Jan 16, 2024
Circumcision trauma is a deeply personal and often unspoken aspect of many individuals’ lives, impacting their relationship with their bodies and their ability to navigate the delicate dance of intimacy. What deepens the trauma of circumcision is that many individuals who suffer from it are not even consciously aware of or educated about how it may have affected them. As a life-altering surgery, it has been normalized to the extent that most victims of it never question why it was done in the first place. The circumcision was done so early in their lives (without their consent) that living without a foreskin is all they have known.
It is essential to foster discussions on informed consent and ethical considerations surrounding this procedure and push to end this medically unnecessary surgery altogether.
This article is a compassionate exploration of circumcision trauma, unraveling its impact on adult sexuality and guiding those seeking to heal and reconnect within the realm of intimacy.
Understanding Circumcision Trauma
What is circumcision trauma?
Circumcision trauma refers to the emotional, physical, and psychological distress experienced by specific individuals following circumcision, a surgery involving the removal of the foreskin from the penis. Circumcision trauma symptoms may manifest during childhood or later in life, arising from the circumcised individual’s loss of a natural part of their body or the circumstances surrounding the circumcision.
Georganne Chapin points out in her book This Penis Business, in a chapter aptly titled “What’s Sex Got to Do With It?” something so obvious, how could anyone miss this vital result of medically unnecessary circumcision?
“How could cutting off a sexual body part not affect the mechanics and quality of the victim’s sex life, sexual relationships, and psyche?”
Marilyn Milos likewise notes in her book Please Don’t Cut the Baby! that:
“Babies have erections naturally in utero. After birth, when someone else stimulates the baby’s penis to erection, as the nurse [would do as] prep for the circumcision, it is the baby’s first shared sexual experience. Sadly, in the case of circumcision, the pleasurable sensations are immediately followed by excruciating pain. Every sexual experience a circumcised male has from that moment forward is on a neuronal background of pain. Even when a man doesn’t consciously remember the experience, his body remembers.”
Prevalence and recognition of circumcision trauma
The issue of circumcision trauma has gained significant recognition in recent years, bringing attention to the emotional struggles faced by individuals who have undergone this procedure. By shedding light on this topic, we aim to raise awareness and advocate for those affected by circumcision trauma.
“An article in The Journal of Health Psychology notes that studies have linked circumcision with a range of negative emotions and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with some circumcised men describing their current feelings in the language of violation, torture, mutilation, and sexual assault.” — SageJournals
Research published in 2020 on Heliyon studied a sample of over 600 men to examine how the plasticity of the neonatal central and peripheral nerve systems and receptors can cause the pain of circumcision to have long-term consequences for adult behavior.
Both Chapin and Milos report that several men have given anecdotal evidence of recovered memories, through hypnotherapy or psychotherapy, of their circumcisions as infants that have led to a complete understanding of their emotional, psychological, and physical issues, especially in their interactions with a sexual partner.
Psychological and emotional effects of circumcision trauma
Those who have endured this trauma may grapple with a range of powerful emotions, including grief, anger, and a sense of betrayal. Body image issues and a profound sense of violation can also emerge, as the procedure involves the removal of a part of their body without consent.
“A study from the National Institutes of Health found that without appropriate pain management, 20-60% of circumcised neonates exhibited prolonged, vigorous crying and increased heart rate during and after the procedure.”
These emotional wounds can persist into adulthood, affecting self-esteem, relationships, and sexual well-being. Recognizing the depth and complexity of circumcision trauma is crucial to providing the necessary support and guidance for healing and reclaiming a sense of wholeness in the intimate aspects of life.
Navigating Circumcision Trauma in Intimate Relationships
Communicating with your partner about circumcision trauma
Effective communication serves as the fundamental pillar of any healthy and fulfilling intimate relationship, especially when it comes to addressing circumcision trauma. It is of utmost importance for individuals who have experienced circumcision trauma to openly communicate their feelings, fears, and concerns with their partners. Sharing their experiences and emotions lets deep understanding, empathy, and emotional closeness develop between partners. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for such conversations is crucial, as it allows both partners to feel supported and secure. This enables the circumcised individual to express their needs and boundaries while providing an opportunity for their partner to offer empathy and validation, which play a vital role in the healing process.
Seeking support and therapy for healing
Healing from circumcision trauma often necessitates the invaluable guidance and support of professionals. Those who have endured trauma associated with circumcision can significantly benefit from seeking therapy or counseling. A skilled therapist can assist them in exploring and processing their emotions, developing effective coping strategies, and addressing any enduring psychological distress. Couples therapy can also be valuable, fostering open and productive discussions, strengthening emotional bonds, and navigating intimacy challenges together.
It’s essential to seek out resources like books, workshops, or support groups dedicated to sexual wellness and healing from trauma. These valuable tools can guide us in reclaiming a positive and fulfilling intimate life. With the proper support and a commitment to self-care, we can gradually restore our sense of wholeness and experience the joys of intimacy on our terms.
Intimacy and Sensuality Exercises
Exercises for fostering trust and emotional connection
Intimate exercises that prioritize emotional bonding can encompass a range of activities, such as engaging in guided meditation or practicing mindfulness together. These practices deepen the connection between partners, creating a safe and nurturing space where vulnerabilities can be shared, and emotional support can be provided. Additionally, open and empathetic conversations centered around desires, boundaries, and concerns can fortify the emotional bond between partners, enabling them to navigate the unique challenges posed by circumcision trauma together.
