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Sexual Medicine Dec 2020Active debate concerns whether male circumcision (MC) affects sexual function, penile sensation, or sexual pleasure. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Active debate concerns whether male circumcision (MC) affects sexual function, penile sensation, or sexual pleasure.
AIM
To perform a systematic review examining the effect of MC on these parameters.
METHODS
PRISMA-compliant searches of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were performed, with "circumcision" used together with appropriate search terms. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were rated for quality by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network system.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Evidence rated by quality.
RESULTS
Searches identified 46 publications containing original data, as well as 4 systematic reviews (2 with meta-analyses), plus 29 critiques of various studies and 15 author replies, which together comprised a total of 94 publications. There was overall consistency in conclusions arising from high- and moderate-quality survey data in randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, physiological studies, large longitudinal studies, and cohort studies in diverse populations. Those studies found MC has no or minimal adverse effect on sexual function, sensation, or pleasure, with some finding improvements. A consensus from physiological and histological studies was that the glans and underside of the shaft, not the foreskin, are involved in neurological pathways mediating erogenous sensation. In contrast to the higher quality evidence, data supporting adverse effects of MC on function, sensation, or pleasure were found to be of low quality, as explained in critiques of those studies.
CONCLUSION
The consensus of the highest quality literature is that MC has minimal or no adverse effect, and in some studies, it has benefits on sexual functions, sensation, satisfaction, and pleasure for males circumcised neonatally or in adulthood. Morris BJ, Krieger JN. The Contrasting Evidence Concerning the Effect of Male Circumcision on Sexual Function, Sensation, and Pleasure: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2020;8:577-598.
PubMed: 33008776
DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.08.011 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2011Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that most commonly occurs in adult women, although it may also be seen in men and children. It primarily... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that most commonly occurs in adult women, although it may also be seen in men and children. It primarily affects the genital area and around the anus, where it causes persistent itching and soreness. Scarring after inflammation may lead to severe damage by fusion of the vulval lips (labia); narrowing of the vaginal opening; and burying of the clitoris in women and girls, as well as tightening of the foreskin in men and boys, if treatments are not started early. Affected people have an increased risk of genital cancers.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of topical interventions for genital lichen sclerosus and adverse effects reported in included trials.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases up to 16 September 2011: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (from 2005), EMBASE (from 2007), LILACS (from 1982), CINAHL (from 1981), British Nursing Index and Archive (from 1985), Science Citation Index Expanded (from 1945), BIOSIS Previews (from 1926), Conference Papers Index (from 1982), and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (from 1990). We also searched ongoing trial registries and scanned the bibliographies of included studies, published reviews, and papers that had cited the included studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of topical interventions in genital lichen sclerosus.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A third author was available for resolving differences of opinion.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 7 RCTs, with a total of 249 participants, covering 6 treatments. Six of these RCTs tested the efficacy of one active intervention against placebo or another active intervention, while the other trial tested three active interventions against placebo.When compared to placebo in one trial, clobetasol propionate 0.05% was effective in treating genital lichen sclerosus in relation to the following outcomes: 'participant-rated improvement or remission of symptoms' (risk ratio (RR) 2.