Difference between revisions of "Sexual effects of circumcision"

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The '''sexual effects of circumcision''' are the subject of some debate. Studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of circumcision (amputation of the [[foreskin]]) on sexual drive, erectile function, premature and delayed ejaculation, sexual satisfaction, sexual sensation and penile sensitivity. Studies have also assessed whether [[circumcision]] affects [[masturbation]] or other sexual practices, and the degree to which a heterosexual woman's experience of sex is affected by her partner's circumcision status.  
 
The '''sexual effects of circumcision''' are the subject of some debate. Studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of circumcision (amputation of the [[foreskin]]) on sexual drive, erectile function, premature and delayed ejaculation, sexual satisfaction, sexual sensation and penile sensitivity. Studies have also assessed whether [[circumcision]] affects [[masturbation]] or other sexual practices, and the degree to which a heterosexual woman's experience of sex is affected by her partner's circumcision status.  
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==History==
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The human foreskin was once thought to have little or no sexual function.  Sex researcher Alfred C. Kinsey (1948) placed no importance on the presence or absence of the foreskin.<ref name="kinsey1948">{{REFbook
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|year=1948
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|title=Sexual Behavior in the Human Male
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|publisher=A. C. Saunders
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<!--Only medical trade associations, such as the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]] (AAP), which represents doctors who profit from carrying out circumcisions, still contend that circumcision does not harm sexual function. The American Academy of Pediatrics points to a survey (self-report) finding circumcised adult men had less sexual dysfunction and more varied sexual practices, but also noted anecdotal reports that penile sensation and sexual satisfaction are decreased for circumcised males.<ref name="AAP1999">{{REFjournal
 
<!--Only medical trade associations, such as the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]] (AAP), which represents doctors who profit from carrying out circumcisions, still contend that circumcision does not harm sexual function. The American Academy of Pediatrics points to a survey (self-report) finding circumcised adult men had less sexual dysfunction and more varied sexual practices, but also noted anecdotal reports that penile sensation and sexual satisfaction are decreased for circumcised males.<ref name="AAP1999">{{REFjournal

Revision as of 13:12, 21 December 2019


The sexual effects of circumcision are the subject of some debate. Studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of circumcision (amputation of the foreskin) on sexual drive, erectile function, premature and delayed ejaculation, sexual satisfaction, sexual sensation and penile sensitivity. Studies have also assessed whether circumcision affects masturbation or other sexual practices, and the degree to which a heterosexual woman's experience of sex is affected by her partner's circumcision status.

History

The human foreskin was once thought to have little or no sexual function. Sex researcher Alfred C. Kinsey (1948) placed no importance on the presence or absence of the foreskin.[1]


Penile sensitivity and sexual sensation

Results of studies of the effect on penile sensitivity have been mixed. In a British study of 150 men circumcised as adults for penile problems, Masood et al. found that 38% reported improved penile sensation (p=0.01), 18% reported worse penile sensation, while the remainder (44%) reported no change.[2] In a survey of men circumcised as adults for medical (93%) or elective (7%) reasons, Fink et al. found an association between adult circumcision and decreased penile sensitivity that "bordered on statistical significance" (p=0.08).[3]


Glans sensitivity

A number of studies have looked at the question of whether sensitivity of the glans is affected by circumcision. Masters and Johnson (1966) reported: "Routine neurologic testing for both exteroceptive and light tactile discrimination were conducted on the ventral and dorsal surfaces of the penile body, with particular attention directed toward the glans. No clinically significant difference could be established between the circumcised and the uncircumcised glans during these examinations."[4] Sorrells et al. criticised this early study for being poorly documented and not subject to peer review.[5]

Yang et al. (1998) concluded in their study into the innervation of the penile shaft and glans penis that: "The distinct pattern of innervation of the glans emphasizes the role of the glans as a sensory structure."[6]

An examination of 7 circumcised and 6 uncircumcised males found no difference in keratinization of the glans penis.[7]

Sorrells et al. (2007) measured the fine-touch pressure thresholds of 91 circumcised and 68 uncircumcised, adult male volunteers, They reported "[the] glans of the uncircumcised men had significantly lower mean (sem) pressure thresholds than that of the circumcised men, at 0.161 (0.078) g (P = 0.040) when controlled for age, location of measurement, type of underwear worn, and ethnicity."[5] <

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Foreskin sensitivity

Some recent researchers have asserted that the foreskin may be sexually responsive.[8][9][10][11] Opponents of circumcision have cited these studies, which report on the sensitivity or innervation of the foreskin, claiming a sexual role based upon the presence of nerve-endings in the foreskin sensitive to light touch, stroking and fluttering sensations.

