that's what it's supposed to do. Feels very niiiiice. Just one of the many reasons I wouldn't want to lose the oul turtleneck.

LegacyUser · 04-08-2007 11:43pm

Hang on Im confused, if the tight foreskin just pulls back naturally then whats the point of having the surgery?

riiight! · 05-08-2007 10:54am

Wibbs wrote:

Yep, that's what it's supposed to do. Feels very niiiiice. Just one of the many reasons I wouldn't want to lose the oul turtleneck.

Ok I realise that I'm getting a bit repetitive, but even with a tight foreskin where I cant normally roll it back over the head, I don't have to worry about any injuries(tears, rips etc.) while doing the business?

Wibbs · 05-08-2007 11:16am

In fairness that's how it's supposed to work with a fully functioning one. I suppose this whole thread could be broken down as follows. With a tight one you may have to stretch it over a period of time(when it's warm, in the bath or shower). It's quite stretchy skin anyway. One of the stretchiest in the body apparently. Given that there are men who have been circumcised as infants who "reconstruct" a foreskin, by stretching what's left shows what can be done, if given enough time. If that doesn't work a visit to your GP to explore the use of steroidal creams should help. I would suspect that stretching is not a quick fix, hence people go for the circumcision. Full circumcision should be the last resort. Even then as others have pointed out the degree of circumcision should be discussed before going in for the operation. There is a tendency for circumcision to be the first choice in this case. While it has a place certainly in the cases of severe tightness(phimosis) there are alternatives that keep the functionallity of the complete penile anatomy. It is not a useless piece of skin. Not by a long shot.

riiight! · 05-08-2007 12:37pm

So you think that I should try and cure this before I attempt to have sex?

Wibbs · 05-08-2007 1:39pm

Well given that you see it as a problem, problems require solutions so yes, try and fix it, but it wouldn't put me off having sex, especially as you should be wearing a condom anyway.

riiight! · 05-08-2007 2:01pm

Wibbs wrote:

Well given that you see it as a problem, problems require solutions so yes, try and fix it, but it wouldn't put me off having sex, especially as you should be wearing a condom anyway.

Oh so while wearing a condom, there will be no problem at all?

Wibbs · 05-08-2007 2:14pm

Of course, as the condom covers the penis the chances of an uncomfortable foreskin retraction is obviously not in play(though not being able to retract at all means the sensations are going to be even further reduced, above and beyond the reduction with condom use). I mean think about this stuff. You need to get as much info as you can before attempting sex. No offence but you seem quite ignorant of your own anatomy so you need to figure out your own anatomy and of course the womans. If you don't know the basics then sex isn't going to be the best really. It's not as if this stuff is hard to come by these days. Wikipedia and Google are your friends.

riiight! · 05-08-2007 2:37pm

Wibbs wrote:

Of course, as the condom covers the penis the chances of an uncomfortable foreskin retraction is obviously not in play(though not being able to retract at all means the sensations are going to be even further reduced, above and beyond the reduction with condom use). I mean think about this stuff. You need to get as much info as you can before attempting sex. No offence but you seem quite ignorant of your own anatomy so you need to figure out your own anatomy and of course the womans. If you don't know the basics then sex isn't going to be the best really. It's not as if this stuff is hard to come by these days. Wikipedia and Google are your friends.

It's just that while looking through this thread, I'm reading stories about people getting injuries when they have a tight foreskin. Then somebody else is telling me that while wearing a condom, the foreskin will retract. Though with my problem I see this as an issue. Then you are saying that this will not happen. So I have come to the conclusion that the main reason for getting circumcised or trying stretching techniques is when you don't want to wear a condom.

Thanks for all your help, but its a bit confusing when I get conflicting stories.

Wibbs · 05-08-2007 3:11pm

riiight! wrote:

So I have come to the conclusion that the main reason for getting circumcised or trying stretching techniques is when you don't want to wear a condom.

Ehhhhh what? How in God's name do you come to that conclusion? 2 +2 = frog? No, that's not why people have this operation.

