Does circumcision improve couples sexual life?

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to compare sexual life and enjoyment of men (and their partner) that were circumcised as adults before and after their circumcision.

Methods: The study included 123 sexually active men that were circumcised two years before or more. The mean age was 36 years (22- 64). All the men filled a questionnaire about the quality of their sexual life and the sexual enjoyment before and after circumcision. Also, there were questions about partners sexual life improvement. The results are presented below.

Results: 16% answered that their sex life was improved, while 35% reported a worse sex life after circumcision. There were no significant differences in erection and ejaculation. 65% reported that the ejaculation latency time increased significantly after circumcision but only 10% of them reported that this fact improved sexual life. 46% of men reported that their partners sexual life worsened after circumcision, 33% reported that their partner's sexual life improved and 21% reported no significant difference.

Conclusion: There was a decrease in couples sexual life after circumcision indicating that adult circumcision adversely affects sexual function in many men or/and their partners, possibly because of complications of surgery and loss of nerve endings. The results support the view that physicians and parents should be informed of the potential benefits and risks before newborns are circumcised.