Circumcision during the phallic period: does it affect the psychosexual functions in adulthood?

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Psychosexual Health
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Male circumcision is a common procedure with ongoing debate regarding its long-term effects.
• The potential impact of circumcision timing on adult psychosexual well-being requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if circumcision during the phallic period (ages 3-6) affects adult psychosexual functions.
• To compare psychosexual outcomes in men circumcised during the phallic period versus the non-phallic period.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 302 healthy, sexually active men aged 30-40 were evaluated.
• Participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), and Beck Depression Inventory.
• Statistical analysis, including Student's t-test and Kruskal-Wallis, compared outcomes between circumcision groups.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in mean total IIEF scores between the phallic period circumcision group and the non-phallic period group.
• Comparable results were found across IIEF subdomains (erectile function, orgasm, sexual desire, satisfaction) and in PEDT and Beck Depression Inventory scores.
• Circumcision during the phallic period did not demonstrate a negative association with adult psychosexual function.

Conclusions:

• Circumcision performed during the phallic period does not appear to adversely affect psychosexual functions in adulthood.
• These findings contribute to understanding the long-term implications of early-life circumcision on male sexual health and psychological well-being.