For example, try some of the following exercises to develop intimacy and build trust in the bedroom and your partnership:
- Eye Gazing: Spend several minutes sitting across from each other and looking deeply into each other’s eyes without speaking. This can create a profound connection without the need for words.
- Synchronized Breathing: Sit or lie down facing each other and synchronize your breathing. One person leads, and the other follows, then switches roles. This can enhance mutual attunement and connection.
- Gratitude Sharing: Take turns expressing what you’re grateful for about each other. This could involve physical aspects, emotional support, or little things they do that make you happy.
- Non-Sexual Touch: Engage in non-sexual touch, like cuddling, holding hands, or hugging, without progressing to sexual activities. Focus on the comfort, warmth, and safety created by the touch.
- Vulnerability Exercise: Share a fear, hope, or dream you’ve never shared. Creating a safe space for such disclosures enhances emotional intimacy.
Techniques for increasing pleasure and reducing anxiety
Circumcision trauma can have a profound impact on intimate experiences, often causing anxiety and unease. However, there are ways for couples to counteract these challenges and cultivate a more pleasurable and relaxed connection. By embracing mindfulness practices that emphasize being present in the moment, both partners can fully engage in the sensual journey without any distractions. Additionally, exploring relaxation techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can alleviate anxiety and enhance comfort, leading to more fulfilling intimate moments.
To increase pleasure and reduce anxiety, try:
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): Before engaging in intimate activities, take a few minutes to tense and then relax each muscle group, starting from your toes and moving up to your head. This helps in releasing tension and grounding yourself.
- Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath. Breathe deeply and slowly, concentrating on each inhalation and exhalation. This calms the nervous system and keeps you present.
- Positive Affirmation Exchange: Share positive affirmations or compliments. Hearing affirming words can boost self-confidence and reduce self-consciousness.
- Guided Imagery: Together, envision a place where you both feel most relaxed and happy. This shared imagery can create a relaxed atmosphere in the bedroom.
- Mirror Exercise: Stand in front of a mirror and appreciate each other’s bodies. This can help in fostering body positivity and reducing body image-related anxieties.
Enhancing intimacy through touch and communication
Touch and communication are at the heart of intimacy, and for those recovering from circumcision trauma, they can be powerful tools for reconnecting. Intimate exercises that prioritize touch, such as sensual massages or cuddling, can help partners rediscover the physical and emotional closeness the trauma might have impacted.
A Final Note About Circumcision Trauma in The Bedroom
We wholeheartedly urge individuals who have gone through circumcision trauma to seek support and therapy. Recognize that professional guidance plays a vital role in the journey towards healing and recovery.
As we wrap up this exploration, we extend an unwavering message of encouragement and hope. To those who have endured the weight of circumcision trauma, we want you to know that healing is achievable. It is crucial to find the support and resources that resonate with you. Remember, you are not alone on this transformative journey. By embracing open communication, empathy, and self-care, individuals and their partners can create an environment where healing and intimacy coexist harmoniously.
For those seeking further guidance, resources, or support in addressing circumcision trauma, we highly recommend connecting with organizations like Intact America. They are dedicated to advocating for genital integrity and can provide invaluable information and assistance on this deeply personal journey toward healing and empowerment. Together, we can strive towards a world where everyone’s intimate experiences are characterized by wholeness, understanding, and respect.
Jan 16, 2024
There’s a piece of my body missing. That’s a big deal.
You wouldn’t have known this growing up in my family. Circumcision was a laughable topic and only regarded as a joke; never in a serious tone, and certainly never condescended upon. Like if we were having hotdogs for dinner, the crude comments would inevitably come up. My older relatives thought it was very funny for some reason, and I could not understand. My mom might wrinkle her nose and softly say something like “That’s nasty.”
Through gritted teeth, I tried not hearing the words—blocking them out as a chilling cocktail of disgust, horror and disbelief coursed through the back of my head and down my spine, seeking refuge from the words that the Grown Ups were saying. How could they not see that this is wrong?
I was circumcised as an infant in a routine hospital procedure. If they had done the right thing and left me alone when I was a baby, I certainly believe I would be a better version of myself than how I actually ended up. Things like trimming my nails bother me to this day; my best friend who trims and styles my long, golden hair probably doesn’t know why I wince at the metallic sound of her scissors.
When I was young, I had a recurring traumatic dream. It’s like I’m watching the scene from above. I’m a baby and something disturbing, something painful is happening to my body “down there,” and I don’t know what it is. I see a blue cloth and a lot of blood. I see me being passed around by family members, presumably at a table, in a room in a house. I’m swaddled up in a blanket and I’m screaming my lungs out and they are saying to each other, he’s just cranky. The same things always happened in the dream.
I don’t know what this means. I find it hard to believe I can remember something that’s impossible to remember, but having that dream over and over when I was little seems significant. I do know the dreams stopped after I figured out what had happened to me.