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45 to 5.61) and 'investigator-rated global degree of improvement' (standardised mean difference (SMD) 5.74, 95% CI 4.26 to 7.23).When mometasone furoate 0.05% was compared to placebo in another trial, there was a significant improvement in the 'investigator-rated change in clinical grade of phimosis' (SMD -1.04, 95% CI -1.77 to -0.31).Both trials found no significant differences in reported adverse drug reactions between the corticosteroid and placebo groups. The data from four trials found no significant benefit for topical testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and progesterone. When used as maintenance therapy after an initial treatment with topical clobetasol propionate in another trial, topical testosterone worsened the symptoms (P < 0.05), but the placebo did not.One trial found no differences between pimecrolimus and clobetasol propionate in relieving symptoms through change in pruritus (itching) (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.99 to 0.33) and burning/pain (SMD 0.03, 95% CI -0.62 to 0.69). However, pimecrolimus was less effective than clobetasol propionate with regard to the 'investigator-rated global degree of improvement' (SMD -1.64, 95% CI -2.40 to -0.87). This trial found no significant differences in reported adverse drug reactions between the pimecrolimus and placebo groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The current limited evidence demonstrates the efficacy of clobetasol propionate, mometasone furoate, and pimecrolimus in treating genital lichen sclerosus. Further RCTs are needed to determine the optimal potency and regimen of topical corticosteroids, examine other topical interventions, assess the duration of remission or prevention of flares, evaluate the reduction in the risk of genital squamous cell carcinoma or genital intraepithelial neoplasia, and examine the efficacy in improving the quality of the sex lives of people with this condition.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Child; Clobetasol; Dermatologic Agents; Dihydrotestosterone; Female; Genital Diseases, Male; Humans; Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus; Male; Mometasone Furoate; Pregnadienediols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tacrolimus; Testosterone Propionate; Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
PubMed: 22161424
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008240.pub2 -
Asian Journal of Andrology 2017This systematic review assessed the safety and efficacy of the disposable circumcision suture device (DCSD) and conventional circumcision (CC) in the treatment of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review assessed the safety and efficacy of the disposable circumcision suture device (DCSD) and conventional circumcision (CC) in the treatment of redundant prepuce and phimosis. Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using the DCSD and CC for the treatment of redundant prepuce or phimosis in China and abroad. Nine RCTs (1898 cases) were included. Compared with the CC group, the DCSD group had a shorter operative time (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -21.44; 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs] [-25.08, -17.79]; P < 0.00001), shorter wound healing time (SMD = -3.66; 95% CI [-5.46, -1.85]; P < 0.0001), less intraoperative blood loss (SMD = -9.64; 95% CI [-11.37, -7.90]; P < 0.00001), better cosmetic penile appearance (odds ratio [OR] =8.77; 95% CI [5.90, 13.02]; P < 0.00001), lower intraoperative pain score, lower 24-h postoperative pain score, lower incidence of infection, less incision edema, and fewer adverse events. There were no differences between the CC and DCSD groups in the incidences of dehiscence, or hematoma. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that the DCSD appears to be safer and more effective than CC. However, additional high-quality RCTs with larger study populations are needed.
Topics: Circumcision, Male; Disposable Equipment; Foreskin; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pain, Postoperative; Penis; Phimosis; Sutures
PubMed: 26975486
DOI: 10.4103/1008-682X.174855 -
Urologia Internationalis 2012Different types of grafts have been described in urethral reconstruction (UR), with penile skin graft (PSG) and buccal mucosa graft (BMG) as the most frequently used... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Different types of grafts have been described in urethral reconstruction (UR), with penile skin graft (PSG) and buccal mucosa graft (BMG) as the most frequently used ones. It still remains unclear whether one graft is superior in terms of success when compared to the other.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed searching the MEDLINE database with the following search strategy: 'urethroplasty' AND 'penile skin'/ 'urethroplasty' AND 'buccal mucosa'. 266 and 144 records were retrieved for urethroplasty with PSG and BMG, respectively. These records were reviewed to identify papers where PSG and BMG were used in UR and where individualized data on success were available within the same series.
RESULTS
18 papers were found eligible for further analysis. In total, 428 and 483 patients were respectively treated with PSG or BMG. If available, follow-up duration was 64.1 versus 42.1 months (p < 0.0001) and stricture length 6.2 versus 4.6 cm (p < 0.0001) for PSG and BMG, respectively. Success of UR with PSG was 81.8 versus 85.9% with BMG (p = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Success of UR using BMG is significantly better compared to PSG. Results might be seriously biased by a longer follow-up duration and stricture length for PSG compared to BMG.
