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Study Claims That Circumcision Does Not Reduce Sexual Sensitivity: A Intact Penis Is As Sensitive As A Circumcised One

By Chrissie Williams
Published on: 15:53 PST, Apr 17, 2016

The debate on whether circumcised or intact penises are more sensitive has been answered. The subject has come up on parenting message boards for decades. On one hand, some mothers felt that it wasn’t their right to alter their sons’ manhood without their consent and they left them exactly as they were born. They feel that when their sons are of age, he can make the decision to get circumcised if that’s what he wishes.

On the other hand, pro-circumcision mothers felt it was more hygienic to cut (circumcise) their sons. Apparently, finally after decades of debate, a research study has the answer to which one is more (sexually) sensitive, and the answer may surprise you.

The Journal of Urology posted a study that found that circumcision does not reduce sensitivity and concluded that the foreskin may not be the most sensitive area of the penis.

“We directly tested whether circumcision is associated with a reduction in penile sensitivity by testing tactile detection, pain, warmth detection, and heat pain thresholds at multiple sites on the penis between groups of healthy (neonatally) circumcised and intact men. This study indicates that neonatal circumcision is not associated with changes in penile sensitivity and provides preliminary evidence to suggest that the foreskin is not the most sensitive part of the penis.”

Sixty-two males, ages 18 -37, were studied with 30 circumcised and 32 intact. They tested the subjects’ response to pain, heat, and cold. The test group found no differences between the intact and circumcised subjects and found that age didn’t seem to affect the sensitivity either.

Initially, when the circumcision study began, it was believed that the foreskin was the most sensitive area of the penis. The research proved that when stimulated the foreskin had a similar reaction as placing something cold or hot on your forearm when compared to other genital areas. The midline shaft of the penis was proven to be the most sensitive area of the male reproductive system, and it was consistent with all ages tested.

When the study looked at the data regarding sexual health and orientation between intact and circumcised men, there was little difference between the two. They examined the five areas of sexual satisfaction: intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction. As surprising as it is, there was no difference between age or circumcision status.

“Methodology and results from this study build on previous research and imply that if sexual functioning is related to circumcision status, this relationship is not likely the result of decreased penile sensitivity stemming from neonatal circumcision.”

Activists have maintained for decades that routine circumcision is a painful procedure that alters the newborn’s body without their consent, and the study doesn’t refute that claim, exactly, Ask Men revealed. The study merely states whatever choice you make will not result in a decreased penile sensitivity later in life.

The experts also reported that there are other [valid] reasons not to circumcise that are not based on sexual sensitivity, and if you are expecting a baby boy, it is important to carefully consider both options and select the option that you feel is right for your family.

What do you think about the circumcision study? Voice your opinion in the comments section below about the new study on male circumcision and come back later for more trending news updates.

[Photo Via AP Photo/John Minchillo]

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