I didn’t know what circumcision was until I was 13 or 14, when I saw the word in the Bible that my parents had given me. I looked it up in the dictionary because I’ve always been bookish. I told my parents, “Please not to do this to me,” and their answer was something like, “Well, don’t worry, we already did,” followed by a blind parroting of the same shallow arguments of hygiene and tradition that my frantic and terrified reading through medical almanacs and Bible footnotes had yielded. Dad got angry shortly after he realized I wouldn’t back down. Mom sat in front of the computer searching for a web page that would prove her right with little original thought on her part.
I have my own theories about why my family always joked about it and got defensive when I objected. Everybody deals with pain in their own way. For me, the pain of circumcision and then being ridiculed in my own family for speaking up has shaped my life in profound ways. I’m 30 now. For years I had pickled my thoughts and feelings with alcohol and drugs (mostly alcohol) so I didn’t have to think about that part of my body. If that thing hadn’t happened to me, hadn’t been done to me, I might have been able to stay away from it.
I sought out therapists and told them my struggles stem from circumcision trauma, and they just wrote it off. “Deep down, you’re hurt by something else,” “You can’t be that upset about a piece of skin,” “Don’t you understand they just wanted to help you?” Always being met with resistance by people you trust, starting with your parents and just going forward—that does something to you. It makes you doubt yourself. How could I be wrong for wanting to keep my body the way it was designed? How does someone inflict such harm and horror on their child, and claim it to be an act of love?
Luckily, I’m surrounded by so many friends who are also against cutting baby boys. We’re a very close-knit group. I don’t talk about my feelings or experiences with most of them, but we have a mutual understanding that circumcision is wrong. I was happy when a friend who recently had a baby boy kept him intact.
I want that for every boy. No one should grow up thinking that they’re somebody’s property, or that their wishes for their body don’t matter. Think about it: If boys don’t understand that, when they start dating, they’re not going to understand consent, and a lot of bad is going to happen out of that. Teaching our boys consent starts with protecting their rights to their body.
In our family, I was told there was something wrong with me for wanting to be left whole and being outspoken about it. I was supposed to stay in line and be OK with being cut. But harm is harm, no matter what twisted motivation is used to justify it. People need to remember that whatever they do to a child, they’re not the one who has to live with that. The child is, and they’re going to be an adult one day…still having to live with someone else’s decision.
— Kay Zugar
Interested in lending your voice? Send us an email, giving us a brief summary of what you would like to write about, and we will get back to you.
Jan 15, 2024
To justify circumcision, many religious people refer to the authority of passages on circumcision in the Bible regarding cutting off a male infant’s foreskin. However, we now know that the practice of circumcision is medically unnecessary, and the so-called health benefits of this surgery are negligible. The surgery, which removes the foreskin covering the penis, is classified as cosmetic in the United States. Infants and children on whom this surgery is performed are unable to give their consent to the loss of a natural body part that potentially results in lifelong harm to their sexual health and function. That raises serious ethical questions about the most common pediatric surgery in the United States, especially since only about two percent of circumcisions performed in the U.S. are done for religious reasons. Although only a small percentage of the population practices circumcision as a religious rite, medical professionals actively solicit expectant parents to have their sons circumcised. So, what does the Bible say about circumcision? What is the meaning of circumcision in the Bible? Is biblical circumcision an everlasting covenant or a convention, according to contemporary interpretations?
Judaism and Circumcision in the Bible
When contemporary mainstream Christians, non-Christians, and nonbelievers think of circumcision and the Bible, they usually think of the Jewish ceremony known as Brit Milah, performed by a mohel on the eighth day following the birth of a male child. A celebratory event performed in the presence of family and friends, it marks the covenant between God and Abraham referred to in Genesis 17:10-14:
“And God spoke to Abraham saying: This is my covenant which you shall keep between me and you and thy seed after you — every male child among you shall be circumcised.”
That dictate also applied to every man in Abraham’s household, whether a family member or a slave. Abraham was circumcised at age 100.
At that time (2091 BC) and place (the land of Canaan—modern-day Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, southern Syria, and Lebanon) in biblical history, circumcision was a sign of the covenant that set apart those who believed in God from those who did not. The covenant of circumcision was also a promise of God’s protection, making Abraham and his descendants (the 12 tribes of Israel that comprise the Jewish people) a separate Israelite nation from the Gentiles and giving them land and many blessings.
Circumcision is embedded in the Jewish religion and Jewish culture. The number of self-identifying Jews worldwide in 2023 is about 16 million, representing one or two percent of the 8 billion people populating the earth. The covenant of Abraham does not significantly impact the number of religious circumcisions worldwide. This religious rite is primarily practiced in Israel, where almost all Jews circumcise, and in the United States—the countries with the most practicing Jews. However, since less than two percent of the U.S. population identifies as Jewish by religion, the tradition of circumcision is not driving the high rates of circumcision in American society.
Somewhere around 1.4 million baby boys lose their foreskins to circumcision surgery each year in the United States. Only 4.2 million people (1.7 percent of the U.S population) identify as Jewish by religion, with an additional 1.5 million (O.6 percent) identifying as Jewish but of no religion. Even if …every baby boy born to Jewish parents underwent a ritual brit milah …. the maximum number of circumcisions undertaken in the United States as Jewish rituals in a given year would be 24,000 out of 1.4 million. (Muslims, who make up only 1.7 percent of the U.S. Population, also commonly see to it that their sons are circumcised, with no attendant religious ritual.)
