Danish research: circumcision can damage male urinary tract

The circumcised have a higher risk of developing meatus stenosis, an abnormal narrowing of the urethral opening

New research from Denmark shows that circumcised boys have a higher risk of developing urinal tract issues – particularly meatus stenosis, an abnormal narrowing of the urethral opening.

According to the research, compiled by Morten Frisch and Jacob Simonsen from the State Serum Institute (SSI), circumcised boys have a 26 times higher chance of developing meatus stenosis than uncircumcised boys.

“It’s the first time someone has systematically followed up on circumcised boys many years after they’ve been circumcised,” Frisch told Videnskab.dk.

“Our work challenges the dogma that circumcision is just a little pinch to the penis that rarely brings about negative consequences. Thanks to clinical studies in the US and Iran, among others, you can deduce that one out of every five circumcised boys will develop a narrowing of their urinal tract.”

The research is based on data from the national patient registry, CPR registry and health insurance registry in Denmark between the years 1977 and 2013.

READ MORE: All male circumcisions in Denmark must be registered

Meaty story
The narrowing makes it more difficult to urinate and ultimately leads to urinary tract infections, kidney problems and the need for an operation.

Circumcision has been a hot potato in Denmark in recent years, and since January 1 all circumcisions of baby boys must be reported to the National Patient Registry – regardless of whether they are performed at a clinic or home.

The doctors’ association Lægeforeningen refers to circumcision without a medical reason as being “ethically unacceptable”, unless the individual being circumcised has given their consent themselves.

Despite this, the health authority estimated in 2013 that upwards of 2,000 boys are ritually circumcised in Denmark every year.

The findings have been published in the scientific journal The Surgeon.

Global map of male circumcision prevalence by country (photo: AHC300)
Global map of male circumcision prevalence by country (photo: AHC300)



  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.