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What are the effects of circumcision on sexual intercourse?

06.04.2023

There are numerous reasons for circumcision, in addition to religious, cultural and medically necessary circumcisions, many men also have themselves circumcised for aesthetic reasons. Circumcision can also have an effect on sexual intercourse.

Sex as circumcised man

After circumcision, man can become sexually active again after two to four weeks, once the wound is completely healed. But what is sexual intercourse like with the circumcised penis?

Usually, newly circumcised men feel somewhat “exposed” after a circumcision and find the sight of their penis takes some getting used to. After a short time, however, this feeling subsides.

Some men report a higher “stamina” during sex as well as more intense orgasms. Whether circumcision has an effect on sex life is, however, controversial.
After the foreskin is removed as “protection” for the glans, the sensitivity at the tip of the penis may well change. That this sensitivity, but also the excitability or orgasm ability changes in all men by circumcision, is not clearly proven. The fact that the climax can be delayed longer during sexual intercourse therefore probably also varies from man to man.

However, circumcision has no effect on erectile function or erectile strength.

How does circumcision affect the partner?

During sexual intercourse itself, most women do not notice any real difference. However, each has her own personal preferences. Some enjoy sex with a circumcised man, others enjoy being with an uncircumcised man. Still others may have no preference at all.

One reason some prefer a circumcised man as a sex partner is hygiene. An intact foreskin is harder to keep clean. It can also be more susceptible to infection. Therefore, many women (or men) feel more comfortable having sex with a circumcised man because they feel their risk of infection is lower. Without this concern in mind, sex can then be more pleasurable.

On the other hand, some prefer to have sex with an uncircumcised man because the foreskin feels softer and there is less friction during penetration. If the foreskin is still present, the glans is much more sensitive, so the man may not need to thrust as deeply or quickly to feel pleasure himself Therefore, uncircumcised men often penetrate their sexual partners with gentler movements.

A circumcised man lacks nothing but the foreskin during sexual intercourse. If a man or woman finds the friction during penetration uncomfortable or painful, lubricating gel helps to solve the problem.

Dr. med. Franklin Kuehhas

About the Author

Dr. med. Franklin Kuehhas Dr. Franklin Kuehhas is a medical specialist in the field of urology and andrology. He received his specialization training at the University College London. He also underwent his training at the prestigious University Hospital in Heidelberg (Germany) and at the University Hospital of Vienna (Austria). Dr Kuehhas focuses on the treatment of congenital and acquired penile curvatures (Peyronie’s disease), implantation of penile prostheses and also aesthetic genital surgery in men.