– from This Penis Business: A Memoir by Georganne Chapin, founding executive director of Intact America
What the Bible says about circumcision as a covenant does not explain the fact that the United States has the highest circumcision rate among industrialized countries in the Western world. Statistically, it does not add up. The majority of people in the United States do not know about circumcision’s relationship to the Jewish faith. Yet infant and child male genital cutting, for which practitioners get paid, has become big business in the U.S. where an estimated 65 percent of men and boys are cut. The numbers are likely higher because there is no one source for them.
Invitation: Please submit stories of Jewish parents who decided not to circumcise their sons to our Voices column.
“One mother told me her son was being circumcised because she is a Jew. I asked why he was being circumcised on the third day by a doctor in the hospital and not on the eighth day with a mohel performing the ceremony. ‘Will his circumcision satisfy the covenant?’ I asked.”
– Marilyn Milos, Please Don’t Cut the Baby! (Lucid House Publishing, 2024)
‘What’s the covenant?’ was her response.
“Again, I didn’t judge these mothers because I knew that many religious rituals were cultural rather than religious. But it was disturbing to me that any religion was used as a rationale for infant surgery when those making that decision for a baby’s body did not have a clue about what circumcision stood for in their religious philosophy.”
Christianity and Circumcision in the Bible
Judaism’s “bible,” the Torah, uses only the first five books of the Bible’s Old Testament and none from the New Testament. Christians who believe that Abraham’s circumcision covenant applies to them because Jesus was circumcised may not realize that this was so because Jesus was, in fact, a Jew. But Jesus and his apostles do not promote circumcision in the Bible’s New Testament, where there are over 100 references that do not support the necessity of circumcision to have a relationship with God.
Romans 2:28-29: “For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is true circumcision something external and physical. Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal.”
1 Corinthians 7:19: “Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts.”
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that having faith in Christ is more important than being circumcised. The Book of Acts documents among early Christian leaders that salvation is not dependent on circumcision but on faith, grace, and spiritual transformation—a circumcision of the heart.
Only Coptic, Ethiopian, and Eritrean Orthodox churches, as well as some other African churches, promote circumcision for religious reasons. The Amish do not. Pentecostals do not. Presbyterians do not. Baptists do not. Catholicism specifically condemns anything that mutilates the natural human body.
This doesn’t stop Christians in the United States from being the largest religious group in the country to participate in circumcision—not as a rite or due to a covenant, but due to the cultural convention of conformity. However, A growing number of Christian parents must be choosing not to have their male infants circumcised since the rate of circumcision in the U.S. has been declining. An estimated 58.3% of male newborns and 80.5% of males aged 14-59 years in the United States are circumcised.
Intact America believes that as more information is available about circumcision as medically unnecessary, unethical, and religiously irrelevant, the rate of circumcision will continue to go down.
“Some mothers might justify their decision to circumcise their baby by saying, ‘It’s because we’re Christians.’ – Marilyn Milos, Please Don’t Cut the Baby! (Lucid House Publishing, 2024)
I would ask if they knew there are more than 120 references to circumcision in the New Testament that say circumcision is of no value to Christians. Most didn’t, of course, and some even admitted to never having read the Bible… I couldn’t judge them because neither had I before my interaction with Reverend Zangger [who sent Marilyn more than 120 references to circumcision in the New Testament that say it is not necessary to demonstrate faith].
I’d go on to explain that Christ was meant to be the last blood sacrifice and that, for Christians, it was not outward signs (genital cutting) that mattered, but faith expressed through love.”
Was the Apostle Paul the First Intactivist?
Paul, who was once a Pharisee, argues against requiring circumcision for believers and shares his views about the concept of spiritual circumcision in his letters to the Romans and the Colossians, focusing on how the Holy Spirit can transform a person’s heart. This type of circumcision aims to remove one’s sinful tendencies and replace them with a new identity in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that being saved and becoming righteous happens by believing in Christ, rather than following outward practices. It also shows how the Holy Spirit can change a person’s personality and connection with God. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul strongly opposes those who say that people must be circumcised to be saved. He says this idea goes against the idea that Christ’s sacrifice was enough for salvation. In scripture, Paul explains that the new covenant supersedes the old one based on the Law.
Galatians 6:15: “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.”
Jan 13, 2024
Circumcision has a long history, but no one knows its origins other than to signify that one person or group was distinct from or better than another. In prehistoric times, it was considered part of a rite of sacrifice to bring divine benefits to the group. In tribal cultures in Africa and Australia, it might have been both a sacrifice and a coming-of-age ritual. Circumcision was well established in Egyptian society 6,000 years ago, long before Abraham’s covenant with God in the third millennium BC, to identify those of the Jewish faith. Two thousand years later, Muhammad, born without a foreskin, inspired Muslims to circumcise boys around the age of 7.
In all cases, circumcision conferred some status on a baby, boy, or man—whether forced or voluntary—for participating and:
- becoming a member of the tribe;
- a rite of passage to manhood;
- being identified with a particular religion.
- or bringing good fortune to the group
Circumcision was used to create social or religious identity or hierarchy. See this brief history of circumcision graphic from IA’s Learn More under Circumcision Debate. To all of these reasons for differentiating one group or person from another, the Intact America response is simple: STOP! In the twenty-first century, we know the dangers of discrimination.
