Circumcision Myths and Facts: Clearing Common Doubts

Circumcision is a general surgical procedure that has been in existence for several centuries, yet it remains shrouded in myths and misinformation. So, people have several incorrect assumptions based on such myths, overlooking its actual purpose. It has slowly emerged to become a common procedure, as about 39% of males are circumcised globally[1]. However, some people continue to believe that circumcision will decrease their sexual pleasure, while a few others opine that it is just a cosmetic procedure. The truth regarding circumcision is much beyond such beliefs and misconceptions, which is why you need to stay aware of the actual truth behind it. Whether you are going to opt for the circumcision procedure or considering it for your son, it is important to learn fact from fiction. Keep reading to learn about some of the common circumcision myths and facts to make a highly informed decision[2].

Understanding Circumcision

Circumcision refers to the surgical procedure that is performed to remove the foreskin, which covers the penis head[3]. It is suitable for infants, newborn babies, toddlers, small boys, teenagers, and adults who wish to undergo it owing to underlying medical issues, religious or cultural practice, or personal preference[4]. Before undergoing this procedure, it is essential to understand circumcision myths and facts to make a learned choice.

How Does Circumcision Benefit Men?

Most men opt for circumcision for various reasons[5]. Here are some of the top benefits this surgical procedure offers.

• Better Genital Hygiene: As circumcision removes the foreskin of the penis, cleaning it is easier and more effective. So, the chances of smegma buildup, which is a collection of dead cells, sweat, and oil on the penile tip, are ruled out. This buildup is the major factor that causes infections and foul odour when the penis is not thoroughly cleaned.
• Lowers UTIs or Urinary Tract Infections: Research has revealed that men who undergo circumcision will not develop UTIs as frequently when compared to their uncircumcised counterparts. Though urinary tract infections are common among infants, maintaining proper hygiene after the surgery will help keep infections at bay.
• No STIs Risk: Men who undergo the circumcision procedure are less prone to developing Sexually Transmitted Infections or STIs, including herpes, HPV, and HIV[6]. As the surgical procedure removes the penile foreskin, there is no chance of pathogen survival.
• Treatment & Rectifying Medical Issues: Circumcision is advised for males who are facing issues like phimosis, where the foreskin becomes tight, and retraction becomes impossible[7]. It also helps prevent balanitis that causes glans inflammation and frequent penile infections[8].  In short, circumcision offers permanent relief from such infections and medical issues.

Top Circumcision Myths and Facts

It is essential to understand the actual circumcision myths and facts related to making a well-informed decision.

Myth #1: Circumcision Decreases Sexual Pleasure

Fact: It is one of the most widespread circumcision myths and facts that doesn’t have any conclusive scientific backing to prove it. This surgical procedure, when performed by the renewed Dr. Ram Bhupal Rao at Akruti Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Centre, does not affect your sexual function, pleasure, or sensation. Even though the foreskin has several nerve endings, research revealed that men who underwent circumcision expressed regular or even more satisfaction after intercourse than uncircumcised men[9]. The circumcision procedure will not cause penis head insensitivity, which indicates that there will be no change in your sexual life.

Myth #2: Circumcision Is a Very Risky and Painful Procedure

Fact: When the circumcision is performed by an expert surgeon like Dr. Ram Bhupal Rao of Akruti Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Centre, the procedure will be painless and safe. Local anaesthesia or numbing cream will be used for newborns. For children and grown-ups, general or local anaesthesia will help keep you pain-free during surgery. Even though anaesthesia is used, there will be no serious effects or complications. You might experience mild discomfort while recovering after surgery, and the side effects can be managed with pain-relieving medicines.

Myth #3: Circumcision Is Performed Only on Newborns

Fact: While circumcision is performed on infants during the initial weeks after their birth, it is performed for cultural or religious reasons. Grownups have to opt for circumcision for medical or hygiene reasons, which indicates it is not for infants alone. Males of different age groups can undergo the circumcision procedure to avoid risks and complications in the future, like infections, STIs, and more.

Myth #4: Circumcision Promotes Hygiene

Fact: Though a circumcised penis is simpler to wash and clean, it doesn’t make it much more hygienic than uncircumcised ones. In the 1800s, Europeans believed that foreskin removal would help maintain penis hygiene. Poor washing habits are the major reason behind unhygienic penises, as one should learn to clean it right from their childhood. Ensure you wash the penis tip every day with mild soap by pulling the foreskin towards the back.

