Research Library

Peer-reviewed medical studies and academic research on circumcision, its effects, and ethical considerations.

About This Library

This curated collection includes studies from peer-reviewed journals. For complete citations and additional references, visit our References page.

Anatomy & Function

The 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.x
Anatomy & Function

Fine-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.x
Pain & Trauma

Effect 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)10316-0
Sexual Function

Male 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.x
Sexual Function

The 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.x
Complications

Complications 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: 10.1186/1471-2490-10-2
Ethics & Policy

Cultural 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.2012-2896
Ethics & Policy

Non-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 & Disease

A 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.

Psychological

Circumcision: the hidden trauma

Goldman R (1997) · Vanguard Publications

Examination of psychological effects of circumcision, including research on trauma responses and long-term psychological impacts.

Complete Reference List

View our comprehensive list of citations and sources used throughout our educational content.

View All References