Circumcision Effects on Male Sexual Satisfaction

Circumcision effects, no matter of age or reason performed for, has always been questioned to whether it affects male sexual satisfaction. Many men who have had circumcision performed are either very happy or ask for possibilities for a reversal.While the positive circumcision effects on sexual health has been studied and proven very well, its role in male sexual satisfaction seems to remain a case-to-case subjective finding.

Studies on Circumcision Effects:

The answer to the question whether circumcision does affect male sexual satisfaction was now provided by a recently published study in Australia: The study reviewed the scientific literature to find out whether there is any difference in sexual performance and satisfaction between circumcised and uncircumcised men! The study was carried out by two researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, US, and was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.36 studies, which reported data for 40,473 men, including 19,542 not circumcised and 20,931 circumcised, were included in this study. Just under half of those circumcised had had the procedure carried out in infancy. Over half the studies had collected data on premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or sexual satisfaction or pleasure, while around a quarter had collected information on time to ejaculation, pain during sex, orgasm difficulties or sensitivity.The answer: Circumcision has no adverse effect on sexual function or sensitivity!The review included 36 studies and the overall review found no evidence for any differences between circumcised and uncircumcised men in terms of sexual function or sexual pleasure.Interestingly, other studies published about male sexual satisfaction and its relation to circumcision found that circumcised men were happier with the appearance of their bodies, and masturbated more frequently. However, another survey found that men after circumcision were more likely to find masturbation more difficult or that it gave less pleasure, compared to the time before circumcision.

Circumcision Effects on Premature Ejaculation

Another study of 500 couples found no difference in the average time to ejaculate during sex in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Another survey of men in Sydney found that premature ejaculation was significantly less common in men circumcised in later life.Other reviews that combined the results of individual studies found no difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men in difficulties with orgasm, pain during sex, or sexual desire.The researchers conclude that “the highest-quality studies suggest that male circumcision has no adverse effect on sexual function, sensitivity, sexual sensation, or satisfaction”. Circumcision does not affect male sexual satisfaction or performance negatively!While the review considered a large body of evidence, our readers should keep in mind the different factors that might play a role in the outcome. When conducting studies about subjective outcomes, e.g. sexual satisfactions, men with a satisfactory sexual life, circumcised or not, seem to be more willing to participate in studies like this one. Furthermore, sexual satisfaction is understood in so many different ways influenced by habits, overall socioeconomic standards, and many more individual factors; what is satisfactory for one man, might not be even close to OK for another! (Subjective responses).

Circumcision Effects on Male Appearance:

Interestingly, other studies published about male sexual satisfaction and its relation to circumcision found that circumcised men were happier with the appearance of their bodies, and masturbated more frequently. However, another survey found that men after circumcision were more likely to find masturbation more difficult or that it gave less pleasure, than being more favorable.Another study of 500 couples found no difference in the average time to ejaculation during sex in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Another survey of men in Sydney found that premature ejaculation was significantly less common in men circumcised in later life.Other reviews that combined the results of individual studies found no difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men in difficulties with orgasm, pain during sex, or sexual desire.After considering the scientific literature and counting in the subjective and objective bias, the decision about circumcision or not remains a personal choice which might be influenced by cultural and geographic factors. While the medical advantages regarding decreased risk for STDs and other infections have been proven by clinical studies, the sexual satisfaction in men, as shown by this study, does not seem to be a justifiable factor for a decision about getting circumcised or not and cannot be considered as one of circumcision effects.We have discussed a lot about circumcision, its advantages and disadvantages in our previous blog posts. You may find them here:Circumcision SurgeryMedical Reasons For CircumcisionCircumcision Effects on Male Sexual SatisfactionCircumcision Advantages and DisadvantagesCircumcision Benefits in Adults