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To cut or not to cut? This has been a touchy subject in the medical community for years, with those in favor of prepuce removal arguing that it is necessary to prevent disease, and those who are against the procedure insisting that it is not only unnecessary, but actually detrimental to a man’s reproductive health. But either way, cut or uncut, knowing the right approach to male organ care is essential. Some of the pros and cons of prepuce removal and how to maintain a healthy male organ are explored here.

What is prepuce removal?

Prepuce removal, for the uninitiated, is the removal of the sheath, or prepuce, from the male organ via surgical ablation. While the procedure is most often performed shortly after birth or in childhood, some men choose to undergo the procedure in adulthood.

Why do it?

Prepuce removal is traditionally performed for religious purposes, and it has become highly popular as a way to prevent hygiene-related issues, as well. For decades, in the United States, male infants underwent the procedure as a matter of course, although in more recent years, many parents have opted to leave the sheath intact.

Men who were left intact during childhood may also opt for the procedure later in life. This choice can be due to cosmetic concerns, such as the belief that a partner will be put off by the appearance of the sheath, or due to problems with the sheath itself. Men who have difficulty retracting this protective skin may choose to have it removed in order to reduce the associated discomfort, and in some communities, doctors encourage adults to undergo the procedure in order to reduce the risk of contracting certain life-threatening diseases.

What are the risks?

Those who are opposed to automatic prepuce removal relate several risks related to the procedure. These may include infection and or/scarring, and if the procedure is improperly performed, men can be left with a skin bridge that may cause pain when the manhood is firm. Loss of male organ sensation is frequently blamed on prepuce removal, as well, and there are numerous groups who are working to raise awareness about this issue, as they believe that a man’s reproductive health can be significantly impaired if he is cut as an infant.

Are there any real benefits?

While fewer health care professionals currently believe that removing the sheath of a male child is medically necessary, there has been research indicating that there are benefits, including a reduced risk of male organ cancer and of contracting an autoimmune disease from an infected partner. Men who are cut are also less likely to develop infections related to the buildup of body oils and dead skin cells that can accumulate underneath the sheath.

In the end, the matter of whether one option is better than the other when it comes to prepuce removal comes down to individual choice, as there are risks and benefits on both sides of the equation.

Protecting male organ health …

Whether a man is cut or intact, the male organ can benefit from proper care on a daily basis. Washing carefully is essential, because built-up body fluids and other grime can chafe the skin or even lead to infections. Using barrier protection for intimate encounters is the best way to protect against diseases and other unpleasant issues related to intimate contact, and men who are involved in sports or other physical activity should use a cup to protect the male organ against heavy blows or other trauma. Finally, to protect and nourish the skin and improve male organ sensation, a male organ health formula (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) that is fortified with male organ-specific vitamins and other nutrients, as well as quality moisturizers, should be part of every man’s daily personal care routine.

Visit www.man1health.com for more information about treating common problems such as a sore male organ, dry skin, redness and loss of male organ sensation. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.