Circumcision removes the ridged band at the end of the foreskin.[12] Taylor (1996) observed that the ridged band had more Meissner's corpuscles — a kind of nerve ending that is concentrated in areas of greatest sensitivity — than the areas of the foreskin with smooth mucus membranes and a rich blood supply to serve the neurological tissue. Taylor (2000) postulated that the ridged band is sexually sensitive and plays a role in normal sexual function. He also suggested that the gliding action, possible only when there was enough loose skin on the shaft of the penis, serves to stimulate the ridged band through contact with the corona of the glans penis during vaginal intercourse.[13] This gliding action was also described by Lakshmanan (1980).[14]

Boyle et al. (2002) argued that circumcision and frenectomy remove tissues with "heightened erogenous sensitivity," stating "the genitally intact male has thousands of fine touch receptors and other highly erogenous nerve endings—many of which are lost to circumcision."[15] They concluded, "Evidence has also started to accumulate that male circumcision may result in lifelong physical, sexual, and sometimes psychological harm as well."

Sorrells et al. (2007), in the study discussed above, measured fine-touch pressure thresholds of the penis, and concluded "The transitional region from the external to the internal prepuce is the most sensitive region of the uncircumcised penis and more sensitive than the most sensitive region of the circumcised penis. Circumcision ablates" (removes) "the most sensitive parts of the penis." According to Sorrells et al., the five penile areas most sensitive to fine-touch are located on the foreskin.[5] In 2009, Schober et al reported on self-assessed sexual sensitivity in 81 men, 11 of whom were uncircumcised. When assessing areas producing sexual pleasure, the foreskin was ranked 7th, after the glans, lower and upper shaft, and the left and right sides of the penis, but above the area between scrotum and anus, the scrotum itself, and the anus.[16]


Erectile function

Reports detailing the effect of circumcision on erectile dysfunction have been mixed. Studies have variously found a statistically significant increase,[3][17] or decrease,[18][19] [20] in erectile dysfunction among circumcised men, while other studies have shown little to no effect.[21][22][23]

Fink et al., in an American study of 123 men, found that medically necessitated circumcision resulted in worsened erectile function (p=0.01).[3]

Kim & Pang (2007) reported no significant difference in erection.[23]

Laumann et al. reported that the likelihood of having difficulty in maintaining an erection was lower for circumcised men, but only at the 0.07 level (OR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.42-1.03).[20]


Ejaculatory function

Waldinger et al. recruited 500 men (98 circumcised and 261 not-circumcised) from five countries: the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, and the United States and studied their ejaculation times during sexual intercourse. They found that the circumcised men in the study took on average 6.7 minutes to ejaculate, compared with 6.0 minutes for the uncircumcised men. This difference was not statistically significant. The comparison excluded Turkey, which was significantly different from the other countries studied.[24] Commenting on the study, Sorrells et al. said "Turkish men, the vast majority of whom are circumcised, had the shortest IELT [Intravaginal ejaculation latency time]."[25]

Collins et al. conducted a prospective study of 15 adult circumcision patients, using the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI). The authors did not find a statistically significant effect on ejaculation scores.[22]

In a study of 42 Turkish men circumcised for religious reasons, Senkul et al. did not find a statistically significant difference in BMSFI ejaculation scores, but found a significant increase in the mean time to ejaculate. The authors suggested that delayed ejaculation may be seen as a benefit.[21]

In a telephone survey of 10,173 Australian men, 22% of uncircumcised men and 26% of circumcised men reported reaching orgasm too quickly for at least one month in the previous year. The difference was not statistically significant.[19]

In a study of 255 circumcised men and 118 uncircumcised men, Kim and Pang reported no statistically significant difference in ejaculation or ejaculation latency time between circumcised and uncircumcised participants.[23]