OK Very basic sexual function 101. The head of the uncovered penis (the glans) is the most sensitive area on the penis to sexual touch. You have one, I'm sure you've spotted this. You know, when you have a peddle and crank?

In a normal functioning penis the foreskin covers and protects the glans. When aroused or upon entering the vagina the foreskin should naturally retract and expose the sensitive head to friction from the vagina. Pleasure all round. With me so far? If you can't retract the foreskin or it is painful to do so then either you won't be stimulated at all as well as a retracted foreskin(obviously) or the retraction itself will cause pain. Now. Wearing a condom over an un retracted foreskin will stop that friction that causes it to retract, hence no pain, rippage etc. It will also give you precious little stimulation of any kind as condoms reduce the sensation to varying degrees anyway. Any clearer? If not, someone else better start drawing pictures at this stage.

Bit of advice, if you're thinking about sex and are at an age to do so, I would seriously and I mean seriously get to know the whys and wherefores of your own anatomy, before you even think of getting sexual with someone. For your sake. Not to mention her anatomy. For her sake. If you are not that clued in about your own what hope do you think you have giving pleasure to another? I'm actually shocked somebody doesn't know this stuff about their own bodies. I mean a bloke not knowing about his willy and the function of same? Maybe it's an upbringing thing, but curiosity should get the better of you now. Fair play you're asking questions. Keep doing that and explore the options for you. There's little excuse for ignorance of these matters today. In fact reaching the age of reason and not being exposed to this stuff would be the bloody rarity not the norm.

tbh · 05-08-2007 4:33pm

for me, it was a case of too sore without a condom, and no sensaion with one. Because the skin was so tight, it was difficult to keep clean. Again, in my specific case, surgery was the only solution - the fact that i'm diabetic complicated things.

LegacyUser · 06-08-2007 12:14am

'Well Im a 15 yr old male, virgin and my foreskin has never retracted fully over the head, not even close really. At my age would it just be a matter of waiting a bit? Is this called Phimosis btw?'

patto_chan · 06-08-2007 10:19am

This weekend there was an interesting article in the FT Magazine. It covers a lot of the arguments in the pro vs anti debate.
(Although it fails to mention 'banjo strings' - shudder.)

FT Magazine Article

Victor · 06-08-2007 10:49am

Unreged15 wrote:

'Well Im a 15 yr old male, virgin and my foreskin has never retracted fully over the head, not even close really. At my age would it just be a matter of waiting a bit?'

I discussed this with my doctor at one stage and he said its quite normal up to teenage years (in my case 14) for the foreskin not to be retracted.

Gradual retraction seems to happen with mastubation and experimentation. Just take it easy.

If you have any questions, just ask the next time you are at the doctors.

Nick_oliveri · 06-08-2007 10:58am

I was given a hand before and the banjo string went....she was being a bit rough and i could feel a slight pain. It was pitch black in the room and after a couple of seconds i could feel something weird below the belt or lack of belt.

Turned on the light anyways to find i had a blood soaked boxers. Needless to say my personal swelling didnt take long to go down. One of the most embarrasing things that has ever happened to me. There was a tear at the banjo string for a week after.

Doctor had a look and said it would heal. I think men are afraid of women doctors going near teh willys in case the soldier stands to attention. Gives her a better look really!!

Sure i was scared of having a bad reaction with the male doctor...get aweh from mah willah!

I-like-eggs,mmm · 06-08-2007 11:06am

Circumcised Penis is MUCH nicer!!

Victor · 06-08-2007 11:13am

I-like-eggs,mmm wrote:

Circumcised Penis is MUCH nicer!!

I think you are failing to see that a balance is needed.

I-like-eggs,mmm · 06-08-2007 11:21am

Victor wrote:

I think you are failing to see that a balance is needed.

Do you want a circumcision too?:D

Victor · 06-08-2007 11:39am

I-like-eggs,mmm wrote:

Do you want a circumcision too?:D

Do you realise how offensive a statement like that is? Banned.

brum · 01-02-2008 1:42am

Well its nearly 17 months since i went under the knife. Ive never looked back to be honest. There is still a major different in color between the head of my penis and the shaft. I knew there would be a difference for a while... just didnt think it would be so noticable after 17 months. Even said, Im delighted I got the job done.

