The penis of an uncircumcised man has a loose fold of flesh called the “prepuce or foreskin” which covers the end of the organ in its normal state. During erection this skin folds back, exposing the glans penis (head of penis).
Circumcision consists of pulling this loose fold of flesh as far forward from the end of the penis as it will go and then cutting it away. After the cut has healed, the head of the penis remains permanently exposed giving it a characteristic appearance.
Societies, which for centuries have practised circumcision for religious and ritual reasons now cite another cause for carrying out the operation, that is, hygiene. On the inner layer of the foreskin there are a number of glands, which secrete a substance called “smegma”.
Excessive accumulation of smegma can cause irritation and a strong odour. To cleanse this area properly, the foreskin has to be pulled back and washed. If this is not done, irritation in the area results.
Circumcision was popularised in the mid-sixties by research into the incidence of cancer of the penis and the cervix of the uterus. It was found that in India, the Hindus, who do not circumcise ritually, suffer a significantly higher rate of cancer of the penis than Muslims who practice ritual circumcision.
Further research produced statistics, which showed that the rate of incidence of cancer of the penis and the cervix are low among the Jews. So the question, could the smegma be cancer-causing agent, arose
It was several years before it could be shown that the theory was not scientifically correct as was first believed to be. Subsequent research showed that the incidence of cancer of the penis in circumcised but unorthodox Jews was roughly the same as the uncircumcised population.
Hence a factor, other than circumcision, appeared to be involved although it is as yet unknown. The British experts on circumcision, Dr. Douglas Gairdner says, “The smegma cancer case remains unproved. The evidence is neither black nor white and what has so far been presented is enormously complicated.”
(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)
It was several years before it could be shown that the theory was not scientifically correct as was first believed to be. Subsequent research showed that the incidence of cancer of the penis in circumcised but unorthodox Jews was roughly the same as the uncircumcised population.
Hence a factor, other than circumcision, appeared to be involved although it is as yet unknown. The British experts on circumcision, Dr. Douglas Gairdner says, “The smegma cancer case remains unproved. The evidence is neither black nor white and what has so far been presented is enormously complicated.”
(Source: Webhealthcentre.com)
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.