Good news for American men! We're so healthy that circumcision has finally bubbled up as a public health research priority.
Researchers from the University of Chicago studied circumcision in 1,410 American men. They learned circumcision generally makes no difference in terms of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual dysfunction. (Although circumcised men with more than 21 sexual partners over the course of a lifetime did have a statistically significant 188 percent increase in bacterial sexually transmitted diseases.)
Now comes the good part.
Not only did the researchers take this opportunity to study sexual health and dysfunction outcomes, but also sexual behavior. And interestingly enough, here's the only other statistically significant association reported in the study:
Circumcised men are 40 percent more likely to masturbate more than one time per month!
According to the authors, this result
[casts] doubt on the Victorian-era notion that circumcision reduces the urge to masturbate.
I sure am glad someone finally answered that burning public health question. AND I'M EVEN HAPPIER THAT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH USED TAX DOLLARS TO FUND THIS IMPORTANT RESEARCH.
And of course, what junk science study would be complete without the following:
These findings suggest the need for continued research that should further aid parents in weighing the benefits and risks of circumcising their sons.
I've got an idea for future research. What about dispelling the notion that masturbation makes you blind? If circumcised men are more prone to masturbation, are they also at greater risk of blindness?
For those who might be concerned, check your eyesight with the chart below.
