Sydney researchers find that contrary to perception circumcision actually increases sexual satisfaction THE snip does not make sex less enjoyable for men. A major review by the University of Sydney of all international investigations into the effect of circumcision on sex has found it "has no adverse effect on male sexual function, sensitivity, sexual sensation or satisfaction. "If anything the highest quality studies showed sex to be better for most men after they had been circumcised," Professor Brian Morris from the University's School of Medical Sciences, who co-authored the investigation with the University of Washington's Professor of Urology John Krieger, said. The pair, in a world first, investigated 2,675 studies from around the world of the affect of circumcision on men's sex lives. Professor Moris said the most common claim made by people opposed to circumcision - that it caused a lack of sexual sensitivity - was "nothing but opinion." "There are no legitimate studies which have found a lack of sensitivity," he said. Professor Morris said that in fact the majority of men who had been circumcised as adults, and had had sex both before and after their foreskin was removed, reported that sex was either slightly more enjoyable, or much more enjoyable, after they had been circumcised. He said the most rigorous of studies "uniformly found that circumcision had no overall adverse effect on penile sensitivity, sexual arousal, sexual sensation, erectile function, premature ejaculation, ejaculatory latency, orgasm difficulties, sexual satisfaction, pleasure, or pain during penetration." Some cultures put greater emphasis on circumcision than others. An woman carries her son after he was circumcised. Professor Moris said he "fully expected a backlash" to his findings from anti-circumcision groups and individuals, who, he said, used "opinions rather than facts or evidence" to fuel their campaigns against the procedure. He said in Australia about 10 per cent to 12 per cent of boys under five years old were now circumcised each year. But the rates of circumcision varied wildly between states, with "virtually none being circumcised" in Tasmania, about 25 per cent to 30 per cent in NSW, while in Queensland about 50 per cent had their foreskins removed. "This might be because of family knowledge of cleanliness issues in different climates," he said. He said the study should provide comfort to men who might be wondering if sex could be better if they had not been circumcised as a baby, as well as helping inform men who might like to become circumcised.