Previous studies have shown that male circumcision can dramatically cut the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission. Now, new research finds that the procedure does not reduce sexual satisfaction.
"Other studies already show that being able to reassure men that the procedure won't affect sexual satisfaction or performance makes them much more likely to be circumcised," said Professor Ronald Gray, the study's leader. "Our study clearly shows that being circumcised did not have an adverse effect on the men who underwent the procedure when we compared them with the men who had not yet received surgery."
The researchers recruited 4,456 HIV-negative males ages 15-49 in Uganda. Men in the intervention group (2,210) underwent immediate circumcision; men in the control group (2,246) were to undergo circumcision 24 months later. In follow-up at six, 12, and 24 months, the men were surveyed about sexual satisfaction, desire, and erectile dysfunction. Among the study's findings:
*Sexual satisfaction was reported by 98.4 percent of the circumcised group and 99.9 percent of the control group.
*Ability to achieve penetration without problem was reported by 98.6 percent of the circumcised group and 99.4 percent of the control group.
*No pain during intercourse was reported by 99.4 percent of the circumcised group and 98.8 percent of the control group.
"Adult male circumcision does not adversely affect sexual satisfaction or clinically significant function in men," the authors concluded.
The full report, "The Effect of Male Circumcision on Sexual Satisfaction and Function, Results from a Randomized Trial of Male Circumcision for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention, Rakai, Uganda," was published in BJU International (2008;101(1):65-70).
01/08/08
UGANDA: Circumcision ‘Does Not Curb Sex’
Source: BBC News; Courtesy of the CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention