I just don't go into the reasons for circumcision, which change with every decade depending on whatever disease is in the spotlight. In the 1880s, circumcision was recommended to prevent insanity and epilepsy, in the 1940s it was recommended to prevent STIs, the 1950s it was a cure for cancer and in the early 21st century, HIV is spread in the moist regions of the foreskin as opposed to the dry, keratinised layer of the glans.

In my opinion, circumcision violates a major principle of medical practice: First, do no harm. It also violates all seven principles of medical ethics. Some doctors and nurses refuse to perform or assist with circumcisions because of ethical considerations

To make it clear I have no problem with circumcision as long as the person gives their full consent and is informed, as they are supposed to be with all procedures. The fact is when circumcision is performed, it does not treat any disease, injury, or other health problem. Since there is no urgency to do it, it must be delayed until the child is old enough to make the decision for himself.

Therefore, a male may make a decision to be circumcised when he is older without losing the benefit of having foreskin.

The foreskin is an integral, normal part of the penis. It contains about 240ft of nerves, and around 1000 nerve endings. This fact explains why anesthetics provide incomplete pain relief during circumcision. Without the coverage of a foreskin, the glans penis dries out and becomes keratinised (i.e. dry, thick, insensitive - think what would happen to the moisture surrounding the eyeball if the eyelid was removed) and takes on the function of the outer foreskin - protection from dirt, chafing and otherwise outside threats.

Without the foreskin, around 80% of the penis' erogenous zones are lost, keratinisaton occurs (as I mentioned above) and the gliding action of the foreskin over the erect glans is lost, not to mention any risks associated with such surgery, including the formation of 'skin bridges' where the foreskin reattaches itself to the glans, skin 'tags' where the foreskin was incompletely cut away, scarring and excess skin removal.

In a national survey, circumcised men reported they were more likely to engage in masturbation, heterosexual oral sex, and anal sex than intact men. The result suggests that circumcised men seek alternative forms of stimulation to compensate for reduced sensitivity.

The complex anatomy and function of the foreskin dictate that circumcision should be avoided or deferred until the person can make an informed decision as an adult.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues affecting men http://www.mens-health-events.info/circumcision_decision.php