Topics: Foreskin; Humans; Male; Mouth Mucosa; Penis; Urethra; Urethral Stricture; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male
PubMed: 22889835
DOI: 10.1159/000341138 -
World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics Feb 2017To determine whether recent evidence-based United States policies on male circumcision (MC) apply to comparable Anglophone countries, Australia and New Zealand.
AIM
To determine whether recent evidence-based United States policies on male circumcision (MC) apply to comparable Anglophone countries, Australia and New Zealand.
METHODS
Articles in 2005 through 2015 were retrieved from PubMed using the keyword "circumcision" together with 36 relevant subtopics. A further PubMed search was performed for articles published in 2016. Searches of the EMBASE and Cochrane databases did not yield additional citable articles. Articles were assessed for quality and those rated 2+ and above according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Grading System were studied further. The most relevant and representative of the topic were included. Bibliographies were examined to retrieve further key references. Randomized controlled trials, recent high quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses (level 1++ or 1+ evidence) were prioritized for inclusion. A risk-benefit analysis of articles rated for quality was performed. For efficiency and reliability, recent randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, high quality systematic reviews and large well-designed studies were used if available. Internet searches were conducted for other relevant information, including policies and Australian data on claims under Medicare for MC.
RESULTS
Evidence-based policy statements by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) support infant and later age male circumcision (MC) as a desirable public health measure. Our systematic review of relevant literature over the past decade yielded 140 journal articles that met our inclusion criteria. Together, these showed that early infant MC confers immediate and lifelong benefits by protecting against urinary tract infections having potential adverse long-term renal effects, phimosis that causes difficult and painful erections and "ballooning" during urination, inflammatory skin conditions, inferior penile hygiene, candidiasis, various sexually transmissible infections in both sexes, genital ulcers, and penile, prostate and cervical cancer. Our risk-benefit analysis showed that benefits exceeded procedural risks, which are predominantly minor, by up to 200 to 1. We estimated that more than 1 in 2 uncircumcised males will experience an adverse foreskin-related medical condition over their lifetime. Wide-ranging evidence from surveys, physiological measurements, and the anatomical location of penile sensory receptors responsible for sexual sensation strongly and consistently suggested that MC has no detrimental effect on sexual function, sensitivity or pleasure. United States studies showed that early infant MC is cost saving. The evidence supporting early infant MC has further strengthened since the positive AAP and CDC reviews.
CONCLUSION
Affirmative MC policies are needed in Australia and New Zealand. Routine provision of accurate, unbiased education, and access in public hospitals, will maximize health and financial benefits.
PubMed: 28224100
DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v6.i1.89 -
Circumcision devices versus standard surgical techniques in adolescent and adult male circumcisions.The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2021Medical circumcisions are among the most common surgical procedures performed in males. The usual indications are phimosis (inability to completely retract the foreskin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Medical circumcisions are among the most common surgical procedures performed in males. The usual indications are phimosis (inability to completely retract the foreskin and expose the glans due to a congenital or acquired constriction of the prepuce), paraphimosis (when the foreskin is not pulled back over the glans after retraction resulting in a tight constricting band which causes swelling of the distal penis and acute discomfort), balanoposthitis (erythema and edema of the prepuce and glans) and balanitis (inflammation is confined to the glans; the foreskin is usually non-retractile). Circumcision devices have been developed to shorten the operative time, simplify techniques, and improve safety and cosmetic outcomes. The devices generally aim to crush the foreskin while simultaneously creating hemostasis, the foreskin is then excised or allowed to slough off. Their use is supposedly safer and easier to replicate than the standard dissection techniques. There are at least 20 devices for male circumcision on the market, yet their effectiveness has not been reviewed to date.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of device-based circumcisions compared with standard surgical techniques in adolescent and adult males (10 years old and above).