Myth #5: Circumcision Is Performed Only for Cultural / Religious Requirements

Fact: It is one of the commonly circulated circumcision myths and facts. Even though certain cultural and religious practices require males to undergo circumcision. This procedure is also performed to rectify underlying medical concerns or personal needs. It is performed to treat medical conditions like phimosis, balanoposthitis, and balanitis.

Myth #6: Circumcision Leads to Long-term Trauma

Fact: It is one of the commonly believed circumcision myths and facts that the procedure causes long-lasting trauma and pain, specifically among kids. However, the truth is that only mild discomfort will be experienced after the surgery for a few days and is easily manageable. This explains why local anaesthesia is administered to keep patients comfortable throughout the surgery. For newborns, the healing after surgery will be quick, and there will be no signs of discomfort within a couple of hours after circumcision.

Myth #7: Circumcision Helps Treat AIDS/HIV

Fact: AIDS/HIV are not treatable by circumcision. According to research, this surgical procedure will cut down the risk of transmission of HIV, specifically in heterosexual men[10]. Circumcision will also lower the risk of STIs or sexually transmitted infections like penile cancer, gonorrhoea, and syphilis. Though circumcision offers such benefits, it is important to wear protection during intercourse to prevent such infections.

Myth #8: Extreme Care Is Needed for Circumcised Penis

Fact: It is one of the popular circumcision myths and facts that makes you believe that you need to stay extra cautious and take extra care after the surgery. There is no need to take extra care or special maintenance after circumcision. You might have to follow specific aftercare instructions after the surgery and restrict physical activity and intercourse until the recovery period is complete.

Myth #9: Circumcision Is Performed Only for Superficial or Cosmetic Purposes

Fact: Though aesthetic reasons might be one of the factors, this surgical procedure provides long-term health benefits. It is helpful especially for high-risk conditions like infant UTIs, HPV or HIV, phimosis or penile cancer.

Myth #10: Circumcised Men Can Grow Tall

Fact: It is one of the well-known circumcision myths and facts in the Philippines. The truth is that Filipino teenagers are circumcised when they hit puberty, the stage when growth spurts occur. So, the high amount of hormone activity contributes to growing taller and not because their foreskin is removed.

Parting Thoughts

Several circumcision myths and facts need to be debunked to give you a complete idea before undergoing surgery. Choosing Akruti Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Centre for circumcision surgery for your dad, husband or son is a wise decision as it is safe and effective. When performed by our experienced surgeon, Dr. Ram Bhupal Rao, you can recover soon and get back to regular life quickly.

Reference Links:

1. Morris BJ, Wamai RG, Henebeng EB, Tobian AA, Klausner JD, Banerjee J, Hankins CA. Estimation of country-specific and global prevalence of male circumcision. Popul Health Metr. 2016 Mar 1;14:4. doi: 10.1186/s12963-016-0073-5. Erratum in: Popul Health Metr. 2016 Apr 04;14:11. doi: 10.1186/s12963-016-0080-6. PMID: 26933388; PMCID: PMC4772313. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4772313/
2. https://circumcisionamerica.org/Circ-Myths.html#anchor1r,%20Accessed%20October%2023,%202020
3. https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/jc1360_male_circumcision_en_2.pdf
4. Morris BJ, Krieger JN, Klausner JD. Critical evaluation of unscientific arguments disparaging affirmative infant male circumcision policy. World J Clin Pediatr. 2016 Aug 8;5(3):251-61. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v5.i3.251. PMID: 27610340; PMCID: PMC4978617. – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4978617/
5. Warees WM, Anand S, Leslie SW, et al. Circumcision. [Updated 2024 May 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535436/
6. University of Washington. (2019, March 13). Study: Male circumcision protects women from STIs, cancer. UW Medicine Newsroom. https://newsroom.uw.edu/blog/study-male-circumcision-protects-women-stis-cancer/
7. Malone P, Steinbrecher H. Medical aspects of male circumcision. BMJ. 2007 Dec 8;335(7631):1206-90. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39385.382708.AD. PMID: 18063645; PMCID: PMC2128632. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2128632/
8. Hasan, M. R., Hossain, A., & Sakib, N. (2025). Male circumcision revisited: A narrative review of techniques, therapeutic indications, and preventive benefits. Cureus, 17(12), e98581. https://www.cureus.com/articles/442208-male-circumcision-revisited-a-narrative-review-of-techniques-therapeutic-indications-and-preventive-benefits#!/
9. Bañuelos Marco, B., García Heil, J.L. Circumcision in childhood and male sexual function: a blessing or a curse?. Int J Impot Res33, 139–148 (2021).  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-020-00354-y
10. World Health Organization, & Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. (2007). New data on male circumcision and HIV prevention: Policy and programme implications. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241595988