Does Circumcision Affect Libido?
- Female satisfaction was reported to be better with circumcised men
- No adverse penile sensitivity has been reported.
- Personal psychology and relationship dynamics have a greater impact than circumcision status.
Introduction
Circumcision, the removal of the penis’s foreskin, is a procedure steeped in history, performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons across the globe.
From ancient rituals to modern hospitals, it remains one of the most common surgeries today.
But beyond its physical implications, a key question lingers in sex education: does circumcision affect libido, the drive that fuels sexual desire?
This article dives into this curiosity, separating myths from facts to provide clarity on how or if this procedure impacts sexual health.
Circumcision does not negatively affect male libido, sexual function, performance, or satisfaction. Contrary to common myths, removing the foreskin does not impair sexual sensation, as the deeper nerve fibers critical for sexual function remain untouched. A comprehensive 2013 analysis in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, a research team from Australia and the United States reviewing 36 studies with approximately 40,000 men, concluded that circumcision has no adverse impact on sexual function, satisfaction, or libido.
Myth-Busting
- Circumcision reduces sexual pleasure, lowering libido
– The glans (head of the penis) remains the primary source of sexual sensation, and it is still fully functional after circumcision. - Circumcision causes erectile dysfunction, impacting libido
– Erection is the result of coordination between the brain, spinal cord, nerves, blood vessels, and erectile tissue, as mentioned previously circumcision is a procedure where foreskin is removed. - Circumcised men have higher libido due to increased sensitivity
– Scientific research by Boyle & Bensley (2016) concluded “the preponderance of evidence does not support claims that circumcision increases sensitivity or sexual pleasure. But as the exposed glans heightens sensitivity, thus boosting sexual desire.” - Circumcision alters hormone levels, affecting libido
– Rumours persist that circumcision disrupts testosterone or other hormones linked to sex drive but as the circumcision process only involves removal of foreskin it does not affect any internal nerves nor testicles. - Circumcision affects fertility, influencing libido
– Circumcision is the procedure where foreskin is removed, it does not impact the testicles, sperm production, or the hormonal pathways responsible for reproduction. - Circumcision changes ejaculation timing, altering libido
– Claims differ, some say it speeds up ejaculation, others say it delays, supposedly affecting desire. - Female partners experience reduced satisfaction
– Studies show either no difference or improved satisfaction among female partners. Research in Kenya found 97% of partners reported improved sexual satisfaction.
Some Fun Facts!
- Studies show no notable difference in sexual pleasure or libido between circumcised and uncircumcised men.
– The foreskin’s removal doesn’t target the deeper nerves responsible for sexual sensation, so desire and enjoyment typically remain unchanged. - No evidence ties circumcision to erectile dysfunction (ED).
– A 2005 International Journal of Impotence Research study found ED relates to factors like age or health, not circumcision. - Research shows no increase in sensitivity or libido post-circumcision.
– Two largest studies on men’s sexual health were conducted in Kenya and Uganda, involving about 7,456 men. In Kenya, 72 percent of men claimed that their penile sensitivity increased. - Circumcision does not affect hormone levels or libido.
– A 2012 Asian Journal of Andrology study confirmed that it is a localized surgery with no impact on testosterone. - No link between circumcision and psychological distress or reduced libido.
– A 2017 Psychology, Health & Medicine study showed emotional effects are personal, not tied to the procedure. - Circumcision does not affect fertility.
– The surgery involves only the foreskin and has no bearing on reproductive organs or sperm production, so it doesn’t influence sex drive through fertility concerns. - There is no consistent link between circumcision and ejaculation timing or libido.
-A 2018 Sexual Medicine Reviews meta-analysis showed sexual satisfaction remains similar regardless.
Conclusion
Circumcision might snip the foreskin, but it doesn’t cut into libido. Myths have long clouded this topic, but science slices through the noise: sexual desire holds steady, circumcised or not.
Armed with facts, we can strip away outdated fears and embrace a clearer understanding of sexual health because when it comes to libido, it’s what’s inside that counts.
For those considering circumcision, the message is clear: this procedure does not diminish one’s capacity for sexual enjoyment.
Individual factors matter more than anatomical differences, and open communication remains key to sexual health and satisfaction.
https://www.pristyncare.com/blog/circumcision-myths-vs-facts-pc0441/
https://www.pristyncare.com/blog/can-circumcision-affect-sex-drive-pc0441/
https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2021-new-app-to-access-who-s-voluntary-medical-male-circumcision-guidelines-and-resources
Author