Anyone out there considering it.... dont be afraid. I was 23 getting it done. Never too late. My sex life has never been so good, it made the few days of discomfort worth it. I check back here from time to time so feel free to pm or leave questions to answer.

When I got my job done, other people commented that they had done or were getting the job done... how are things lads?

Overheal · 01-02-2008 4:05am

I was circumcised as a newborn.... never really been a problem for me in the slightest. Except to say ye irish have some strange reservations about it.

gcgirl · 01-02-2008 11:50am

Overheal wrote: »

I was circumcised as a newborn.... never really been a problem for me in the slightest. Except to say ye irish have some strange reservations about it.

its just we are not use to it!

Wibbs · 01-02-2008 12:27pm

Normally threads being reborn is not such a good thing but in this case it's good to see an original poster following up for others thinking of going through the same procedure. Good to hear you had a good result.

gcgirl wrote:

its just we are not use to it!

True and we're not used to it being done on newborns where there is no medical need and complications can and do happen, like in the US. My original feelings on the matter would be the same. Explore all other possibilities of therapy before going for this. IMHO too many doctors are too quick to head straight for surgery.

tbh · 02-02-2008 5:35pm

brum wrote: »

. how are things lads?

funny thing, I was reading this thread just last week wondering the same. I'm the same as you - never looked back. It's like the driving test - from time to time I'll worry about it out of force of habit, then I'll remember it's all done and be delighted. Everything is much better and I'm annoyed at myself I left it so long.

brum · 03-02-2008 10:55pm

tbh wrote: »

funny thing, I was reading this thread just last week wondering the same. I'm the same as you - never looked back. It's like the driving test - from time to time I'll worry about it out of force of habit, then I'll remember it's all done and be delighted. Everything is much better and I'm annoyed at myself I left it so long.

haha, ye im the same - i used to check back from time to time to see what others were saying and too give a bit of advice. I feel the same as you though. I was 23 when i got it done and knew back when i was 18 id need the op. Kept putting it off. never looked back.

Not to be blunt or anything but if anyone is having trouble in their sex life and wondering if getting this done will solve that problem - get it done... worth it!

Shurwhynot · 04-02-2008 4:48pm

Can someone talk me through the steps they went to get the circumsision done? Is everyone covered by medical insurance or how much does it cost etc??

LegacyUser · 04-02-2008 11:43pm

reading this topic has helped - im nowhere near as badly off as id thought. i can retract my foreskin over the head easily while flaccid, but the 'banjo string' pulls on the back end and kinda makes it curve downwards. when erect, i can usually pull it back to about halfway over the head, further than that and its sore if i push it. the odd time im really in the mood, or using lube, it can slip over but then the 'banjo string' (forget the real name) gets tight and painful. i think ill try the stretching thing for a few weeks- try and get it a bit further each time. if that fails or i give up ill probably ask a GP about the cream/gel which has been reccommended here.

Victor · 05-02-2008 7:22pm

mildlyworried wrote: »

the 'banjo string' (forget the real name)

Frenelum.

Overheal · 05-02-2008 7:45pm

the term banjo string sounds scary.... yep, no regrets here

Wibbs · 05-02-2008 9:06pm

mildlyworried wrote: »

reading this topic has helped - im nowhere near as badly off as id thought. i can retract my foreskin over the head easily while flaccid, but the 'banjo string' pulls on the back end and kinda makes it curve downwards. when erect, i can usually pull it back to about halfway over the head, further than that and its sore if i push it. the odd time im really in the mood, or using lube, it can slip over but then the 'banjo string' (forget the real name) gets tight and painful. i think ill try the stretching thing for a few weeks- try and get it a bit further each time. if that fails or i give up ill probably ask a GP about the cream/gel which has been reccommended here.

There's a small operation that relaxes the pressure on the banjo string. A mate of mine had that done. The first doctor he went to recommended the full circumcision, but after some research he decided to go the less invasive route. It's how I came to find out about this stuff in the first place.

My Circumcision Story

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