Why Circumcision May Be a Bad Decision: 5 Strong Reasons to Consider

Curewell Therapies
Jun 20
3 min read

Circumcision is often performed on infants or young boys due to cultural, religious, or perceived health reasons. But in recent years, growing medical research and firsthand experiences have prompted many to question: Is circumcision really necessary? Could it be causing more harm than good?

While this procedure is still widely practiced, it’s important to understand the potential long-term drawbacks of circumcision, especially when it’s done without informed consent. Here are five compelling reasons why circumcision might be a bad decision, especially when viewed through the lens of bodily autonomy, sexual health, and modern science.

1. Loss of Sensitivity and Sexual Pleasure

One of the most frequently cited disadvantages of circumcision is the reduction in penile sensitivity. The foreskin contains tens of thousands of nerve endings that play a critical role in sexual stimulation and arousal.

Once removed, the glans (head of the penis) becomes permanently exposed, leading to keratinization — a hardening of the skin that dulls sensation over time.
Many men report that sexual pleasure feels diminished, particularly in their ability to feel subtle friction and warmth.

2. It’s an Irreversible Decision Made Without Consent

Circumcision is usually performed during infancy, at a time when the child is unable to consent to a permanent and irreversible procedure.

This brings up serious ethical concerns. As adults, many men express regret over being circumcised without their input.
Some even pursue foreskin restoration to regain what was lost, both emotionally and physically.

Choosing circumcision for a non-consenting infant violates bodily autonomy, a principle that’s becoming increasingly recognized in modern medical ethics.

Circumcision is an irreversible procedure.

3. Risk of Surgical Complications

Even though it’s considered a “minor” procedure, circumcision is not without medical risks.

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to infections, excessive bleeding, and poor healing.
In some cases, the surgery leads to disfigurement, adhesions, or buried penis syndrome, especially if not performed with proper care.
Rare but severe outcomes like meatal stenosis (narrowing of the urethral opening) can also develop over time.

These risks often go unacknowledged in mainstream discussions, despite being clinically documented.

4. Myths Around Hygiene and Disease Prevention

Circumcision has long been promoted as a way to improve hygiene and reduce infection risk — but in most cases, proper hygiene practices are just as effective.

With access to clean water and soap, an intact penis can be easily cleaned.
The idea that circumcision is needed to prevent UTIs, HIV, or STIs has been challenged by many modern studies. The benefits are often minimal in developed countries where sanitation and healthcare are accessible.

In fact, countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Japan where circumcision is rare have similar or lower rates of infections compared to nations where circumcision is common.

5. Psychological and Emotional Consequences

Though rarely talked about, some circumcised men report long-term psychological effects, such as:

Feelings of anger or violation
Emotional discomfort around their own bodies
Lower self-esteem or sexual identity issues

There’s also a growing online movement of men expressing regret, grief, and even trauma related to being circumcised. These emotional impacts, while subjective, shouldn’t be dismissed — especially in a procedure that’s often done for non-medical reasons.

The Bigger Picture: Rethinking Routine Circumcision

Medical professionals worldwide are starting to reevaluate the necessity of routine circumcision, especially in infants. Unless there’s a genuine medical indication (like phimosis or repeated infections), many experts argue that the risks may outweigh the benefits.

Moreover, circumcision as a cultural or religious norm should be balanced with the modern understanding of consent, ethics, and bodily autonomy. Just because something is “tradition” doesn’t mean it’s immune to critical reexamination.

Circumcision Is Not a Harmless Default

If you’re a parent considering circumcision for your child, or an adult questioning your own experience, know that you’re not alone in your doubts. More people today are speaking out, sharing stories, and advocating for intact rights — the right to keep one's body whole until personal, informed decisions can be made.

In the end, circumcision should never be seen as a default choice, especially when the supposed benefits are marginal at best and the potential harms are permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is circumcision medically necessary?

In most cases, no. Proper hygiene can prevent infections without the need for surgery. Dr. Sudhir Bhola is a well-known sexologist who provides treatment for phimosis without surgery.