Circumcision or not: does it affect male fertility?

Circumcision is not required medically, but it can be done for a variety of reasons - from cultural traditions to religious beliefs to personal hygiene. Regardless of what constitutes your decision to be circumcised, there are various benefits that you can reap from this medical procedure. The United States Institute for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that circumcision can prevent transmission of HIV and other venereal diseases, as well as reduce the risk of penile cancer. What about fertility? Does "free foreskin" really affect a man's chances of having offspring?

The difference between a circumcised and non-circumcised penis

The only difference between a circumcised and an uncircumcised penis is the presence or absence of the foreskin of the penis. A circumcised penis no longer has the foreskin attached to the tip of the head of the penis. While the uncircumcised head of the penis is still covered by the foreskin.

The foreskin serves to protect the head of the penis from friction and direct contact with clothing. The foreskin can also increase sexual arousal because the foreskin has nerve fibers that are very responsive to stimuli, even light touches.

Without the foreskin, the scalp of the penis, which is normally moist due to the mucous membranes, becomes dry and thickens to protect itself from constant contact. This can reduce the sensitivity of the penis to stimulation.

Apart from that, there are no more physical characteristics that distinguish the two.

Circumcision prevents the risk of problems with the penis that can affect fertility

Circumcision does not affect fertility. However, circumcision can help treat penile problems that can affect male fertility. Phimosis and balanitis are two of the most common penile problems that cause infertility. Balanitis and phimosis are found in 3.5 percent of uncircumcised men.

Phimosis is a problem that occurs when the foreskin of the penis cannot be pulled down and is "stuck" in the back of the head of the penis when it is erect because it is too tight. Phimosis can cause a man to become infertile because the skin of the foreskin that is too tight can prevent sperm cells from leaving during ejaculation to enter the vagina. Phimosis is a medical emergency because it can cause permanent damage to the penis, which can further dilute your chances of fertility.

Meanwhile, balanitis is a swelling of the skin of the foreskin and head of the penis. Balanitis causes the penis to feel itchy, red, and inflamed. Inflammation of the foreskin of the penis can indirectly block the release of semen and sperm, which can lead to infertility problems.

A circumcision procedure that involves removing the foreskin of the penis can solve both problems of the penis. So, is it only with circumcision that the chances of men having children will automatically increase?

Does circumcision increase male fertility?

Although circumcision can improve penile skin problems, so far there is no scientific evidence that a circumcised penis will increase fertility. Not being circumcised doesn't have a direct impact on your fertility.

The reason is, the main thing that determines the fertility of a man is the production of quality sperm. Quality sperm must fulfill these three important factors: number, shape and agile movement. If there is only one sperm abnormality from these three factors, then the risk of infertility can increase. In general, a healthy lifestyle and diet are two factors that play an important role in maintaining sperm health and male fertility.

In addition, the role of penis hygiene is no less important for maintaining male fertility. The skin of the foreskin can collect dirt. If left untreated, dirt will accumulate and are susceptible to causing infection in the male reproductive organs. This can mediate the spread of the infection to your female partner. Infection of the vagina is one of the risk factors that can interfere with female fertility.

The skin of the foreskin that has been removed after circumcision can make it easier for you to clean the penis. Indirectly, this can increase the fertility of you and your partner because you avoid the risk of infection.