Circumcised man shares unfortunate impact surgery has had on sex life

A man has opened up about the emotional toll he says circumcision has had on his love life.

In the UK, an estimated nine to 16 percent of men are circumcised, while about one-third of males worldwide have undergone the procedure.

The surgery, which removes the skin that covers the head of your penis, is only available on the NHS for medical reasons, 'such as repeated infections or problems caused by a tight foreskin', the health service explains.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Thomas Miller said the removal of his foreskin when he was eight affected him both in school and in his later years.

"Getting changed for sport I realised I was the only one in a class of 20 that looked like that," the 29-year-old said.

"Straight away, I felt different – I didn’t fit in."

Thomas said he has never been in a long-term relationship and that he thinks his 'concerns over circumcision are part of the reason why'.

Some negative effects only become apparent during the healing process or later in life (Getty Stock Images)

Robert White, 35, also told the outlet that 'other boys would make comments about my penis, such as it 'looks weird''.

"I genuinely didn’t know what the operation was called or what it was for, so couldn’t defend myself," the kitchen manager from Dorset said.

"I wish my parents had explained it all sooner, as it might have saved me years of bullying."

In his adult years, Robert said he found it difficult to orgasm because of the lack of sensitivity, while other women thought it meant that he didn't like them.

"Girlfriends took this as me not finding them attractive – which had nothing to do with it – and we’d part," he explained.

Despite the drawbacks, Robert met his partner two years ago and 'she seemed fine with me being circumcised. She understood it took me longer to get aroused and orgasm. We’ve found ways to make our sex life enjoyable'.

One-third of the male population worldwide is circumcised (Getty Stock Images)

"I’ve read up on ‘stretching’ the skin back using special weights, and have looked into revision surgery (see box) – one day I might consider it but, for now, things with my current partner are going well," he said.

According to Mayo Clinic, possible benefits include:

• Easier Hygiene - Removing the foreskin removes the area where bacteria and smegma can form, making the penis easier to clean.

• Lower UTI Risk - Circumcision reduces the low risk of infant urinary tract infections.

• Reduced STI Transmission - A lower risk of acquiring certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and HPV.

• Prevention of Penile Conditions - Eliminates the possibility of phimosis (not being able to pull back the foreskin), paraphimosis (foreskin stuck in a retracted position), and balanitis (inflammation of the glans).

• Cancer Protection - It offers protection against penile cancer and is associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer in female sexual partners due to reduced HPV transmission.