In a study of men circumcised for benign disease, Masood et al. reported that of those who stated they had prior premature ejaculation, 13% reported improvement after circumcision, 33% reported that it became worse, and 53% reported no change.[2]

In a study of 22 men circumcised as adults, Cortés-González et al. reported that 31.8% suffered from premature ejaculation before the procedure; this diminished to 13.6% afterwards.[18]

Sexual practice and masturbation

In a study by Korean researchers of 255 men circumcised after the age of 20 and 18 who were not circumcised, Kim and Pang reported that masturbatory pleasure decreased in 48% of the respondents and increased in 8%. Masturbatory difficulty increased in 63% but was easier in 37%. They concluded that there was a decrease in masturbatory pleasure after circumcision.[23]

Laumann et al. reported that circumcised men in their survey displayed a greater rates of experience of various sexual practices, including oral sex, anal sex, and masturbation.[20] For example, among whites the "estimated ratio of the odds of masturbating at least once a month for circumcised men was 1.76 that for uncircumcised men." Dr. Laumann provides two explanations for the difference in sexual practices. "One is that uncircumcised men, a minority in this country, may feel a stigma that inhibits them. Another is that circumcision reduces sensitivity in the penis, leading circumcised men to try a range of sexual activities."[26]

Fink et al. did not find a change in sexual activity with adult circumcision (p=0.22).[3]

Sexual drive

Several studies have investigated the effect of circumcision on sexual drive. Studies that did not find a statistically significant difference include Kim and Pang,[23] Collins et al.,[22] Senkul et al.,[21] and Cortés-González et al..[18]

Satisfaction

Kim & Pang (2007) found that 20% reported that their sex life was worse after circumcision and 6% reported that it had improved. They concluded that "there was a decrease ... sexual enjoyment after circumcision, indicating that adult circumcision adversely affects sexual function in many men, possibly because of complications of the surgery and a loss of nerve endings."[23]

Masood et al., in their study mentioned earlier of men circumcised for benign disease, found that 61% reported satisfaction with the results, while 17% felt it made things worse, and 22% expressed neutral sentiments. 44% of the patients (p = 0.04) and 38% of the partners (p = 0.02) thought the penis appearance improved after circumcision. The authors of the study concluded that the satisfaction rate was a 'poor outcome,' given the pre-procedure penile disease state and recommended discussing with prospective patients the results of this study during the informed consent process.[2]

Shen et al. reported that adult circumcision appeared to result in improved satisfaction in 34 cases (of 95 adults being circumcised), the association was statistically significant.[17]

Senkul et al. reported that they did not find a statistically significant difference in BMSFI satisfaction scores in their study of 42 adult circumcision patients.[21]

Collins et al. reported on a study of 15 adult circumcision patients. No statistically significant difference in BMSFI scores was observed.[22]

Fink et al. reported improved satisfaction (p=0.04). Half of the circumcised men reported benefits, while 38% reported harm. "Overall, 62% of men were satisfied with having been circumcised." Fink attributes the improved satisfaction to the respondee's aesthetic considerations and to a resolution of previous painful conditions.[3]

Cortés-González et al. found no statistically significant differences in terms of overall sexual satisfaction (p=0.15), pain during intercourse (p=0.23), or enjoyment of intercourse (p=0.32).[18]

Female preferences and response

O'Hara and O'Hara argue that foreskin is a natural gliding stimulator of the vaginal walls during intercourse, increasing a woman's overall clitoral stimulation and helping her achieve orgasm more quickly and more often. Without the foreskin's gliding action, they suggest, it can be more difficult for a woman to achieve orgasm during intercourse.[27] A study by psychologists Bensley & Boyle (2003) reported that vaginal dryness can be a problem when the male partner is circumcised.[28] Boyle & Bensley (2001) reported that the lack of a foreskin in the male partner produces symptoms similar to those of female arousal disorder. [Verification needed: 2008-10] The authors hypothesized that the gliding action possibly involved intercourse with an uncircumcised partner might help prevent the loss of vaginal lubrication. [Verification needed: 2008-10] They stated that the respondents were self-selected, and that larger sample sizes are needed.[15]

Cortés-González et al. studied 19 female partners of men scheduled for circumcision. They reported a significant reduction in vaginal lubrication following circumcision, from 78% to 63%, but found no statistically significant differences in "general sexual satisfaction, pain during vaginal penetration, desire, [or] vaginal orgasm".[29]