Circumcision Crosses the Atlantic Ocean
In Victorian England, circumcision was promoted as a cure for masturbation, which doctors believed was the cause of insanity, epilepsy, hysteria, tuberculosis, and death. The myth that circumcision improves hygiene is intrinsically linked to moral hygiene.
In colonial America, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence who served as Surgeon General of the Continental Army and was a professor of chemistry, medical theory, and clinical practice at the University of Pennsylvania, thought circumcision was a cure for the nervous energy of orgasm that was the basis of all disease (including stupidity).1 That also proved false (stupidity has not yet been cured).
In retrospect, it turns out that circumcising males to curb masturbation had as much to do with the social construct of a patriarchal culture as it did with any health concerns. The object was to decrease the enjoyment of sex by men and thus preserve the sanctity and sanity of the delicate female. It wasn’t just the foreskin that was thought of as dirty; it was sex itself.
This thinking was common in all English-speaking countries: the UK, the U.S., Australia (although the Aborigines circumcised boys and men for a different reason—initiation rites), New Zealand (but not among the native Maori), and Canada. Europeans, except Jews, were not commonly circumcised. Nor was circumcision common in China, Japan, or Korea (historically), although it was (and is) among many island nations.
The History of Circumcision and Racism
A few years ago, Intact America Founding Executive Director Georganne Chapin wrote the following blog entry for IA on circumcision and racism, partially reprinted here.
Black people, especially black men, were (and still are) sexualized in the American imagination, with myths abounding regarding their sexual appetite, dangerousness, and the size of their genitals. Not surprisingly, these myths became justifications for making black men a specific target for circumcision by a medical establishment enthusiastic to carry out the practice. (Black women have also been victimized by the medical system for decades, subjected to medical experimentation, sterilization, and other abuses.)
In 1891, a prominent physician named Peter Remondino began calling for “the wholesale circumcision of the Negro race.” Remondino described black men’s foreskins as combining “the extra vitality and proliferation of the preputial tissue with the strong animal vitality of the negro” and proposed foreskin removal as “an efficient remedy in preventing the predisposition to discriminate raping”—in other words, the rape of white women—”so inherent in that race.”
Remondino was not an outlier. He had been a surgeon in the Union Army during the Civil War and was the first president of the San Diego Board of Public Health. His articles were published in prominent medical journals at the time. His book, The History of Circumcision from the Earliest Times to the Present, was published in 1900 and can be found today on Amazon.
“As a human rights organization that respects all persons regardless of their race, religious or cultural affiliation, it is also our duty to refute expressions of bigotry when expressed by people outside or within the intactivist movement,” – Georganne Chapin
Racism and Circumcision
Besides the myth that circumcision could control sexual behavior in racial or ethnic groups as it prevented masturbation and dulled sexual urges, minorities were accused of spreading venereal disease. In a post-World War II article, Newsweek magazine quoted Dr. Eugene Hand’s address to the AMA that whereas the “promiscuous” and uncircumcised Negro had an incidence of venereal infection of “almost 100%,… for the widely educated Jew, circumcised at birth, the venereal disease rate has remained the same or decreased.”2 Edward Wallerstein breaks down Dr. Hand’s scientific sampling technique and statistical analysis in his book Circumcision: An American Health Fallacy, concluding the results were based on the premise of Jewish superiority and black inferiority.
The History of Circumcision and the Role of the Medical Establishment
Post-World War II, the highest rate of circumcision, outside the parameters of religious or ritualistic practices, can be found in the United States. During the 1970s, it has been estimated that 80 percent of American males were circumcised in infancy. Why? Could it be that the U.S. medical industry benefits financially from circumcision? In contrast, the English-speaking countries that formerly promoted circumcision have nationalized their healthcare systems so that circumcision would be an out-of-pocket expense.
Here, both hospitals and medical specialists in the U.S. make a significant profit from performing circumcisions. In addition to a physician’s fee, hospitals can charge for the use of their facilities and equipment and the services provided by nursing staff and other healthcare providers involved in the operation.
Georganne Chapin’s book This Penis Business (2024) has a chapter titled “Smoke and Mirrors Courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics.” Part of the AAP’s mission is to “support the professional needs of its members,” she points out, and “ensuring doctors’ income is a preeminent concern for the AAP.”
The AAP’s first official statement regarding circumcision, in 1971, stated:
“There are no valid medical indications for circumcision in the neonatal period.”
Four years later, they amended that stance with a warning to parents that choosing not to circumcise their son would require “the necessity for lifelong penile hygiene”—as if that were some impossible task rather than a daily chore that requires warm water and soap.
Intact America and Marilyn Milos’s NOCIRC and Genital Autonomy-America organizations before IA have often done battle with the AAP’s position on circumcision, specifically with its Circumcision Task Force reports and AAP brochures that did not fully explain the benefits and risks of circumcision and trivialized concerns about the value of the foreskin and ethical implications of removing a healthy body part. “Federal law prohibits the use of federal health care dollars for medically unnecessary services,” Chapin states. “Medicaid funding of routine infant circumcision flies in the face of that prohibition, but the AAP has managed to obfuscate the practice’s purely cultural origins (I include religion in the broad category of culture) by its serial quest to find medical benefits.”
