Researchers from Saint Louis University conducted a study to map erogenous zones in the penises of men who were circumcised and those who were not. The findings were reported in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, highlighting how sexual sensation is perceived in different groups.
The topic of circumcision and sexual function remains debated in the scientific community. Some studies report heightened sensitivity at the glans after circumcision, while others do not observe clear differences. This new research contributes to the ongoing discussion by examining subjective touch preferences and overall sexual experience across groups.
In this study, 402 participants were included, consisting of 227 circumcised men and 175 uncircumcised men. Each participant viewed images representing twelve distinct anatomical regions of the penis. They then identified areas they preferred to be touched during sexual activity with a partner and rated their enjoyment on a ten-point scale. The assessment aimed to capture both the location of preferred stimulation and the intensity of pleasure associated with each region.
The results showed that circumcised men reported a higher preference for stimulation at the penile tip, with 38 percent indicating this preference compared to 17 percent of uncircumcised men. Additionally, a larger share of circumcised participants favored stimulation along the middle portion of the ventral shaft, with 63 percent versus 48 percent in the uncircumcised group. Despite these regional differences in preference, the study did not find a significant gap in the overall quality of orgasm between the two groups, suggesting that the broader sexual experience remains similar regardless of circumcision status.
According to the authors, the findings imply that circumcision may influence specific erogenous zones but does not fundamentally alter how genital sensations are described or how orgasm is experienced. The work is positioned as a measured contribution to understanding how circumcision relates to sexual perception, rather than a definitive statement on sexual function. This nuanced view aligns with a broader body of research that urges careful interpretation of small differences within larger patterns of sexual experience.
These results build on a growing interest in how anatomical variations can shape sensation and sexual satisfaction. While some studies highlight shifts in sensitivity after circumcision, others observe minimal or no meaningful differences in sexual function. The current study emphasizes the importance of considering individual variability and the subjective nature of sexual pleasure when evaluating circumcision outcomes. The researchers note that more work is needed to explore long-term effects and to determine how these regional preferences translate to real-world sexual behavior and relationship dynamics as reported in scientific discussions within the field of sexual medicine.
In the broader literature on sexual health, prior research has explored how physical changes can influence sexual experiences, and many scientists advocate for balanced interpretations that consider both physiological factors and personal preferences. This study contributes a detailed map of erogenous zones and invites further exploration into how body anatomy intersects with intimate experiences across different populations. The work is cited within the Journal of Sexual Medicine as part of an evolving conversation about the nuances of sexual function and sensation across diverse groups, encouraging clinicians and researchers to approach findings with careful consideration of context and individual variation.