I just had a conversation with a fellow on this website about circumcision, specifically on the topic of genital mutilation. He was of Filipino decent, and I mentioned to that it was common practice and traditional to circumcise long after a person is born but also well before they'd be expected to be sexually active. This specific ceremony doesn't involve the common practice western circumcision preformed in hospitals that is now going out of style, with the the more informed parent of this era. The circumcision instead involves cutting down the foreskin and the shaft more then is necessary, tucking it into a kind of bag shape, and then sewing it beneath the head of the penis to the frenulum. (the most sensitive part of the male genitals) This procedure greatly reduces the length of the penis, it's ability to fully form with the growth of the person, and the ability to be stimulated. The idea is that it will increase the stimulation of your female sexual partner, but I have no indication that is the case. Feel free to google search this and do your own research. Keep in mind it's a traditional practice and not all traditions make sense.

Now I didn't talk to this man about this particular kind of circumcision. But I did say that the Filipino culture does at times involve genital mutilation. The fellow replied that he doesn't "feel that circumcision is genital mutilation, and we do it for hygiene purposes." He then blocked me mid-conversation. My understanding is that circumcision has been disproven to deter the transmission of of sexually transmitted infections. And that there is no specific benefit either way, excluding the fact that it's believed an intact foreskin will allow the penis to have increased stimulation over that of a circumcised penis. This lack of reason for cutting the penis makes circumcision seem like an unnecessary middle step. Especially if the recipient of the procedure has just been birthed. Unless of course there is a legitimate medical reason for the procedure.

Also unbenounced to the gentlemen I was chatting with I had in my past had a sexual partner that was Filipino and had undergone the exact procedure I described. He said it was preformed on him at an age before becoming a teenager. He didn't really feel it was necessary. But he also didn't feel envious of anyone who hand the standard issue between there legs. In his words, "it is, what it is."

Another reason for circumcision would be tradition, whether it's religious or not. Many cultures and religions engage in the practice on males, and certain cultures on females as well. But my knowledge fails me on that specific side of the topic. (perhaps someone would be kind enough to enlighten us) However in these situations it isn't always the choice of the individual to have the procedure preformed. And I don't agree with someone having a procedure that should be elective, being forced on them. If the culture pushes individuals towards it, for instance treating it as a right-of-passage. Then I would say it wasn't entirely the individuals choice to proceed, but if you want it done then more power to you.

The other side of the issue is genital mutilation. It can be a traditional practice but in other cases it's completely secular. Many people engage in it on there own. It's a personal choice, that has no effect on anyone but ones self. It can range from piercings, to binding, to cutting, to adding new holes, also dripping hot wax on your dong is one I'd like to try some day. Who doesn't like a little pain with there pleasure. There's many examples on this website of people that engage in these kinds of things. I myself enjoy browsing these kinds of images. They range from wacky to astounding. And again back to the Filipino culture, there are even sailors that modify there penises by placing sterilized beads under the skin to increase their partners sexual enjoyment. Here is a link to an article about this fascinating topic. only registered users can see external links

But there are differences between these people that do it of there own volition and the people that have had it done because of religious or cultural reasons. The differences almost always include age and or willingness or having it be a choice or not. My personal opinion is that it's wrong to preform an unnecessary procedure on someone who doesn't have a say in the matter.

As for you I'd like to hear your opinion on circumcision and genital mutilation. Are you cut or uncut? Do you like it or not? What are some cultural practice you've heard of or been exposed to related to this topic? Do you engage in self modification? If you do what does it involve? Feel free to include pictures, but remember I believe they have to be your own! And of course anything else you might like to share on the topic! Also feel free to correct me on any of my facts. But remember your opinion isn't a fact. Thanks for reading!