Bottom line: Stakeholders that benefit financially from circumcision are not the best people or group (AAP) on which to base an irreversible decision like the removal of the foreskin.
1. Edward Wallerstein, Circumcision: An American Health Fallacy (New York: Springer Pub Co, 1980), p. 32.
2. Wallerstein refutes the Newsweek study as based on a preconceived notion of Jewish superiority and Black inferiority. Ibid., p. 83.
Jan 10, 2024
Significant scars, bumps, and lumps as a result of circumcision are often not even mentioned as potential side effects. However, these deformities can cause both physical and psychological distress.
By providing a comprehensive understanding of this overlooked aspect of circumcision, we aim to help readers make more informed decisions about the procedure. These choices have lasting effects and should be made with a complete awareness of the immediate procedure aftermath and the possibility of long-term complications, such as scars, bumps, and lumps.
Circumcision Scars: A Permanent Reminder
After a circumcision, a scar usually forms where the foreskin is removed, resulting in a noticeable line or change in color on the penis shaft. The look of the circumcision scar can differ from person to person, ranging from a faint line to a more prominent, thicker scar. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring may arise, which can cause unsightly raised or irregular scarring. Skin bridges may also emerge in more severe instances.
Circumcision scars can have multiple physical effects. They can decrease sensitivity or cause uncomfortable sensations like itching and pain, which may interfere with sexual activities and cause distress. Additionally, pronounced or irregular scars could lead to difficulties during erections or sexual intercourse.
Circumcision scars can also have psychological effects in addition to physical ones. They can serve as a constant reminder of the procedure and result in feelings of loss, anger, or dissatisfaction with the penis’s appearance. These feelings can lead to problems with self-esteem, body image, and intimate relationships. It’s crucial to acknowledge and address these possible effects to provide complete care and support for people affected by circumcision scars.
Remaining Intact is the Best Way to Avoid Scars
An article on circumcision scarring on healthline.com lists the various devices used for circumcision on an infant, ranging from the gomco clamp, over which the foreskin is pulled and clamped to cut off blood flow to the skin. In contrast, a doctor uses a scalpel to remove the foreskin from a mogen clamp into which the foreskin is inserted and then removes it with a scalpel from a plastibell device inserted between the foreskin and over the glans for removal by the scalpel of the foreskin (the plastic ring remains to help the skin reattach to the shaft). Stitching may be required if excess bleeding occurs.
If reading this makes you squirm and feel uncomfortable, why would you subject an infant to it?
Scarring is an inevitable and “normal” result of infant circumcision. Recommendations are made for minimizing scarring, like applying petroleum jelly to prevent friction between the penis and diaper and washing the penis wound with soap and water. Adults are warned not to scratch as their circumcision heals and feels itchy. Infants will feel the discomfort of itching, but no attention will be paid since they can’t yet communicate other than crying.
There is no medical benefit or reason for causing this discomfort to an infant or creating a lifelong scar carried into adulthood.
Bumps and Lumps: Unexpected After-effects of Circumcision
The formation of bumps and lumps after circumcision is another after-effect of circumcision not commonly mentioned that can have a significant impact. These formations are a result of the body’s healing process, in which abnormal skin or tissue growth might occur due to the trauma caused by circumcision.
A skin bridge can occur when a wound sticks to the glans, resulting in a bridge of skin between two typically separate areas. Pain can be a long-term effect of skin bridges, especially during sexual activity or erections. Granuloma is a type of formation that occurs when the body produces excess tissue during healing. It can show up as small, firm bumps on the site of the circumcision. Although they are generally not painful, they can cause cosmetic concerns due to their visible appearance. Another type of lump that may develop is an inclusion cyst, which happens when skin cells are trapped under the skin during the healing process. They are typically small and painless. Bumps and lumps may require surgical correction, medical treatments, or psychological support.
Real-Life Experiences: Men Living with Circumcision Scars, Bumps, and Lumps
The personal stories of men who have lived with the physical after-effects of circumcision provide a moving and human outlook compared to the clinical facts and figures. These stories highlight not only the physical challenges of having scars, bumps, and lumps but also the profound impact on self-confidence, how one views one’s body, and sexual encounters.
Consider this story relayed by Intact America Board Member Marilyn Milos, “A Coming Out Story.”
Bathhouses in San Francisco were in full swing, and gay men had an opportunity to see lots of penises and the scars of circumcision on most penises. The men were shocked by the damage they saw. They told me about the extensive scarring, skin bridges, curvatures, and missing hunks and slices. Many recognized their scars and shared their reactions to the realization of what a doctor or mohel had done to them. This openness is something most straight men have never experienced; instead of witnessing the harm, they often tout the benefits of circumcision and choose to pass the scars on to their sons. As gay men began to educate themselves and others, that began to change. I asked Paul Tardiff, a gay man who had been circumcised as an adult if he’d be willing to talk about the differences he felt for a mini-documentary we were making to air during Dr. Dean Edell’s medical segment on the televised evening news. Paul agreed, and on the show, he said the difference between being intact and then circumcised is like first seeing in color and then only seeing in black and white.