Kigozi et al. reported on a prospective study of 455 female partners of men, in Rakai Uganda, circumcised as part of a randomised trial. 39.8% reported improved sexual satisfaction following circumcision, 57.3% reported no change, and 2.9% reported reduced sexual satisfaction after their partners were circumcised.[30]

Williamson et al. (1988) studied randomly selected young mothers in Iowa, where most men are circumcised, and found that 76% would prefer a circumcised penis for achieving sexual arousal through viewing it.[31] Wildman and Wildman (1976) surveyed 55 young women in Georgia, US, reporting that 47 (89%) of respondents preferred the circumcised penis (the remainder preferred the uncircumcised penis).[32] Bailey et al. report that there is a preference by women for circumcised men, mentioning that the circumcised penis enters a woman more easily and is less likely to cause injury to the vagina.[33] [Verification needed: 2008-10]

Notes

  1. If stated, author's analysis is used. Otherwise, significance is considered to be p <= 0.05.
  2. c = circumcised; uc = uncircumcised.


See also

External links

References

  1. ↑ REFbook Kinsey, Alfred C., Pemeroy, AC (1948): Sexual Behavior in the Human Male. A. C. Saunders. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  2. ↑ a b c REFjournal Masood, S., Patel, H.R., Himpson, R.C., Palmer, J.H., Mufti, G.R., Sheriff, M.K.. Penile sensitivity and sexual satisfaction after circumcision: are we informing men correctly?. Urol Internationalalis. 2005; 75(1): 62-66. PMID. DOI.
  3. ↑ a b c d e REFjournal Fink, K.S., Carson, C.C., DeVillis, R.F.. Adult circumcision outcomes study: effect on erectile function, penile sensitivity, sexual activity and satisfaction. Journal of Urology. May 2002; 167(5): 2113-2116. PMID. DOI.
  4. ↑ REFbook Masters, W.H., Johnson, V.E. (1966): Human Sexual Response. Toronto; New York: Bantam Books. ISBN 0-553-20429-7.
  5. ↑ a b c REFjournal Sorrells, Morris L., Snyder, James L., Reiss, Mark D., Eden, Christopher, Milos, Marilyn F., Wilcox, Norma, Van Howe. Fine-touch pressure thresholds in the adult penis. BJU International. March 2007; 99(4): 864-869. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  6. ↑ REFjournal Yang, C.C., Bradley, W.E.. Neuroanatomy of the penile portion of the human dorsal nerve of the penis. British Journal Urology. July 1998; 82(1): 109-113. PMID. DOI.
  7. ↑ REFjournal Szabo, Robert, Short, Roger V.. How does male circumcision protect against HIV infection?. BMJ. June 2000; 320(7249): 1592-1594. PMID. PMC. DOI. Retrieved 9 July 2006.
  8. ↑ REFjournal Winkelmann, R.K.. The cutaneous innervation of human newborn prepuce. Journal of investigative dermatology. January 1956; 26(1): 53-67. PMID.
  9. ↑ REFjournal Winkelmann, R.K.. The erogenous zones: their nerve supply and significance. Proceedings of the staff meetings of the mayo clinic. January 1959; 34(2): 39-47. PMID.
  10. ↑ REFjournal Taylor, J.R., Lockwood, A.P., Taylor, A.J.. The prepuce: Specialized mucosa of the penis and its loss to circumcision. British journal of urology. February 1996; 77(2): 291-295. PMID. DOI.
  11. ↑ REFjournal Taylor, J.R., Cold, C.J.. The prepuce. British journal of urology. February 1999; 83(Supplement 1): 34-44.
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named taylor1996
  13. ↑ REFjournal Taylor, J.R.. Back and forth (letter). Pediatric news. October 2000; 34(10): 50.
  14. ↑ REFjournal Lakshmanan, S., Parkash, S.. Human prepuce: some aspects of structure and function. Indian journal of surgery. 1980; 44: 134-137. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  15. ↑ a b REFjournal Boyle, Gregory J., Bensley, Gillian A.. Adverse Sexual and Psychological Effects of Male Infant Circumcision. Psychological reports. July 2001; 88(3, Part 2): 1105-1106. PMID.
