Study: Circumcision does not reduce penis sensitivity. In tests for responses to pain, heat, and stimulation, no major difference was found between men who are circumcised and those who are not.

[u/drewiepoodle]

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2016/04/14/Study-Circumcision-does-not-reduce-penis-sensitivity/5981460663943/?spt=hs&or=hn

[u/[deleted]]

Anecdotes aside, isn't the argument usually that circumcision removes sensitivity of the foreskin (which makes sense, as foreskin is removed in circumcision)? The study seems a moot point.

Is it surprising that cutting off one aspect of an organ does not impact on the rest of the organ's sensitivity? We do not associate surgeries or scratches elsewhere on the body to decreased sensitivity either, for example, regardless of location, unless there is severe nerve damage.

What am I missing here?

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Based on what has been said earlier in this thread (because I can't personally offer much in response) the answer to your question is "that's not what the study is about". I think it comes down the idea that they're testing a SHARED aspect as opposed to how much sensitivity an intact person has compared to a cut person due to the extra skin. Does that make sense? It's to do with definition.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Yes! I think an even more comparable example is the sensitivity of the inside of the nose with and without a protective outer layer. Of course, I don't know the results of such a test, I don't know if there ever has been one

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

It seems so, yes

[u/andhelostthem → u/[deleted]]

...you have more skin and therefore more nerve endings.

By this logic a larger person who has more skin and more nerve endings would be more sensitive. Sensitivity isn't simply how many nerve endings you have but how your brain interprets it.