Male circumcision decreases penile sensitivity

Male circumcision decreases penile sensitivity as measured in a large cohort.

Bronselaer GA, Schober JM, Meyer-Bahlburg HF, T’sjoen G, Vlietinck R, Hoebeke PB.
Source
Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.

Abstract

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.

OBJECTIVES:
To test the hypothesis that sensitivity of the foreskin is a substantial part of male penile sensitivity. To determine the effects of male circumcision on penile sensitivity in a large sample.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
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.

RESULTS:
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.

CONCLUSIONS:
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.

© 2013 BJU International.

Male circumcision decreases penile sensitivity as measured in a large cohort - PubMed

I was circumcised before puberty, so I guess I don’t have an idea. I mean for sensual experience.

But yeah, which moron invented this stupid shit anyway god damnit?

I was circumcised at 19. Yes the foreskin in very sensitive. Did being circumcised decrease my perceived sensitivity? No, it did not. My brain compensated.

I have worked in surgical gloves for years - my palpatory sensitivity is just as keen wearing gloves now as without them.

I had the cut when I was 6 months .

Only good thing about it was he cut me loose .

I at least have some movement when using “pecker ” .

I was circumcised when I was an infant.

As an adult I noticed that I was unable to feel sensations in the glans. Years ago I learned about foreskin restoration. I spent 20 months utilizing methods described in a book,
“The Joy of Uncircumcising.” I noticed a definite increase in sensitivity as a result of regrowing my foreskin. Yes, I realize it is not exactly like the original, however; the keratinize layers of the abrated glans diminished over time. So much so due to the protective nature of the regrown skin that my glans remains very moist. This moist nature has resulted in a greatly increased sensitivity of the gland.

My flaccid coverage index, CI, before embarking on the restoration process was CI-1. After 20 months my flaccid CI (FCI) is 9 and my erect CI (ECI) varies somewhere between CI- 7 or 8. This is dependent upon my physical activity and the ambient temperatures.

I am now able to sense greater feeling in the glans during sexual intercourse. This is definitely a much desired improvement.

That is a bummer, but at least it does not really affect the rest of penis function, besides the loss of some sensation. I just decided that if I thought it was worth it, I would start restoring. I try not to make such a big deal about such a little piece of skin.

BytByte

You would be surprised how many nerve endings there are in that “little piece of skin”, and how much area that missing skin would cover if spread out.

I do not, in the least, regret the restoring of my foreskin.

I really cannot tell if circumcision decrease sensitivity. I was circumcised before I even know how to masturbate, at 8 years old.

I was circumcised at 21. I would say yes, it decreases sensibility at the beginning of a intercourse. I need more stimulation than before to became to the same point of excitation. That is, I feel the same than before, but I need just a little more of time.

…that moron would be Abraham, the chief patriarch of Judaism, who first instituted the act of circumcision as a visible covenant between his people and God.

I wonder if circumcision is partially responsible for erectile dysfunction as men get into their 40s and 50s (in addition to the aging and fattening of their wives) due to the accumulation of keratinized layers of skin.

To the forum members in Europe (where circumcision is not common): are ED drugs marketed heavily over there?

No to the first part. Yes to the second. :)

As I stated before, I noticed quite a bit of decrease in sensitivity over the years.. That was over 20 years ago. I then heard about restoring the foreskin. I realize that the foreskin can never be restored to the original state of the natural unit. It took me a bit over 2 years to accomplish what I had set out to do. I noticed a very great increase in sensitivity in the glans. I also noticed that the glans would be covered most of the time. This coverage resulted in improvement in the moistness of the glans surface.

In fact when the mucosa area between the area where I originally had a circumcision scar and the corona of the glans would also remain very moist. This added moist characteristic increased sensitivity in this area also.

It is my belief that this coverage, in time, resulted in the removal of the built up keratinized layer. This layer eventually disappeared from the region where the circumcision scar was up to and including the entire glans.

On what basis are you claiming that keratinization over the years does not contribute to ED in some cases?

Makes sense to me. A glans that isn’t being constantly chafed has no need for all those extra layers of skin.

Though it sounds like your case, in terms of loss of glans sensitivity over time, is on the extreme end. But congrats on regaining that. It must give you a totally different perspective on, and interest in, sex.