They used to do it for health and hygiene reasons, laughably.
It used to be standard practice at birth. Don't know if it still is.
( Kroney, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:43, 2 replies, latest was 13 years ago)

I think they ask if you don't want it

( Lisette von Falcon, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:44, Reply)

They ask the baby?

( Boss Keloid Got your mother's maiden name tattooed on my arm, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:45, Reply)

yeah, I reckon they just choose for them since babies are crying mostly after they're born

( Lisette von Falcon, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:47, Reply)

But without it where would I keep my loose change?

( Naked Ape call me Caitlyn, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:47, Reply)

do they remove eyelids for the same reason, then?

( the mighty badger Aphrodite, on a bar stool, by your side, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:51, Reply)

I know, mental, isn't it.

( Kroney, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:52, Reply)

why is it mental?
I'm genuinely curious, I know nowt about why it's done.
I just think it's makes a man's penis look very nice.
( Lisette von Falcon, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:55, Reply)

Because the foreskin evolved for health and hygiene reasons.
That is, in fact, it's primary purpose i.e. protecting the incredibly sensitive glans. When it's cut off, the glans has to then callous in order to protect itself, which robs the man of a great deal of sensitivity.

It's like cutting off the clitoral hood at birth.
( Kroney, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 16:59, Reply)

so you lot blow a lot faster than american men?

( Lisette von Falcon, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 17:02, Reply)

Yes, that's precisely what you should be taking from that post.

( Kroney, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 17:03, Reply)

Removal of the foreskin helps prevent spread of HIV
as it's where the virus hangs out after initial infection, I believe. Or at least, transmission of HIV in circumcised men is lower than in a control group of equal risk men.

Also, personally, I think it looks nicer. And it's certainly been the case - not that I have slept with enough people to say that this is statistical certainty - that circumcised men don't come as quickly.
(berk, Thu 23 Jun 2011, 17:21, Reply)