SEARCH METHODS
We performed a comprehensive search with no restrictions to the language of publication or publication status. We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, trials registries, grey literature sources and conference proceedings up to 16 April 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials of device-based circumcisions (crush or ligature circumcision devices) compared to standard surgical dissection-based circumcision conducted by health professionals in a medical setting.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data from the included studies. We classified adverse events into serious, moderate or mild. We reported study results as risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) using 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a random-effects model. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
Eighteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Trials were conducted in China, South Africa, Kenya and Zambia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Primary outcomes Serious adverse events: there were no serious adverse events in either treatment arm (11 trials, 3472 participants). Moderate adverse events: there may be a slight increase in moderate adverse events when devices are used compared to standard surgical techniques (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.55 to 3.10; I²= 68%; 10 trials, 3370 participants; low-certainty evidence); this corresponds to 8 more (ranging from 15 fewer to 84 more) moderate adverse events per 1000 participants. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and imprecision. Secondary outcomes Mild adverse events: we are uncertain about the difference in mild adverse events between groups when devices are used compared to standard surgical techniques (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.72; I² = 91%; 10 trials, 3370 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations, imprecision and unexplained inconsistency. Operative time: operative time is probably about 17 minutes shorter when using a device rather than standard surgical techniques, which constitutes a clinically meaningful decrease in a procedure (MD -17.26 minutes, 95% CI -19.96 to -14.57; I² = 99%; 14 trials, 4812 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for serious study limitations. The standard surgical technique generally takes about 24 minutes. There may be less postoperative pain during the first 24 hours when circumcision devices are used compared to standard surgical techniques (measured using a visual analog scale [VAS]; MD 1.30 cm lower, 95% CI 2.37 lower to 0.22 lower; I² = 99%; 9 trials, 3022 participants; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and unexplained heterogeneity. There may be little or no difference in postoperative pain experienced during the first seven days when compared with standard surgical techniques (measured using a VAS; MD 0.11 cm higher, 95% CI 0.89 lower to 1.11 higher; I² = 94%; 4 trials, 1430 participants; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and unexplained inconsistency. A higher score on the VAS indicates greater pain. Participants may slightly prefer circumcision devices compared to standard surgical techniques (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.37; I² = 97%; 15 trials, 4501 participants; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and unexplained inconsistency. We recorded satisfaction as a dichotomous outcome. Higher rates reflected greater satisfaction.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found that there were no serious adverse events reported when using a circumcision device compared to standard surgical techniques, but they may slightly increase moderate adverse effects, and it is unclear whether there is a difference in mild adverse effects. Use of circumcision devices probably reduces the time of the procedure by about 17 minutes, a clinically meaningful time saving. For patients, use of the circumcision device may result in lower pain scores during the first 24 hours and patients may be slightly more satisfied with it compared with standard surgical techniques. Clinicians, patients and policymakers can use these results in conjunction with their own contextual factors to inform the approach that best suits their healthcare settings. High-quality trials evaluating this intervention are needed to provide further certainty regarding the rates of adverse effects and postoperative pain of using devices compared to standard approaches.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Bias; Child; Circumcision, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Operative Time; Pain, Postoperative; Patient Preference; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 33786810
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012250.pub2 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2017The true HPV prevalence in the foreskins of infants and children has been little documented, but reporting on this prevalence is of great importance given its impact on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The true HPV prevalence in the foreskins of infants and children has been little documented, but reporting on this prevalence is of great importance given its impact on the rationale for treating asymptomatic boys. We searched multiple databases from 1960 to 2016 for observational or prospective studies that reported on HPV prevalence in foreskins. We conducted a meta-analysis using a random-effects model to pool for HPV prevalence in the foreskins of infants and children. Eight studies, with a total of 556 infants and children with phimosis, were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled overall prevalence of general HPV, high-risk HPV, low-risk HPV, HPV 16/18, HPV 16, and HPV 18 were 17.3 (95%CI: 0.8-46.3), 12.1 (95% CI: 0.9-31.5), 2.4 (95% CI: 0.0-11.2), 4.8 (95% CI: 0.0-16.8), 1.7 (95% CI: 0.0-5.1), and 0 (95% CI: 0-0.5), respectively. The estimated HPV prevalence in foreskins was not zero among infants and children, which implies HPV transmission other than by sexual contact. Considering that high-risk HPV is detected in asymptomatic infants and children, future studies are warranted to determine whether preventive treatments in asymptomatic infants and children could be effective in preventing persistence or transmission of high-risk HPV.
