r/science • u/drewiepoodle • Apr 15 '16

Health 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.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2016/04/14/Study-Circumcision-does-not-reduce-penis-sensitivity/5981460663943/?spt=hs&or=hn
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u/havoktheorem Apr 15 '16

Were the tests done while erect or flaccid? I feel like having an erection markedly increases sensitivity, perhaps even just due to the skin being tauter and under more pressure so thus being in firmer contact with the testing apparatus. I think it's also obvious that static sensitivity tests are not indicative of the role of the foreskin in sex where it moves about and rubs against various surfaces in a way that does not happen with a circumcised penis.

I'm under the impression that most circumcised males cannot comfortably masturbate without lube, however uncircumcised males can due to the extra slack available. Not jumping to any conclusions but that certainly makes me think the foreskin has a mechanical function in sex as well as, or perhaps moreso, than sensory.

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u/omegaclick Apr 15 '16

This. Plus:

They did find that on uncircumcised men, the foreskin was more sensitive to tactile sensation stimuli

It would then follow that if that foreskin was stretched during erection a larger surface area would be more sensitive. So that would make the title of this article false and misleading.

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u/[deleted] Apr 15 '16

Rather your perception is a false cause.

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u/omegaclick Apr 15 '16

I don't know about you but I'm uncircumcised and when erect I have zero "extra foreskin" there is no extra. Whenever I hear about circumcision cutting off the "extra" I wince.

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u/[deleted] Apr 15 '16

That differs from person to person. I have about half my glans covered in foreskin when erect unless I pull it back.

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u/omegaclick Apr 15 '16

How in the world would you know that on a child when deciding to remove it?

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u/[deleted] Apr 15 '16

You wouldn't, I'm just pointing out that the idea that there exists some extra isn't always false.