*cocks sorry.

We just talked about cock for the last few post. I feel dirty.

With respect to circumcision, bearing in mind that I have no cultural context for the practice (I don't think Indians do it, as a rule, but I could be wrong), I don't see the point. Apart from the HIV-transmission, and a slight reduction in penile cancer rates (which some might compare to the reduced rates of lung cancer when you resect an entire lung), there are no demonstrable health benefits. Other differences (sensitivity, sexual pleasure, etc.) seem to be anecdotal, and go both ways -- there's nothing conclusive on those.

So, having no traditional inclination to it, and having no medical reasons for it, and having seen one performed and thinking the whole time "why would you do this to your child?", it seems pretty apparent that I'd be against it. In fact, probably even actively against it (as in, I'd try to argue my spouse down from it, were she so inclined.)

In other words, what Jere said.

Also, I'd just like to say that protecting one's self from global health risks is really infeasible, and often a waste of resources. (Besides which, condoms are way more protective than circumcision in terms of HIV transmission.)

congrats on the new human! that's pretty awesome.

on a different subject, there's this:

"don't tase me" remix

Lame, Al... lame.

I say (and said) no to circumcision. There's really no medical benefit to it other than a slightly lower chance of infection - however that difference is negated when proper personal hygiene is implemented. There are also studies I've read (but am too lazy to find again and link - so you'll just have to take my word) that say circumcision reduces sexual sensitivity (the most sensitive part is always exposed), and that an uncircumcised penis is more stimulating for a woman (the foreskin acts as a natural "ribbed for your pleasure" effect).

Even if those last two points aren't a factor I still don't see a reason to do it. Plus it costs ~$300.

What are your thoughts Par?

Well I couldn't really tell you Par. Fortunately I don't think I'll ever have to make this decision.

I keep thinking we live in this huge global village where nothing's out of the possibility... but in the end, I think I'd defer to my mate.

congrats Beck & Keri!
that was seriously the sweetest thing all day, i'm so happy for the two of you!

It's true, it probably does have a role in HIV prevention. However, let us assume (reasonably, I think) that you're not in an HIV-endemic part of the world (meaning that the HIV prevention angle is pretty meaningless, as it is in North America). Same question then.

they've been finding, though, that circumcision has actually been good for HIV prevention... I'm not sure how, exactly, but apparently it prevents disease absorption/spread.

who they are, I don't know, but there's lots of literature on it. one example