Topics: Adolescent; Asymptomatic Diseases; Carrier State; Child; Child, Preschool; Foreskin; Genotype; Humans; Infant; Male; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Phimosis; Prevalence; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 28765591
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07506-z -
Journal of Evidence-based Medicine Jun 2022To conduct the first systematic review critically examining evidence on whether early male circumcision has short- and long-term adverse psychological effects.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct the first systematic review critically examining evidence on whether early male circumcision has short- and long-term adverse psychological effects.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies with original data met the inclusion criteria. These comprised 11,173 total males, 4340 circumcised in infancy and 6908 uncircumcised. Nineteen were rated 1+, 2++ or 2+, and 5 were rated 2- by SIGN criteria. Neonatal circumcision, particularly without anesthetic, increased vaccination pain response, but had little effect on breastfeeding or cognitive ability. Studies reporting associations with sudden infant death syndrome, autism, alexithymia and impaired sexual function and pleasure had design flaws and were rated 2-. Sexual arousal, touch, pain, and warmth thresholds measured by quantitative sensory testing were not diminished in neonatally circumcised men. Neonatal circumcision was not associated with empathy in men, contradicting the hypothesis that procedural pain causes central nervous system changes. After correcting all associations with socioaffective processing parameters for multiple testing only higher sociosexual desire, dyadic sexual libido/drive, and stress remained significant. The relatively greater sexual activity found in circumcised men might reflect reduced sexual activity in uncircumcised men overall owing to pain and psychological aversion in those with foreskin-related medical conditions (reverse causality). Most studies employed case-control designs with limited follow-up. Studies beyond childhood were prone to confounding.
CONCLUSION
The highest quality evidence suggest that neonatal and later circumcision has limited or no short-term or long-term adverse psychological effects.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Circumcision, Male; HIV Infections; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pain; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 35785439
DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12482 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2020The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the complications and postoperative outcomes of children with non-proximal hypospadias. Electronic...
The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the complications and postoperative outcomes of children with non-proximal hypospadias. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library CENTRAL were searched systematically from January 1990 to June 2020 for the literature that reported the postoperative outcomes of patients with non-proximal hypospadias. Non-proximal hypospadias encompassed distal and mid-penile hypospadias. We included 44 studies involving 10,666 subjects. Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) was the most common complication with an incidence of 4.0% (95% CI, 3.1-5.0%). Incidence of overall complications was 8.0% (95% CI, 6.3-9.8%). Meta-regression analysis revealed that length of urethral stent indwelling (coefficient 0.006; 95% CI, 0.000-0.011; = 0.036) and penile dressing (coefficient 0.010; 95% CI, 0.000-0.021; = 0.048) were two risk factors for UCF. Multivariate meta-regression analysis did not identify any independent risk factors for UCF. No differences were found between stent and stentless groups in non-proximal hypospadias regarding incidences of UCF (OR, 0.589; 95% CI, 0.267-1.297), meatal stenosis (OR, 0.880; 95% CI, 0.318-2.437), and overall complications (OR, 0.695; 95% CI, 0.403-1.199). No differences were found between foreskin preservation and circumcision in terms of complications either. UCF is the most common complication following hypospadias repair with an incidence of 4.0%. Independent risk factors for UCF were not identified in the current research. Distal hypospadias repair without stent indwelling is not likely to compromise the postoperative outcome. Further studies should be designed to explore the differences between different surgical approaches and the potential risk factors for complications following hypospadias repair.
PubMed: 33363061
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.579364