Does Circumcision Make Sex More Enjoyable?

Circumcision is the cutting away of the foreskin of the penis or the clitoris of the female genital area. This is a religious rite commonly practiced by Jews and Muslims when they reach certain age. However, some people who are outside of these two groups make decision to circumcise their offspring when they are borne mainly for hygienic reason. The foreskin of the penis is a part of the body that is rich with nerve endings. Circumcision therefore has some impact on penile sensation. So, does circumcision affect sexual satisfaction?

The two groups of people who are likely to be most interested in whether circumcision affects sexual pleasure are men who were circumcised as infants (and their sexual partners) and parents-to-be who would like to know about the potential impact on their kids’ adult sex life their decision to circumcise may have. In both cases, without a clear point of comparison it is difficult to come to a conclusion.

A 2007 research on circumcision published in the journal BJU International, found a difference in the fine touch sensitivity between men who were circumcised and uncircumcised. This same study also compared the sensitivity thresholds at various points on the penis and came to the conclusion that the most sensitive part of the uncircumcised penis was more sensitive than the most sensitive part of the circumcised penis. The authors were of the view that the part of the penis been removed by circumcision was the most sensitive part of the penis. However this study cannot be considered conclusive, but this information draws our attention on the relationship between sexual sensitivity and circumcision. But physical sensitivity is not necessary the same thing as the subjective experience of sexual sensation. Another thing to consider and compare is the actual sexual experience of men who are circumcised and uncircumcised. For men who were circumcised at birth, they have no way to compare against the sexual experience under uncircumcised condition. A few studies have asked men who were circumcised as adults to compare physical sensitivity. Results from such studies suggest there is reduction in physical sensitivity but this reduction may not be as significant as one who would think. Another smaller study of men who were circumcised as adults found 18% reported a reduction in penile sensitivity. In yet another study, men reported a reduction in penile sensitivity but no reduction in overall sexual satisfaction. So does circumcision makes sex better, worse, or the same? While it is reasonable to assume that being circumcised would play some part in how you experience sex, but I do like to point out that there could be probably lots of other factors that could have a greater impact on how much pleasure you and/or your partners get from sex.