Circumcision can influence sexual experience, though individual experiences vary. Potential considerations include:
1. Sensory change: Some circumcised men report less direct sensation of the glans during sex, potentially affecting pleasure. However, individual sensory nerve supply differs, and some men may not notice significant change.
2. Adaptation: Most men adapt to their circumcised state over time, and pleasure can still be attained through foreplay and stimulation of adjoining skin areas.
3. Oral-genital contact: Circumcision mainly influences direct genital sensation, so oral-genital sex may remain largely unaffected.
4. Condom use: Circumcised men can effectively use condoms. Pre-cum, if it exists, might still occur; however, proper use of male condoms during intercourse should suffice as a precaution.
5. Sexual health: Circumcision has been linked with lower risks for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV. Good sexual health practices are pivotal for all individuals, circumcised or not.
6. Communication: Disclosure of circumcision status and open communication with sexual partners are essential for understanding and adapting mutual sexual practices.
7. Sexual techniques: Exploring new positions and approaches to be mindful of the circumcised area can lead to discovering more enjoyable experiences.
Personal experiences with circumcision and sex are subjective, emphasizing importance of communication and individual exploration.
Source: 123RF
Banana with the tip of the peel cut off, the concept of male circumcision
To fully understand what the circumcision it is first important to know the anatomical structure of the penis represented by three main components: the root, the penile shaft, and the glans; the latter is normally covered by a skin envelope that is called the foreskin. What differentiates a circumcised penis from an uncircumcised one is that in the former case the glans is visible, while in the latter it is covered by the foreskin when it is not in the process of erection.
In fact, male circumcision of the penis consists of a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin, leaving the glans, that is, the terminal part of the penis, uncovered. This is a practice that can be performed for medical, hygienic, aesthetic or religious and cultural reasons.
Nowadays, circumcision is still widespread; it is estimated that in the world about one in three men is circumcised.
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Why is circumcision used?
Circumcision is a practice that goes back many years: the earliest evidence dates back to Ancient Egypt, where it was associated with greater purity and a’spiritual elevation. This is a widespread practice among Jews, Muslims, and in some African populations where it was usually practiced at ceremonies such as initiation rite.
In the case of children, circumcision takes place mostly for religious reasons, however, with regard to adults it is most commonly carried out for medical reasons When genital diseases are present that could generate problems.
In addition to being practiced for religious and cultural reasons, circumcision is performed for hygienic reasons; indeed, removal of the foreskin appears to promote greater intimate hygiene, this is because the absence of the skin envelope surrounding the glans prevents accumulation of dirt and smegma from occurring. (ed. the accumulation of secretions produced by the genitals) that could generate dangerous genital infections.
Specifically, the main medical reasons that men may undergo circumcision include:
- Phimosis, a condition involving a narrowing of the foreskin that can cause difficulty uncovering the glans;
- paraphimosis: once retracted, the foreskin cannot be pulled fully forward to cover the glans;
- recurrent balanopostitis, which is inflammation of bacterial origin of the balano-preputial groove;
- lichen sclerosus of the penis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin of the genital area;
- premature ejaculation: removal of the foreskin in some cases can reduce penile hypersensitivity;
- Prevention of papilloma virus (HPV)-related penile cancers.
Another reason why men nowadays resort to circumcision is the desire to improve the aesthetics of their genitals. Studies have shown that most women find the circumcised penis more aesthetically attractive than an uncircumcised penis.
Benefits of circumcision
The circumcised penis offers numerous health benefits for both the men who undergo this surgery and for their sexual partners. As we have seen, circumcision promotes a greater intimate hygiene, consequently reducing the risk of contracting infections and sexually transmitted diseases; research even shows a slight reduction in the likelihood of contracting the HIV virus in circumcised male individuals. As a result, partners of circumcised men also have a lower risk of contracting infections during sexual intercourse, which is why most women tend to prefer it.
In a study of a sample of women from different populations, it was found that most of them showed a preference for the circumcised penis because they considered it to be cleaner, sexier, more pleasant to the touch, smelling better, and able to provide greater protection against infection.
Circumcision and sexuality
It is important to remember that surgery to remove the foreskin Can affect the sensitivity of the penis, but this in the medium to long term does not affect sexual satisfaction more. The review of recent studies showed no difference in the components of sexual function related to sensation, sensation, and sexual pleasure between circumcised and uncircumcised men. However, it should be specified that the absence of effect on sexual function has been established especially when considering circumcision performed in childhood.
On my clinical experience, the effect on sexuality in circumcised males in adulthood is highly variable and must be related to the individual’s psychological profile, couple dynamics, and socio-environmental context. As is often the case in sexology, it is difficult to lump everything together and it is important that each individual case is evaluated in its uniqueness and distinctiveness.
Medically speaking, circumcision is a procedure that rarely generates serious complications if practiced by properly trained professionals and in a sterile environment. Appropriate psychosexological evaluation alongside the surgery can certainly help prevent any complications on sexuality as well.
