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What's known on the subject? and What does the
study add?
The sensitivity of the foreskin and its importance
in erogenous sensitivity is widely debated and
controversial. This is part of the actual public
debate on circumcision for non-medical reason. Today
some studies on the effect of circumcision on sexual
function are available. However they vary widely in
outcome.
The present study shows in a large cohort of men,
based on self-assessment, that the foreskin has
erogenous sensitivity. It is shown that the foreskin
is more sensitive than the uncircumcised glans
mucosa, which means that after circumcision genital
sensitivity is lost. In the debate on clitoral
surgery the proven loss of sensitivity has been the
strongest argument to change medical practice. In
the present study there is strong evidence on the
erogenous sensitivity of the foreskin. This
knowledge hopefully can help doctors and patients in
their decision on circumcision for non-medical
reason.
"We're not saying less sexual activity or
satisfaction, but sensitivity," "It's not a very big
difference in sensitivity, but it's a significant
difference," said the study's senior researcher Dr.
Piet Hoebeke, from Ghent University Hospital.
The objectives of the study were to test the
hypothesis that sensitivity of the foreskin is a
substantial part of male penile sensitivity and to
determine the effects of male circumcision on penile
sensitivity in a large sample.
The study aimed at a sample size of ˜1000 men. Given
the intimate nature of the questions and the
intended large sample size, the authors decided to
create an online survey. Respondents were recruited
by means of leaflets and advertising.
The analysis sample consisted of 1059 uncircumcised
and 310 circumcised men. For the glans penis,
circumcised men reported decreased sexual pleasure
and lower orgasm intensity. They also stated more
effort was required to achieve orgasm, and a higher
percentage of them experienced unusual sensations (burning,
prickling, itching, or tingling and numbness of the
glans penis).
For the penile shaft a higher percentage of
circumcised men described discomfort and pain,
numbness and unusual sensations.
In comparison to men circumcised before puberty, men
circumcised during adolescence or later indicated
less sexual pleasure at the glans penis, and a
higher percentage of them reported discomfort or
pain and unusual sensations at the penile shaft.
This study confirms the importance of the foreskin
for penile sensitivity, overall sexual satisfaction,
and penile functioning.
Furthermore, this study shows that a higher
percentage of circumcised men experience discomfort
or pain and unusual sensations as compared with the
uncircumcised population.
Before circumcision without medical indication,
adult men, and parents considering circumcision of
their sons, should be informed of the importance of
the foreskin in male sexuality.
Authors
Guy A. Bronselaer, Justine M. Schober, Heino F.L.
Meyer-Bahlburg, Guy T'Sjoen, Robert Vlietinck, Piet
B. Hoebeke.
For more information
Male circumcision decreases penile sensitivity as
measured in a large cohort
(MDN)
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