Throughout the world, people hold strong beliefs about the importance and implications of altering male genitals through a variety of procedures. These rituals and customs have been chronicled through the ages (Aggleton, 2007). (Female genital modification is also widespread, as discussed in Chapter 3.)
The most common genital alteration is circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin. Circumcision is practiced in many societies for religious, ritual, or hygienic reasons. Circumcision is an old practice (Glick, 2005). Examinations of ancient Egyptian mummies have revealed evidence of circumcision as far back as 6000 BCE, and Egyptian records at least 5,000 years old depict circumcised men. Australian aborigines, Muslims, and some African tribes have also used male circumcision to mark a rite of passage or to signify a covenant with God (Melby, 2002b).
For thousands of years Jews have practiced circumcision according to scripture (Genesis 17:9-27) as a religious rite (Haught, 2008). The ceremony, called a bris, takes
Most men enjoy having the glans stimulated, particularly the two areas just mentioned, but individuals vary in their preferences. Some men occasionally or routinely prefer being stimulated in genital areas other than the glans of the penis. The mode of stimulation, either manual (by self or partner) or oral, can influence the choice of preferred sites. Some of these variations and individual preferences are noted in the following accounts:
When I masturbate I frequently avoid the head of my penis, concentrating instead on stroking the shaft. The stimulation is not so intense, which allows a longer time for buildup to orgasm. the result is that the climax is generally more intense than if I focus only on the glans. (Authors’ files)
During oral sex with my girlfriend, I sometimes have to put my hand around my penis, leaving just the head sticking out, so she will get the idea what part feels best. Otherwise, she spends a lot of time running her tongue up and down the shaft, which just doesn’t do it for me. (authors’ files)