While it’s typically done as an infant, many men opt to undergo a circumcision later in life. Having a circumcised member is fairly common in the U.S.; among men between the ages of 14 to 59, 81 percent are circumcised. That overwhelming number may make a man question: is circumcision necessary?

While most of those circumcisions happen within days of a baby boy’s birth, more and more often, men are choosing to make this decision in adulthood. Ultimately, circumcision is a personal choice, there’s no right answer as to whether or not a man should be circumcised. And as with any surgery, circumcision in adulthood has complications.

If you’re thinking about undergoing a circumcision, there’s a lot to consider. Here we think about some of the benefits of this elective surgery as well as some of the risks.

The benefits of circumcision:

-Reduced Likelihood of Urinary Tract Infections: Uncircumcised men are more prone to this condition than men who have had circumcisions. Generally, these unpleasant infections occur when harmful bacteria, most often e. coli, gets inside the urethra. A urinary tract infection is typically marked by a frequency urgency to urinate, sometimes so severe it wakes a man up from sleep. Usually, urination will also be accompanied by a very uncomfortable pain or burning sensation.

Urinary tract infections are typically more common in men who are uncircumcised because bacteria, like the ones that cause urinary tract infections, can become trapped underneath the foreskin. By removing the foreskin, bacteria have less places to camp out and cause later problems.

-Prevention of Balanitis: Even though cleanliness is key for women and men, circumcised and not, uncircumcised men have to take hygiene especially seriously. And even the cleanest uncircumcised men can sometime experience smegma, a collection of dead skin cells, oil and other fluids that combine into a white, cheese-like substance. When smegma isn’t properly eradicated, it can cause a condition called balanitis, which is when the smegma becomes infected. While this is a problem that impacts all kinds of men, regardless of their circumcision status, it’s especially common in uncut men.

-Cure to Phimosis: Some uncircumcised men experience phimosis, a condition where a man’s foreskin will be too tight to be pulled back past the glans during intimate situations. Unfortunately, this is not a problem that solves itself naturally. Men who deal with this difficult condition will eliminate the problem with a circumcision.

The risks of a later life circumcision:

Many of the risks associated with later life circumcisions are risks associated with surgery generally. As with any time the body goes into the operating room, bleeding and infection are risks. Men who have this surgery performed are also at risk of meatitis, an inflammation of the opening of the member. Additionally, and predictably, pain at the site of the circumcision is a likely side effect.

Ultimately, there’s no right answer on, “is circumcision necessary,” regular men’s care is critical to maintaining a healthy member. While in the shower or bath, always be sure to deliberately the groin area. The manhood, especially uncircumcised ones, are prone to bacterial build-up that can be prevented as simply as engaging in regular bathing. Be sure to wash the groin area daily with warm water and a mild soap.

After washing, it’s always a good idea to use a penis health creme (health professionals often recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Regularly using a moisturizer, especially one that includes beneficial vitamins and botanicals like shea butter and vitamin A that are known for their soothing and healing properties.