A study has recently published findings stating that male circumcision does not impair male sexual function, but in fact may improve the sex lives of those who have had the procedure done. The study, lead by John Krieger of the Universit y of Washington, followed 2,684 Kenyan men over three years , of whom 98% stated that they were happy with their circumcision. In the Journal of Sexual Health, which published the study, Kreiger revealed that rather than impairing sexual performance as some believed, most of the men experienced “both greater penile sensitivity and easier use of condoms.”
The study will perhaps have the greatest impact in Eastern and Southern Africa, where the battle rages to control the HIV epidemic. In keeping with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, circumcision is seen as a crucial weapon in HIV prevention programs amongst high-risk heterosexual populations. Krieger’s findings will certainly help to promote the procedure.
In the West, however, the study is an interesting addition to the debate over whether or not circumcision is beneficial. Once popular in both America and the UK, the rates of circumcision have dropped considerably, though in certain religious communities the procedure is still common. Regardless of whether it is medically beneficial or not, doubtless many men who agree to undergo the procedure will be reassured that it is unlikely to have had any negative impact on their sex lives.