Columbia University’s Go Ask Alice column reported that in the past fifty years, roughly 56 percent of American male infants have been circumcised. That leaves a lot of men who aren’t, and a lot of women who may be confused about sex with uncircumcised men.

A Men’s Health Magazine columnist, Debby Herbenick, M.P.H., Ph.D. said, "Even if a woman isn't used to uncircumcised men, just as you become familiar with anything in the world, you see it a few times, touch it, and talk to your partner about how [he] wants to be touched."

The difference between a circumcised and uncircumcised penis is simple. Go Ask Alice wrote that the foreskin, which is highly sensitive, surrounds the head (also known as the glans) of the uncircumcised penis like a sleeve.

According to the website, The Frisky, getting to the head means gently pulling down on the foreskin with a thumb and index finger, exposing the glans. When erect it looks like a circumcised penis. However for some uncircumcised men, the foreskin doesn't completely retract when erect.

Go Ask Alice cautioned, as the foreskin is very delicate, it should be handled carefully. If your partner experiences any pain when trying to retract the foreskin, stop!

In Men’s Health, Ian Kerner, Ph.D., a sex therapist and author said, “the foreskin contains nerves, and if you roll it back and forth, it stimulates the frenulum," which is the one of the most sensitive parts of the penis.

An Ezine article asked several women why they believe an uncircumcised penis is better for sex. Many responded it’s easier to masturbate their partner due to foreskin sliding back and forth without restriction. Others said there is greater sensitivity for both male and female and a greater sensation when performing oral sex.

During intercourse, oral sex and masturbation, Go Ask Alice said the retracted foreskin acts like a lubricant or a sleeve. As the penis thrusts, it glides on its own bedding of movable skin, which minimizes friction. The column advised try experimenting.

Since the foreskin is so sensitive, it can be pleasured just like any other sensitive body part. Using the tongue or the fingers to stimulate the foreskin and the head is often extremely pleasurable for men.

iVillage said safer sex can be a concern for uncircumcised men. Sometimes, they have difficulty finding the right condom or keeping one on during penetrative sexual activity. With a proper fit and ample lubrication, that problem can be alleviated.

Men’s Health wrote that whatever the penis situation, sex experts say, make the most of what you have.

Sources:

“Circumcision and Sex.” GoAskAlice.Columbia.edu by the Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York. Web 7 Feb 2012. http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/circumcision-and-sex

“Any difference between circumcised and uncircumcised?” iVillage.com by iVillage Inc. Web 7 Feb 2012.
http://www.ivillage.com/any-difference-between-circumcised-and-uncircumcised/6-n-139003

Langdon, Cam. "Circumcised or Uncircumcised - What Do Women Like Best?." EzineArticles Submission - Submit Your Best Quality Original Articles For Massive Exposure, Ezine Publishers Get 25 Free Article Reprints. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012. http://ezinearticles.com/?Circumcised-or-Uncircumcised---What-Do-Women-Like-Best?&id=5669210

"Sex Advice: Two Women Wonder About Doing The Uncircumcised - The Frisky." Celebrity Gossip, Relationship Advice, Beauty and Fashion Tips @ The Frisky. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012. http://www.thefrisky.com/2008-09-17/sex-advice-two-women-wonder-about-doing-the-uncircumcised

"Oral Sex - Circumcised - Uncircumcised - Sex Advice - Cosmopolitan." The Online Women's Magazine for Fashion, Sex Advice, Dating Tips, and Celebrity News - Cosmopolitan. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/oral-sex-technique

"My guy isn't circumcised - Cosmopolitan." The Online Women's Magazine for Fashion, Sex Advice, Dating Tips, and Celebrity News - Cosmopolitan. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/not-circumcised?click=rel

Risher, Brittany, Posted Date: December 14, and 2009. "Circumcision: Pros and Cons | Men's Health." Men's Health Magazine : Men's Guide to Fitness, Health, Weight Loss, Nutrition, Sex, Style and Guy Wisdom. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2012. http://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/circumcision-pros-and-cons#axzz1ljamgODu

Reviewed February 9, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith