Danish Study Links Male Circumcision to Sexual Challenges for Men and Women

Even though this Danish study was published in 2011, its findings remain highly relevant today. It is the first research ever to examine not just how male circumcision affects men, but also how it impacts their female partners’ sexual satisfaction. For anyone curious about the long-term effects of circumcision—or considering foreskin restoration—these results offer important insights.

The study surveyed over 5,500 sexually active Danes, a population in which only about five percent of men are circumcised. Participants shared information about their own or their partner’s circumcision status and detailed experiences with sexual desire, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. The researchers then analyzed the data to identify associations between circumcision and sexual difficulties, adjusting for factors such as age, marital status, education, income, cultural and religious background, age at first intercourse, number of sexual partners, and frequency of sexual activity.

Circumcision and Men’s Sexual Challenges

One of the clearest findings was that circumcised men were more than three times as likely to experience frequent difficulties reaching orgasm compared to uncircumcised men. While the men’s age at first intercourse or perceived importance of sex did not differ, circumcised men reported more sexual partners and notable challenges in sexual response.

The physiological explanation is likely keratinization: over time, the glans of a circumcised penis develops a thin layer of hardened skin, reducing sensitivity. To reach orgasm, circumcised men often need more intense or prolonged stimulation, which can affect both their experience and that of their partners.

A Groundbreaking Look at Women’s Sexual Experiences

Where this study stands out is its examination of female partners—a perspective almost never explored in prior research. Women with circumcised men were twice as likely to report that their sexual needs were not fully met. They also faced a threefold increase in difficulty achieving orgasm and an eightfold increase in painful intercourse, or dyspareunia.

Researchers point to the “gliding movement,” a natural motion in intact penises where the foreskin slides over the glans during penetration, stimulating both partners. Circumcision eliminates this movement, which can increase friction and discomfort for women, potentially explaining the higher incidence of pain, dryness, and sexual dissatisfaction.

Reliable Data and Rigorous Analysis

The study’s strength lies in its careful methodology. By adjusting for multiple potential confounding factors, the researchers ensured that the associations observed were genuinely linked to circumcision rather than unrelated influences. Religious circumcisions were underrepresented, but removing these cases did not alter the results. Frisch, one of the study’s lead researchers, emphasized that filtering out error sources is crucial to avoid misleading conclusions.

Ethics, Awareness, and Modern Relevance

These findings have international implications. Policymakers in California even reached out to the Danish researchers as part of debates about circumcision laws. Frisch stresses that parents and men considering circumcision should be aware of the possible long-term sexual consequences. While circumcision is sometimes promoted in certain regions, this research highlights the importance of informed consent and bodily autonomy.

Ultimately, this study reveals that circumcision can affect sexual satisfaction for both men and women, even years after the procedure. For those who have experienced reduced sensitivity or sexual difficulties, it underscores why foreskin restoration may not just be a cosmetic choice, but a pathway to reclaiming function, pleasure, and intimacy.

Male circumcision and sexual function in men and women: a survey-based, cross-sectional study in Denmark; doi: 10.1093/ije/dyr104