Circumcision and Sexual Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Male circumcision is one of the most frequently performed and debated urological procedures due to its possible implications for sexual health.

Objectives: The objective of this article is to review the literature on male circumcision and reconcile the scientific evidence to improve the quality of care, patient education, and clinician decision-making regarding the effects on sexual function of this procedure.

Methods: A review of the published literature regarding male circumcision was performed on PubMed. The criteria for selecting resources prioritized systematic reviews and cohort studies pertinent to sexual dysfunction, with a preference for recent publications.

Results: Despite the conflicting data reported in articles, the weight of the scientific evidence suggests there is not sufficient data to establish a direct association between male circumcision and sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion: This review provides clinicians with an updated summary of the best available evidence on male circumcision and sexual dysfunction for evidenced-based quality of care and patient education.

Keywords: male circumcision; sensation; sensitivity; sexual dysfunction; sexual function; sexual satisfaction.