What can happen if I do? Will it ruin my sex life? 

In male human anatomy, the foreskin is a retractable double-layered fold of skin that covers the glans (bulbous end of penis) and protects the urethral opening when the penis is not erect. Male circumcision is the surgical removal of some or all of the foreskin from the penis. (Beverly, 2012)

Many men of various ethnicities and ages have spent their lives living with uncircumcised penises. While many studies claim health and sexual benefits to keeping the foreskin on the penis, some complain of pain and discomfort during intercourse. Weighing out the pros and cons of this major procedure is crucial to making the right decision.

When considering the procedure itself, one must recognize the difference between infant circumcision and adult circumcision. As a baby, the foreskin is thin and easy to cut, while the adult foreskin is loaded with extremely sensitive nerve endings called Meissner’s corpuscles, which help increase penile sensitivity. Once these nerves are cut, they do not regenerate – results may give you no change in feeling (after healing) or no sensation at all.

How It Works: 

Once the penis is numb under local anesthesia, the procedure only takes about 30 minutes. The inside of the foreskin is detached from the shaft using a blunt probe; the foreskin is then grabbed and pulled forward over the head of the penis and clamped straight across with a long forceps. The skin is carefully cut, as not to injure the head of the penis. (Beverly, 2012)

After the procedure is complete, doctors advise that patients do not masturbate or participate in any sexual activity for four to six weeks. Most normal activity can resume in  a matter of days.

Despite claims that circumcision helps fight penile cancer and AIDS contraction, the number of infants being circumcised has dropped over recent years. In 2010, the rate of U.S. male-infant circumcision was approximately one out of every three — 33%. Pretty soon, that may be even lower.

Benefits of Saving Your Foreskin: 

According to polls, The majority of women rate intercourse with an intact male (uncircumcised) as more pleasurable than with a circumcised male. (AskMen, 2011)

Post-adult circumcision, many patients felt regretful for their decision.

Benefits of the Procedure: 

Studies show that adult circumcision increases the amount of time men take to ejaculate, which may be seen as an advantage. This may be due to the weakening of nerve sensitivity – which may mean the man feels less sensation during intercourse.

Any man considering this procedure is urged to consult with a licensed physician prior to making their choice. The surgery cannot be reversed.

Resources:

http://www.circumcision.org/adults.htm

http://men.webmd.com/news/20040202/adult-circumcision-affects-sexual-performance

http://www.askmen.com/dating/dzimmer_700/710_adult-circumcision.html

http://www.beverlyoakssurgery.com/urology/adult-circumcision