Can circumcision affect sex?

Dear Foreskin Troubles, 

Whether it’s intact or snipped, penises come in different packages, but that doesn’t mean one is automatically better or worse in the bedroom. Uncircumcised penises are more likely to deal with health concerns, like bacterial infections. However, many of these can be avoided with proper hygiene and safer sexual practices. Read on to learn more about circumcision, potential health effects, and how circumcision can affect sex for both partners. 

What is circumcision, and why might someone get circumcised? 

Circumcision is a medical procedure that involves the removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis, also known as the foreskin. There’s no inherent risk that comes with having a foreskin. Many people get circumcised at birth or decide to make the decision for themself later in life for reasons like religion or hygiene. In some cases, there may be a medical need for circumcision, such as if the foreskin can’t be retracted because it’s too tight.   

How does circumcision affect sex with a partner?   

Studies have shown mixed results on the impact of circumcision on sexual pleasure. The foreskin can be a highly sensitive tissue on the penis, containing several nerve endings. Because of this, uncircumcised people may experience greater sexual pleasure, given that their foreskin is intact. However, some studies show that circumcision doesn’t have significant long-term effects on sexual function or pleasure. Sensitivity and pleasure can also vary widely from person to person, which may contribute to the contradiction in study results.  

Is an uncircumcised penis visibly different from a circumcised penis? 

A circumcised penis generally looks shorter and less bulky compared to an uncircumcised penis. This is often due to there being less skin because of the removed foreskin. It’s important to note, however, that there’s not a size difference between a circumcised and uncircumcised penis when erect. This is because, by nature, the foreskin often retracts when erect, leaving the penis exposed in the same way an uncircumcised penis presents.  

What are the health effects of having an uncircumcised penis?    

Individuals with an uncircumcised penis may be more likely to have certain health concerns. These could include:   

• Phimosis. This is where the foreskin is too tight around the penis and cannot retract; it can cause pain and discomfort.  
• Paraphimosis. Like phimosis, the foreskin is stuck below the head of the penis and can’t pull back over the head. This can cause fluid to build up in the area and cause swelling.  
• Bacterial or fungal infections. Without proper washing, bacteria can collect under the foreskin and cause infections like balanitis.  
• Yeast infections. Bacteria can collect on the tip of the penis and cause irritation.  

There are also higher rates of STIs among those who have uncircumcised penises compared to hose who have been circumcised. One study found that people circumcised in adulthood have a 30 percent lower risk of contracting herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV). Similarly, people with circumcised sexual partners may be at lower risk of contracting STIs like chlamydia and herpes. Circumcision is also associated with a reduced risk of HIV. 

List adapted from Medical News Today 

Can some of these health effects be prevented? 

The good news is that many of these concerns can be avoided with proper hygiene and safer sex practices. Washing regularly with water and a mild soap beneath the foreskin can help to reduce any bacteria or dead skin cells that may build up under that skin. Additionally, using a barrier method during sex may help to reduce the chances of fluid and other bacteria getting trapped in the foreskin.  

That said, circumcision is not a substitute for safer sex practices. While condoms and regular STI screenings remain essential tools for protection, regardless of circumcision status, so too does open communication. It’s good to talk with your partner about hygiene, STI history, and what feels good to help reduce anxiety and create a comfortable environment for both people. 

Whether a penis is circumcised or not doesn’t determine the quality of sex or the health of a relationship. Factors like hygiene and safer sex practices can make for a healthy sexual relationship regardless of foreskin status—no horror stories required. 

Hope these tips help!