Not sure if I should get circumcised

Dear Pastor,

I am 15 years old and I have a question to ask you. I am not circumcised. I live with my mother, who taught me how to take care of myself and why a regular shower is necessary. I do not hide anything from her. She told me why I should wash my genital area thoroughly, and to turn over my penis as far as it can go and wash the head of it, and always try to keep it clean. She also told me that that will prevent the build-up of any secretion under the foreskin. My mother told me long ago that without the proper washing of my penis, I will have problems.

Pastor, do you think that I should get circumcised when I get older and can afford to have the procedure done? I really want to know. I will be looking for an answer in THE STAR.

Teenager

Dear Teenager,

I am glad that your mother and you have such good relationship, and that both of you can talk about proper sexual hygiene for men. I wish more mothers would talk to their sons about how they should take care of themselves.

It is true that men who are not circumcised should take extra care to wash their penis. Men should pull back the foreskin of the penis as far as it can go to properly clean it, because if they do not, smegma can build up under the foreskin.

It is not necessary for males to be circumcised; it is a matter of preference. You may discuss this with a medical doctor.

Pastor