Research Library
Peer-reviewed medical studies and academic research on circumcision, its effects, and ethical considerations.
Anatomy & FunctionThe prepuce: specialized mucosa of the penis and its loss to circumcision
Cold CJ, Taylor JR (1999) · British Journal of Urology
Comprehensive anatomical study describing the foreskin's structure, including its immunological functions and erogenous tissue.
View on DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-410x.1999.0830s1034.xAnatomy & FunctionFine-touch pressure thresholds in the adult penis
Sorrells ML, Snyder JL, Reiss MD, et al. (2007) · BJU International
Study finding that the five most sensitive areas of the penis are removed by circumcision, with the foreskin being more sensitive than the glans.
View on DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2006.06685.xPain & TraumaEffect of neonatal circumcision on pain response during subsequent routine vaccination
Taddio A, Katz J, Ilersich AL, Koren G (1997) · The Lancet
Research showing circumcised infants display stronger pain responses to vaccination months later, suggesting lasting physiological changes.
View on DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(96)10316-0Sexual FunctionMale circumcision decreases penile sensitivity as measured in a large cohort
Bronselaer GA, Schober JM, Meyer-Bahlburg HF, et al. (2013) · BJU International
Large Belgian study finding circumcised men report decreased sexual pleasure and more difficulty achieving orgasm.
View on DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.11761.xSexual FunctionThe effect of male circumcision on sexuality
Kim D, Pang MG (2007) · BJU International
Study of men circumcised as adults showing significant decrease in masturbatory pleasure and sexual enjoyment post-circumcision.
View on DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2006.06646.xComplicationsComplications of circumcision
Weiss HA, Larke N, Halperin D, Schenker I (2010) · BMC Urology
Systematic review finding complication rates of 2-10% for infant circumcision, including bleeding, infection, and surgical injury.
View on DOI: 10.1186/1471-2490-10-2Ethics & PolicyCultural bias in the AAP's 2012 Technical Report and Policy Statement on male circumcision
Frisch M, Aigrain Y, Barauskas V, et al. (2013) · Pediatrics
Response from 38 European physicians criticizing the AAP's circumcision policy as culturally biased and inconsistent with European medical positions.
View on DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-2896Ethics & PolicyNon-therapeutic circumcision of male minors
Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG) (2010) · KNMG Position Statement
Official statement discouraging non-therapeutic circumcision of minors, citing violation of children's rights to autonomy and physical integrity.
HIV & DiseaseA fatal flaw in the African studies on male circumcision and HIV transmission
Van Howe RS, Storms MR (2011) · Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics
Critical analysis of the African HIV trials identifying methodological flaws including lead-time bias and inadequate controls.
PsychologicalCircumcision: the hidden trauma
Goldman R (1997) · Vanguard Publications
Examination of psychological effects of circumcision, including research on trauma responses and long-term psychological impacts.