Abstract
Morris and Krieger (2013) have argued that male circumcision does not impact adversely on sexual sensation, satisfaction, and/or function. In the present paper, it is argued that such a view is untenable. By selectively citing Morris’ own non-peer-reviewed letters and opinion pieces purporting to show flaws in studies reporting evidence of negative effects of circumcision, and by failing adequately to account for replies to these letters by the authors of the original research (and others), Morris and Krieger give an incomplete and misleading account of the available literature. Consequently, Morris and Krieger reach an implausible conclusion that is inconsistent with what is known about the anatomy and functions of the penile foreskin, and the likely effects of its surgical removal.
Highlights
Morris and Krieger’s recent claim [1] that male circumcision has no adverse sexual effects misleads the reader
As Morris and Krieger have, that “male circumcision has no adverse effect on sexual function, sensitivity, sexual sensation, or satisfaction,” is to adopt rather limited definitions of those terms [9]
In response to a letter to the editor Morris notes, “A recent methodologically impeccable systematic review and meta-analysis has established that MC has no adverse effect on male sexual function, sensitivity, or satisfaction” and cites his own review with Krieger, not the meta-analysis by Tian et al [46]
Summary
Morris and Krieger’s recent claim [1] that male circumcision has no adverse sexual effects misleads the reader. By downplaying empirical studies that have reported adverse sexual effects (often by selectively citing Morris’ own non-peer-reviewed e-letters, and failing to mention or take into account others’ critiques of those pieces), Morris and Krieger reach a conclusion that defies common sense.
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