Barry, 55 - Abruzzo, Italy
Where were you born?
Stoke on Trent.
When did you first become aware of circumcision?
When I was about 10 years old I was out swimming and noticed a friend was also cut, until then I’d not thought about it. I was one of three boys in the class that was cut; we were in born the same year at the same hospital. During showers after games we were known as the mushroom boys (in jest, not bullying).
Are any members of your immediate family circumcised?
No, not even my dad.
Stoke on Trent.
When did you first become aware of circumcision?
When I was about 10 years old I was out swimming and noticed a friend was also cut, until then I’d not thought about it. I was one of three boys in the class that was cut; we were in born the same year at the same hospital. During showers after games we were known as the mushroom boys (in jest, not bullying).
Are any members of your immediate family circumcised?
No, not even my dad.
"We were at my house when he told me he couldn’t retract his foreskin. He showed my his cock and asked about mine. I showed him."
At what age were you circumcised?
Shortly after birth.
What is the main reason you were circumcised?
As a child of the 1960’s I think the hospital where I was born did it as a matter of routine. I never had any conversations about it with my dad. I did once ask my mum who’s reply was, ‘the hospital did it’.
Are you happy about being circumcised?
Yes, I went through a phase of hating it as a teenager I wanted a foreskin to make masturbation easier but you soon learn new tricks. All of my sexual partners have been uncut oddly enough. A few times people have said I have a nice looking penis, an ex-partner once told me it was the prettiest he’d ever seen.
What is the best/worst thing about being circumcised?
Best: Aesthetically it looks nicer and the hygiene side is a bonus.
Worst: As a child I thought my penis resembled a Sea Devil from Dr Who. Also, when sexual partners have no idea how to handle it. I once had someone who was tugging at it and rubbing the glans without any lube - that was unpleasant! Also, guys who don’t realise just because it’s uncovered teeth still can ruin the moment
Shortly after birth.
What is the main reason you were circumcised?
As a child of the 1960’s I think the hospital where I was born did it as a matter of routine. I never had any conversations about it with my dad. I did once ask my mum who’s reply was, ‘the hospital did it’.
Are you happy about being circumcised?
Yes, I went through a phase of hating it as a teenager I wanted a foreskin to make masturbation easier but you soon learn new tricks. All of my sexual partners have been uncut oddly enough. A few times people have said I have a nice looking penis, an ex-partner once told me it was the prettiest he’d ever seen.
What is the best/worst thing about being circumcised?
Best: Aesthetically it looks nicer and the hygiene side is a bonus.
Worst: As a child I thought my penis resembled a Sea Devil from Dr Who. Also, when sexual partners have no idea how to handle it. I once had someone who was tugging at it and rubbing the glans without any lube - that was unpleasant! Also, guys who don’t realise just because it’s uncovered teeth still can ruin the moment
Have you had any memorable conversations about circumcision with mates?
I had one now ex-friend tell me he could never have sex with a circumcised man, he even went as far as saying it must be like having a disability.
I did have a conversation in my 20’s with a straight friend who was having problems with his tight foreskin. He told me he wanted to be cut but wasn’t aware how it would feel. We had been in the same class a school, so he knew I was circumcised. We were at my house when he told me he couldn’t retract his foreskin. He showed my his cock and how it would retract when soft but was difficult to pull back into place, he then got semi-erect and it was impossible to retract it. So he asked me about mine and I showed him, he touched it and asked about masturbation etc. He booked is operation a day or two later.
After his operation he showed me the results and said he was very happy with it and the help I’d given him. Once he was healed I taught him some masturbation techniques. Years later he introduced me to his wife saying, ‘This is Barry, the only guy who’s cock I’ve felt.’
My favoured masturbation techniques are good old spit or water-based lube helps. I don't like silicone-based lubes they can take forever to wash off your skin and although it sounds good olive oil is a no go, it’s good on a salad but not on your cock, it’s not slick enough. My partner once bought me a masturbation sleeve that fits on the cock and covers the head so it resembles a foreskin, it took a few attempts to master it and although it was pleasurable it was a lot of faff for a quick wank, so best saved for shared moments.
If you had a son, would you circumcise him?
(Perish the thought I’d sire offspring.) I wouldn’t unless it was medically required.