To Circumcise or Not? When Is the Best Time for Surgery? Sex Educators Reveal Key: Only One Situation Truly Requires It

In South Korea, circumcision surgery is often referred to as 'whale hunting,' a terrifying term for teenagers. During puberty education, stories related to the foreskin seem endless.

Previously, a student tried to talk to their parents about not wanting circumcision surgery but failed to convince them, eventually asking me to call their parents on their behalf. Is circumcision truly necessary?

In fact, circumcision is not mandatory. Generally, if the foreskin is normal, after age 20, pulling back the skin that covers the glans will fully expose it—without any pain. However, in cases of phimosis, the glans and foreskin cannot separate, and even when pulled back, only part of the glans is visible. This can lead to erection difficulties and cause pain for the child, so surgery is needed in such cases.

Whether a child has normal foreskin or phimosis can only be determined after full development of secondary sexual characteristics, which requires some time. Explain this clearly to your child, discussing types of foreskin, surgical methods, pros and cons, and considerations.

For example, since adequate rest is required after surgery, undergoing it during school breaks allows sufficient recovery time. If delayed until adulthood, taking extended leave becomes difficult, making recovery more painful.

Help children consider situations they might overlook, supporting them to make informed, autonomous decisions.

I often meet teens who say they have no 'right to choose' and ask me to persuade their parents. Any matter concerning one's own body and mind must be decided by 'oneself'—this is the 'boundary' I emphasize. Through discussions about circumcision, children can feel their boundaries are genuinely respected.

If, after dialogue and reflection, a child decides against surgery, remind them to maintain strict hygiene during this period. Particularly, because there are gaps between the glans and foreskin, foreign substances or bacteria can easily enter. Be sure to clean inside the foreskin thoroughly during bathing. Managing personal hygiene and health is also a responsibility of being the owner of one's body.

Author Introduction |

Noh Ha-yeon: Youth counselor and sex education expert, dedicated to creating a better world for youth and fostering intergenerational communication through sex education.

Shin Won-jeong: Sex educator dreaming of a world where everyone can live safely and equally. Providing education for children, adolescents, and adults who interact with children.

Lee Su-ji: Sex educator envisioning media that anyone can comfortably access. Conducting sex education through familiar media to bring about ideological change in everyday life.

Lala School: A group of sex education experts advocating gender equality and believing sex education can change the world. With fresh perspectives beyond established frameworks, they conduct age-inclusive sex education and public benefit activities. They bring their curriculum directly into school classrooms, educate students firsthand, and communicate the importance of sex education to teachers and parents. Their goal is to reach ten million South Koreans by 2027 and spark a new wave of global change.

Official website: lalaschool.kr/

This article is republished with permission from Taiwan Guangsha (original title: The First Non-Awkward Sex Education Guide for Parents: 70 Essential Conversations on Sexual Concepts and Preventing Sexual Violence, Say Goodbye to Misleading 'Online Teachers').

Responsible Editor: Li Yi-qing