September 8, 2025, 2:15 am | Read time: 4 minutes
In some cultures or religions, male circumcision is a widespread practice. It can also be necessary for medical reasons. But can we generally say that circumcision is healthy for men? There is disagreement in research regarding this question. FITBOOK editorial director Melanie Hoffmann explains the current state of studies. These provide intriguing insights, such as the effect of circumcision on sexual functions and the risk of contracting sexually transmitted pathogens. Studies also suggest that circumcision affects the penile microbiome—the totality of bacteria present there.
Is Male Circumcision Healthy? The Current State of Studies
In cases of phimosis or recurring inflammations in the area of the foreskin, glans, or urinary tract, the procedure can be a medical solution.1 But what other effects does circumcision have on men?
The theory that circumcised men are less susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases has persisted since the late 19th century. Indeed, past studies have provided evidence that this might be true to some extent. A 2006 meta-analysis found that circumcision in men seems to be associated with fewer bacterial infections, such as syphilis, and viral infections, such as genital herpes. Additionally, a 2005 clinical study by South African scientists found that circumcision is associated with a 60 percent lower risk of contracting HIV.2 This is attributed to the reduced mucosal surface of the penis and the removal of the part of the foreskin rich in HIV target cells. The German AIDS Service Organization still references these findings today.3
However, there are also research findings that could not demonstrate any health benefits of circumcision. A Danish study conducted over 30 years found no evidence that circumcision provides protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.4 A review that examined ten different studies also reached no clear conclusion.5
Circumcision Changes the Penile Microbiome
An American study from 2022 provides fascinating insights into the potential effects of circumcision on the body and long-term health.
As part of the study, a research team analyzed samples from eleven children taken from the urethral area—both before and after circumcision. The focus was on possible changes in the microbiome following the procedure.
The analysis indeed showed that the amount of certain microorganisms in the samples taken from the boys after circumcision had decreased. This primarily affected those associated with amino acid and glucose metabolism.6
A Kenyan observational study also concluded that the changes in the microbiome remained stable after circumcision.7
Male Circumcision Could Offer Protection Against Diseases
According to the American study authors, their analysis provides a first detailed insight into the effect of circumcision on the penile microbiome. Since samples taken both before and after the procedure were analyzed, it is suspected that circumcision indeed caused the effect. Additionally, the reduced bacteria and fungi were those associated with inflammation and cancer. Thus, the study suggests that circumcision may have long-term health benefits for men.
Limitations of the Study
However, it is also important to emphasize that the study has a small number of participants, which weakens the significance of the results. Therefore, it is not certain that circumcision actually caused the changes in the microbiome. The long-term effect on adult men can currently only be speculated. Further research is therefore necessary.
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Does Male Circumcision Contribute to Healthy Sexual Function?
This year, a meta-analysis was published that included the evaluation of 15 studies with a total of 14,737 participants.8 Its aim was to determine how circumcision affects men’s sexual function. The procedure was indeed associated with higher sexual satisfaction among circumcised men. A slight improvement in erectile function was also reported, including dyspareunia. This sexual dysfunction can be associated with pain during intercourse. Here, male circumcision may provide relief. Since orgasm disorders were also less frequent, circumcision might have contributed to a generally more pleasant sexual experience.
However, since the analyzed studies were very heterogeneous in design, the transferability and general validity of the results are questionable. Further research is needed to substantiate them. It is at least encouraging that circumcision was not associated with a deterioration in sexual function in any study.
Does It Affect Women’s Health if Their Sexual Partner Is Circumcised?
So much for whether circumcision is healthy for men or not. But do female sexual partners have advantages or disadvantages? In fact, circumcision can also protect women from various diseases. Women with circumcised male partners had a lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases. These include ulcers, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV).9,10