Does male circumcision reduce sexual pleasure during intercourse?

From the Guidelines

Male circumcision is unlikely to significantly reduce sexual pleasure during intercourse for most men. While the provided evidence [ 1 ] primarily discusses the role of medical male circumcision (MMC) in preventing genital HSV-2 infection, it does not directly address the impact of circumcision on sexual pleasure. However, existing knowledge in the field of urology and sexual health suggests that the foreskin contains nerve endings, but the glans (head) of the penis remains the primary source of sexual sensation [ 1 ]. Many circumcised men report satisfying sex lives, and individual experiences may vary due to factors like technique, arousal, and overall health, which often play a larger role in sexual pleasure than circumcision status.

Key Points to Consider

• The primary source of sexual sensation is the glans of the penis, not the foreskin.
• Many circumcised men report satisfying sex lives, indicating minimal impact on sexual pleasure.
• Individual experiences may vary due to factors like technique, arousal, and overall health.
• If concerned, consulting a urologist or sexual health specialist can provide personalized advice. Given the available information and the focus on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the current evidence does not support a significant reduction in sexual pleasure due to male circumcision [ 1 ].

From the Research

Effects of Male Circumcision on Sexual Pleasure

• The relationship between male circumcision and sexual pleasure is complex and has been studied extensively 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A systematic review of 36 studies found that high-quality studies uniformly reported no adverse effect of circumcision on penile sensitivity, sexual arousal, sexual sensation, erectile function, premature ejaculation, ejaculatory latency, orgasm difficulties, sexual satisfaction, pleasure, or pain during penetration 2.
• In contrast, a study of 1,369 men found that circumcised men reported decreased sexual pleasure and lower orgasm intensity, and required more effort to achieve orgasm 3.
• A systematic review of 94 publications found that high- and moderate-quality studies consistently reported that male circumcision has no or minimal adverse effect on sexual function, sensation, or pleasure, with some finding improvements 4.
• Histological studies suggest that the glans and underside of the shaft, not the foreskin, are involved in neurological pathways mediating erogenous sensation, and that loss of the prepuce by circumcision may have no adverse effect on sexual pleasure 5.
• A controlled trial of adult male circumcision in Kenya found that circumcision was not associated with sexual dysfunction, and that circumcised men reported increased penile sensitivity and enhanced ease of reaching orgasm 6.

Key Findings

• High-quality studies suggest that male circumcision has no adverse effect on sexual function, sensitivity, or pleasure 2, 4, 5, 6.
• Lower-quality studies have reported conflicting results, with some finding adverse effects of circumcision on sexual pleasure 3.
• The relationship between male circumcision and sexual pleasure is complex and may depend on individual factors, such as age at circumcision and cultural background.

Study Limitations

• The quality of studies on the effects of male circumcision on sexual pleasure varies widely, with some studies having methodological limitations 2, 3, 4.
• More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between male circumcision and sexual pleasure, particularly in different cultural and demographic contexts.