The predictive role of circumcision age on sexual experiences of men: The mediator role of self-related concepts

The present study aims to examine the relationships between circumcision age and sexual experiences of men which are premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and sexual dissatisfaction. In line with this aim, path analysis was conducted to investigate the mediational role of self-related concepts which are self-esteem and self-efficacy in the relation with circumcision age and sexual dysfunctions. Also, the differences between circumcision age groups (0-3, 4-6, 7-12) on measures of the study were tested as a secondary aim of the study. The sample of the research consists of 236 circumcised men who were circumcised between the ages of 0 to 12. The participants who sign the informed consent form completed the Demographic Information Form which consists of questions regarding circumcision experience, The Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS), The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Two-Dimensional Self-Esteem: The Self-Liking/Self-Competence Scale (SLCS). Self-efficacy was removed from the main analysis of the study and only self-esteem was used as a self-related concept because of the high correlation between self-esteem and self-efficacy. Also, COVID-19 pandemic was appeared in Turkey during data collection process. Therefore, stress scores of participants, who were enrolled in the study before and after the first COVID-19 cases, were compared with each other. The results showed that there is no significant difference between groups. Therefore, all participants were included in other analyses. According to the results, there is no significant difference between circumcision age groups in terms of measures of the study (sexual experiences and self-esteem). On the other hand, the path analysis results show that circumcision age negatively predicts self-esteem. Also, self-esteem predicts sexual dysfunctions and sexual dissatisfaction in a negative way. The results of path analysis revealed the significant mediational role of self-esteem in the relationship between circumcision age and sexual dysfunction. Finally, it can be concluded that as the circumcision age increases, a decrease is observed in individuals' self-esteem and this diminishment causes an increase in premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction symptoms, and sexual dissatisfaction scores in men. These findings support the hypothesis of this research regarding the mediating role of self-related concepts. The results are discussed under the light of the literature.