Perceived changes in sexual experience after voluntary medical male circumcision among men who have sex with men

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), recommended by the World Health Organization as an HIV prevention strategy, effectively reduces the risk of HIV infection among heterosexual men. Recent studies suggest its potential protective effect for men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly supported by a randomized controlled trial in China demonstrating efficacy among MSM who primarily engage in insertive anal intercourse.1 These findings position VMMC as a potential and acceptable HIV prevention tool for MSM in the future. Despite its preventive potential, the promotion and applicability of VMMC among MSM still require careful ethical and medical consideration. The alterations in sexual experience of MSM following circumcision constitute a crucial determinant in the adoption of VMMC.2 Current high-quality evidence regarding postoperative sexual experience is predominantly derived from heterosexual populations,3 whereas research focusing on MSM remains scarce. Hence, this study aims to address this evidence gap through a qualitative investigation to inform relevant policies and practice.