About one in three men around the world are circumcised, which means their foreskin—a roll of retractable tissue that contains nerve endings and protects the head of the penis—was surgically removed after they were born. The procedure is considered a rite of passage within certain religions like Judaism, but it’s uncommon in countries like the UK and rare in most of Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

Here in the U.S., the snip has been de rigueur—that is, until recently. In 2013, the CDC reported for the first time that male circumcision rates had dropped (from 64.5 percent in 1979 to 58.3 percent in 2010).

About one in three men around the world are circumcised.

While the cut may come with health benefits like a decreased risk for STIs and UTIs, many experts—including the American Academy of Pediatrics—say those perks don’t significantly outweigh the risks. The procedure carries potential side effects like bleeding, infection, irritation, and the possibility of lost sensitivity over time.

Perhaps the loudest argument against circumcision is that many believe it’s medically unnecessary and a form of genital mutilation without a person’s consent. In fact, according to a recent YouGov survey, only 33 percent of 18-to 29-year-olds feel that male children should be routinely circumcised.

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Ultimately, the decision to snip or not to snip is up to a baby boy’s parents, although going under the knife later in life is an option for an uncut man, says urologist Alex Shteynshlyuger, MD. (It’s often a same-day procedure that’s mildly to moderately painful.)

33 percent of 18-to 29-year-olds feel that male children should be routinely circumcised.

Given all this, odds are high that you may encounter both cut and uncut partners. There’s really no major difference when it comes to hooking up with either. If you’re with a fella with foreskin, just be gentle when pulling the skin down to reveal the head, which is typically more sensitive than one that’s always out in the open. This works to your advantage during oral sex, when you can tickle his hyper-responsive frenulum—the ridge between his tip and the bottom side of his head—with your tongue. And don’t be surprised if penetration feels amazing. Some women claim the “ribbing” provides extra G-spot stimulation.

For more info on penises, pick up the August 2018 issue of Cosmopolitan, on newsstands now, or click here to subscribe to the digital edition.



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