Just a few numbers about circumcision: “There is strong evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men in high-risk populations.[10][32] Evidence among heterosexual men in sub-Saharan Africa shows an absolute decrease in risk of 1.8% which is a relative decrease of between 38 percent and 66 percent over two years,[10] and in this population studies rate it cost effective.[11] Whether it is of benefit in developed countries is undetermined.[33]” (so yes, it does reduce risks of many infections). http://www.jaoa.org/content/111/3_suppl_2/S11.long
About the idea that it would reduce sexual pleasure, someone suggested by 60%, a systemic review and meta-analysis was conducted in 2013 which drew no such conclusion; it ” found the circumcision did not appear to affect sexual desire, pain with intercourse, premature ejaculation, time to ejaculation, erectile dysfunction or difficulties with orgasm” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881635/)
And finally no, no, no. Removal of the foreskin (though I understand opposition to newborn/infant circumcision on the grounds that men should be able to decide for themselves whether they want one) is not comparable to removal of the clitoris: it is an organ, and not skin, the female body’s most erogenous and sensitive (and therefore, when one cuts it, painful) zone. Risks associated with exision are far greater: http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/fgm/health_consequences_fgm/en/ –> See especially the long-term risks; increased HIV risks, infections, especially during childbirth, quality of sexual life…
Just a few numbers about circumcision: “There is strong evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men in high-risk populations.[10][32] Evidence among heterosexual men in sub-Saharan Africa shows an absolute decrease in risk of 1.8% which is a relative decrease of between 38 percent and 66 percent over two years,[10] and in this population studies rate it cost effective.[11] Whether it is of benefit in developed countries is undetermined.[33]” (so yes, it does reduce risks of many infections). http://www.jaoa.org/content/111/3_suppl_2/S11.long
About the idea that it would reduce sexual pleasure, someone suggested by 60%, a systemic review and meta-analysis was conducted in 2013 which drew no such conclusion; it ” found the circumcision did not appear to affect sexual desire, pain with intercourse, premature ejaculation, time to ejaculation, erectile dysfunction or difficulties with orgasm” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881635/)
And finally no, no, no. Removal of the foreskin (though I understand opposition to newborn/infant circumcision on the grounds that men should be able to decide for themselves whether they want one) is not comparable to removal of the clitoris: it is an organ, and not skin, the female body’s most erogenous and sensitive (and therefore, when one cuts it, painful) zone. Risks associated with exision are far greater: http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/fgm/health_consequences_fgm/en/ –> See especially the long-term risks; increased HIV risks, infections, especially during childbirth, quality of sexual life…