Circumcision's an odd one. While many lads under-go the procedure for religious or medical reasons, those who oppose it say it unnecessary and performing it on children is a form of abuse. Personally, I can't think of anything worse than having my man pieces cut and snipped.
Whatever you think about it, new research suggests that circumcision does not reduces penis sensitivity, a claim often made by its critics.
A study reported in The Journal of Urology looked at 62 men between the ages of 18 and 37, of whom 30 were circumcised and 32 were not circumcised.
Researchers tested penile sensitivity, including tactile detection, warmth detection and pain threshold at multiple sites on their penises, finding no difference between the two groups.
They also tested the men's sexual abilities over the course of four weeks. Their intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire and overall satisfaction were measured and, again, no difference was found between the two groups. Men bloody love sex whether they've had their tip snipped or not! Who would have thought it?
Speaking about the findings, lead author Jennifer Bossio from Queen's University Ontario, said: "We directly tested whether circumcision is associated with a reduction in penile sensitivity by testing tactile detection, pain, warmth detection, and heat pain thresholds at multiple sites on the penis between groups of healthy (neonatally) circumcised and intact men.
"This study indicates that neonatal circumcision is not associated with changes in penile sensitivity and provides preliminary evidence to suggest that the foreskin is not the most sensitive part of the penis."
Circumcision was common in the UK prior to the establishment of the NHS in 1948, with one in three men undergoing the procedure. However, shortly after it was established, the NHS ruled it medically unnecessary, meaning fewer of us undergo it in the UK.
But rates vary from country to county. In the USA, for example, 75.5% percent of adult males have been circumcised. And for many Jewish and Muslim communities, the procedure remains a fundamental part of their faith.
Circumcision has historically been promoted as a way of stopping lads masturbating, which doesn't seem a legit reason to me.
Whatever your position of circumcision, I'm sure we all unite against anybody who wants to suppress our freedom to wank!
Advert
Words by James Dawson
Feature Image Credit: PA Images
Featured Image Credit: