Dear IloveKMK,

Absolutely! Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin — the retractable tube of skin that covers and protects the head (glans) of the penis. It is often done for religious reasons, but in the U.S., it is usually done to make a boy look like his father. This century, fewer parents in the U.S. are having their children circumcised than in the middle of the last century — about 60 percent of boys have had their foreskins removed, and about 40 percent have intact foreskins.

In most guys, the foreskin retracts during erection. But since the head of the penis can be very sensitive to pressure and touch, a guy may not want the foreskin pulled back during sex play because it feels too uncomfortable. On the other hand, there are guys who prefer that their foreskin be pulled back to expose the glans during sex play. Depending on the guy, the size of his foreskin, and his personal preference, he may want to also retract his foreskin when he puts on a condom.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.