Surgical Revision of Circumcision Scars, Bumps, and Lumps
Corrective surgery for scars may involve separating the dartos fascia around the penis from the underlying skin, releasing tension in the affected area, and allowing for more movement to reduce inflammation and flatten out raised tissue. Excess skin or fat tissues may be removed and stitched onto other irregularities to smoothen the skin contour. Of course, there is always the possibility of infection. The best thing is not to circumcise baby boys, which would completely prevent the need for surgical revision to begin with.
Jan 9, 2024
Circumcision, the ongoing practice of surgically removing the foreskin from the male penis, has a history rooted in religious rituals, cultural traditions, and medical misinformation. Because this surgery is irreversible, with a few exceptions, it is crucial to critically examine and fully understand the pros and cons of this deeply ingrained practice. This article explores the disadvantages and unsettling facts surrounding circumcision. It is important to shed light on the life-altering risks, suffering, and alarming realities associated with circumcision, also known as male genital mutilation. Together, we can raise awareness and advocate for informed consent, bodily autonomy, and an end to routine, medically unnecessary infant circumcision.
Disadvantages of Circumcision
1) Severe Pain
“According to a study from the University of Alberta, up to 96% of babies showed signs of pain during circumcision when no anesthesia was used.” — Taddio A, et al. Pain. 1997
Circumcision can inflict acute pain on infants. Extensive observations and studies have unequivocally demonstrated that during the process, infants exhibit unmistakable signs of distress, including high-pitched cries, elevated heart rates and blood pressure, decreased oxygen in the blood, a surge of stress hormones, and discernible changes in facial expressions. Furthermore, the post-operative period can be characterized by discomfort during urination and by the chafing of diapers against the healing wound. While pain management techniques, such as local anesthetics, can alleviate some of the immediate pain, they typically do not eradicate it (and were not instituted until the 1990s), and there is also the possibility of discomfort during the recovery phase.
As Marilyn Milos reported in her 2023 memoir, Please Don’t Cut the Baby!, Fran Porter, a research associate in pediatrics at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Dr. Richard Marshall et al. studied 50 healthy male infants in the 1980s who were circumcised without anesthesia. “We now know babies are not physiologically protected against painful stimuli,” Porter said. “Although their nerves are to some extent immature and the organization of their nervous system may also be immature, we should not assume that it’s not processing information.” Fran Porter and Dr. Richard Marshall et al., “Infants Feel Circumcision Pain, Study Says.”
Howard J. Stang, MD, and colleagues at Group Health Inc., and the University of Minnesota, recognizing that animals are anesthetized for surgery, asked in an article in 1988, “Are we not morally obligated to do the same for the young of our human species?” It was after this article appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association that anesthesia began to be used for circumcision. Yet, today, decades later, many newborns continue to be circumcised without pain relief. Howard J. Stang, MD, et al., “Local Anesthesia for Neonatal Circumcision: Effects on Distress and Cortisol Response.” Journal of the American Medical Association (259,10:1507-11), 1988. doi:10.1001/jama.1988.03720100025033.
2) Loss of Sensitivity
“A study published in the British Journal of Urology International in 2007 found that the five most sensitive areas of the penis are on the foreskin. Circumcised men had lower sensitivity on their circumcised organ compared to the intact organ of uncircumcised men.” — Sorrells ML, et al. BJU Int. 2007
Circumcision has lasting effects on the male anatomy, impacting both sexual sensation and pleasure. The removal of the foreskin, a crucial part of the penis rich in nerve endings and sensitive tissue, alters the sensory profile of the organ. The foreskin serves as a protective sheath, safeguarding the glans, or head, of the penis. When the foreskin is surgically removed, the glans, which is an internal organ, becomes exposed to constant contact with clothing and the external environment. This prolonged exposure can lead to the toughening or keratinization of the glans, potentially diminishing their sensitivity. Numerous studies and the experiences of circumcised individuals have highlighted a noticeable decline in penile sensitivity. This loss can have implications for sexual pleasure and satisfaction, affecting both individuals and their partners.
3) Psychological Effects
“A study from the Bond University in Australia, using the “Circumcision Feelings Scale,” found that circumcised men reported higher levels of negative emotions, including dissatisfaction, sexual anxieties, and depression, about their circumcision status compared to intact men.” — Boyle GJ, Bensley GA. Bond Univ. 2001
Circumcision can have long-term adverse psychological effects. Some men express feelings of violation, loss, or resentment towards their parents or caregivers for deciding on their behalf. This violation of bodily autonomy can give rise to emotions of anger, sadness, or even grief over the loss of a body part that they had no say in preserving. Additionally, individuals may experience a sense of incompleteness or reduced self-esteem due to societal perceptions surrounding their altered anatomy. Furthermore, if complications arise from the procedure, such as scarring or functional issues, the psychological impact can escalate, leading to anxiety or even depressive episodes.
4) Sexual Disadvantages
“Circumcised men might experience more difficulties with lubrication during sexual activities due to the absence of the foreskin.” — O’Hara K, O’Hara J. “The effect of male circumcision on the sexual enjoyment of the female partner.” BJU Int. 1999.