  16. ↑ REFjournal Schober, J.M., Meyer-Bahlburg, H.F., Dolezal, C.. Self-ratings of genital anatomy, sexual sensitivity and function in men using the 'Self-Assessment of Genital Anatomy and Sexual Function, Male' questionnaire. BJU Int.. September 2009; 103(8): 1096-103. PMID. DOI.
  17. ↑ a b REFjournal Shen, Z., Chen, S., Zhu, C., Wan, Q., Chen, Z.. Erectile function evaluation after adult circumcision. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. January 2004; 10(1): 18-19. PMID.
  18. ↑ a b c d Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named cortes2009
  19. ↑ a b REFjournal Richters, J., Patel, H.R., Himpson, R.C., Palmer, J.H., Mufti, G.R., Sheriff, M.K.. Circumcision in Australia: prevalence and effects on sexual health. International Journal of Sexually Transmissible Diseases and AIDS. 2006; 17(8): 547-554. PMID. DOI.
  20. ↑ a b c REFjournal Laumann, E.O., Masi, C.M., Zuckerman, E.W.. Circumcision in the United States: prevalence, prophylactic effects, and sexual practice. [[Journal|JAMA]]. 1997; 277(13): 1052-1057. PMID. DOI.
  21. ↑ a b c d REFjournal Senkul, T., Iseri, C., Sen, B., Karademir, K., Saracoglu, F., Erden, D.. Circumcision in Adults: Effect on Sexual Function. Urology. 2004; 63(1): 155-158. PMID. DOI.
  22. ↑ a b c d REFjournal Collins, S., Upshaw, J., Rutchik, S., Ohannessian, C., Ortenberg, J., Albertsen, P.. Effects of circumcision on male sexual function: debunking a myth?. Journal of Urology. 2002; 167(5): 2111-2112. PMID. DOI.
  23. ↑ a b c d e f REFjournal DaiSik, Kim, Pang, Myung-Geol. The effect of male circumcision on sexuality. BJU International. March 2007; 99(3): 619-622. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  24. ↑ REFjournal Waldinger, M.D., Quinn, P., Dilleen, M., Mundayat, R., Schweitzer, D.H., Boolell, M.. Circumcision in the United States: prevalence, prophylactic effects, and sexual practice. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2005; 2(4): 492-497. PMID. DOI.
  25. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named sorrells
  26. ↑ Study Is Adding to Doubts About Circumcision By SUSAN GILBERT Published: April 2, 1997. New York Times. [1]
  27. ↑ REFjournal O'Hara, K., O'Hara, J.. The effect of male circumcision on the sexual enjoyment of the female partner. BJU International. January 1999; 83(Supplement 1): 79-84. PMID. DOI.
  28. ↑ REFjournal Bensley, Gillian A., Boyle, Gregory J.. Effects of male circumcision on female arousal and orgasm. New Zealand medical journal. September 2003; 116(1181): 595-596. PMID.
  29. ↑ REFjournal Cortés-González, J.R., Arratia-Maqueo, J.A., Gómez-Guerra, L.S.. [Does circumcision has an effect on female's perception of sexual satisfaction?]. Rev. Invest. Clin.. 2008; 60(3): 227-230. PMID.
  30. ↑ REFjournal Kigozi, G., Lukabwe, I., Kagaayi, J., et al. Sexual satisfaction of women partners of circumcised men in a randomized trial of male circumcision in Rakai, Uganda. BJU Int. June 2009; 104(11): 1698-1701. PMID. DOI.
  31. ↑ Williamson ML, Williamson PS. Women's Preferences for Penile Circumcision in Sexual Partners. J Sex Educ Ther 1988; 14: 8
  32. ↑ REFjournal Wildman, R.W., Wildman, R.W., Brown, A., Trice, C.. Note on males' and females' preferences for opposite-sex body parts, bust sizes, and bust-revealing clothing. Psychological Reports. 1976; 38(2): 485-486. PMID.
  33. ↑ AIDS Care. 2002 Feb;14(1):27-40. The acceptability of male circumcision to reduce HIV infections in Nyanza Province, Kenya. Bailey RC, Muga R, Poulussen R, Abicht H. [2]
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