Penile Sensitivity Study Overlooks Erogenous Foreskin

New urology study disgregards most men's most sexually sensitive anatomy -- the foreskin

New Orleans, LA -- Urologist Dr. Arnold Melman presented his penile sensitivity study on April 28, at the Chicago convention of the American Urological Society. The foreskin was carefully excluded from testing resulting in findings that not only minimized the sexual importance of the foreskin, but also minimized its sensory loss in circumcised men," said J. Steven Svoboda, Executive Director of Attorneys for the Rights of the Child.

The study examined the sensitivity of the glans (head of the penis) and found little difference in circumcised and non-circumcised intact males. Not surprising," said Svoboda, since the glans is known to have relatively few nerves compared to the foreskin, about the same sensitivity as the back of the hand. The inner foreskin however, has as much or more sensitivity as the palm of the hand. The study confirms the increased sensitivity of the intact penis is not in the glans but in the foreskin. The study fails to prove its claim that circumcised men and normal men have the same penile sensitivity."

The foreskin not only improves the mans sexual pleasure, but his partner, too. The foreskins gliding action is pleasurable for both and it keeps the glans moist allowing for easy insertion. Dry sex is the major sexual complaint of marriages in the highly circumcised U.S.

The foreskin is the location of the exquisitely sensitive mucocutaneous junction and the recently discovered highly erogenous ridged-band area of the foreskin. Dr. Melman overlooked this sensitive area and unfortunately omitted it from the testing," said Svoboda.

Recent studies published in the Journal of Urology found that circumcision degrades erectile function in adult males. The reason for this remains unclear but is believed to be due to the loss of sensory nerves when the foreskin is excised. More study is needed to clarify the manner in which circumcision afflicts erectile function. Melmans work contributes to our understanding of the foreskins important role in human sexuality and points out the need for additional research on the significance of genital anatomy and sexual responsiveness.

The added issue regarding circumcision is that of consent -- do parents have the legal authority to consent to the non-therapeutic excision of their infant sons normal protective erogenous penile tissue?