Circumcision has been associated with various sexual disadvantages stemming from both anatomical and sensory changes following the procedure. The removal of the foreskin, which contains numerous nerve endings, has the potential to diminish penile sensitivity and decrease sexual pleasure. Moreover, the foreskin contributes to the mechanics of intercourse by enabling a gliding motion and reducing friction. Its absence can alter the dynamics of sexual activity, potentially resulting in reduced lubrication and increased discomfort for both partners. Some circumcised men have expressed the need for more intense stimulation to achieve the same level of arousal, while others have reported a decrease in the intensity of orgasms. Although individual experiences differ, it is undeniable that circumcision introduces alterations that can impact sexual function and enjoyment.
5) Excessive Bleeding
“A review of circumcision complications found that hemorrhage was one of the most common early complications. Bleeding rates were reportedly as high as 35% in various studies.” — Weiss HA, Larke N, Halperin D, Schenker I. “Complications of circumcision in male neonates, infants and children: a systematic review.” BMC Urol. 2010.
One major circumcision risk is excessive bleeding, which can occur due to the cutting of vascular tissue during the process. In certain cases, blood vessels may not clot as quickly or effectively as expected, leading to prolonged bleeding. Factors like inherited blood disorders (such as hemophilia) or other clotting disorders can further increase this risk. Additionally, variations in surgical technique, the expertise of the practitioner, or the instrument used can impact bleeding outcomes.
6) Botched Circumcisions
“One study from Saudi Arabia indicated that around 12% of patients who had been circumcised experienced excessive removal of skin, which can lead to issues with erections in adulthood.” — Al-Marhoon MS, Jaboub SM. “Circumcision: prospective study of complications.” J Pediatr Surg. 2003.
Botched circumcisions are a deeply concerning drawback associated with the procedure. Improperly performed circumcisions can result in a myriad of complications, ranging from excessive bleeding and infection to more severe outcomes like disfigurement, partial amputation, or, in extreme cases, even death. Beyond the immediate physical consequences, these botched circumcisions can have long-term effects on both the body and the mind. Men who have endured poorly executed circumcisions may encounter difficulties in sexual function, reduced sensitivity, or concerns about appearance, all of which can significantly impact their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
7) Circumcision Complications
“A comprehensive review published in the journal “BMC Urology” found that the median frequency of any adverse event following neonatal and infant circumcision was 1.5%. This includes minor and major complications.” — Weiss HA, Larke N, Halperin D, Schenker I. “Complications of circumcision in male neonates, infants and children: a systematic review.” BMC Urol. 2010.
Circumcision complications can range in severity, with some being relatively minor, such as post-operative bleeding or localized infections. In contrast, others can be more severe, including meatal stenosis (a narrowing of the urethral opening) or injury to the penile shaft. In certain cases, an inadequate amount of foreskin may be removed, resulting in an appearance that closely resembles an uncircumcised state. On the other hand, excessive removal can lead to painful tension during erections. Another potential issue is the risk of the circumcision scar adhering to the penile shaft, necessitating further surgical intervention.
8) Risk of Death
“In the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where traditional circumcision practices are widespread, it was reported that over a period of a decade, there were over 800 deaths and cases of penile mutilation related to circumcision rituals.” — Meissner O, Buso DL. “Traditional male circumcision in the Eastern Cape – scourge or blessing?” South African Medical Journal, 2007.
One of the most pressing concerns surrounding circumcision is the rare yet undeniable risk of death associated with the procedure. The possibility of a life-threatening outcome resulting from an elective procedure is deeply troubling and goes against the very Hippocratic oath doctors swear to adhere to. Causes can vary from excessive bleeding and severe infections to adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, underlying medical conditions in infants that were undetected before circumcision can lead to complications. Each case represents a significant and devastating loss. For numerous parents and critics of the practice, the message is clear: any risk of death, no matter how small, is an exorbitant price to pay, particularly for a medically unnecessary procedure.
Horrifying Circumcision Facts
9) Commercial Motivations
“Foreskins are sometimes sold to biomedical companies, which use them for various types of research, often related to wound healing.” — The Atlantic
The commercial motivations surrounding circumcision extend far beyond the immediate costs of the procedure itself. One particularly contentious aspect of the commercial side of circumcision revolves around the market for products derived from the foreskin. Foreskin fibroblasts, cells crucial for collagen production, have attracted the interest of bio-research companies. These cells are obtained from donated foreskin tissue and utilized in creating various commercial products, such as luxurious facial creams and rejuvenating treatments. These harvested cells are also sometimes utilized in biochemical research to generate new skin for burn victims and individuals with specific skin conditions. The commercialization of foreskin tissue raises ethical concerns, particularly since the donors, who are circumcised infants, cannot provide consent. On top of that, the potential profits from these products derived from foreskin inadvertently create a financial incentive to promote circumcision, necessitating a careful evaluation of the medical justifications against commercial interests.
10) Lack of Training
“In developing countries where medical facilities might be limited, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that complications from circumcisions, potentially due to lack of training or substandard conditions, can be as high as 20-35%.” — WHO)
The practice of circumcision, especially when performed outside of medical facilities, poses even more danger and risks. It is disconcerting to note that individuals without formal medical training or standardized certification are often involved in these procedures. In many cultures and regions, circumcision rites are conducted by community or religious leaders who may lack formal medical education. While these traditional practitioners may have accumulated experience over time, the absence of standardized training leaves room for procedural inconsistencies, unsterile conditions, and potential errors. Acknowledging that this lack of training can result in various complications, from infections to more severe physical traumas, is important.
