Intact America’s newsfeed, or intactivist blog, contains a wide variety of timely topics concerning this human rights cause and divided into categories, including essays, events, press releases, our new Voices series, and much more. Subscribe using this RSS link.
A or B guys. A or B?
Two recent surveys by Intact America have raised the question by some participants of why we asked the men if their penis looked like A (an intact penis) or B (a circumcised penis), which they found either distasteful or an invasion of privacy. This is the A or B...
Voices – Dusty Drake
Intact America interviewed Dusty Drake (they/she) following her heartwarming and open TikTok account of their circumcision complications. A transcript of the interview and her video follows. How did you discover Intact America and what does the intactivist movement...
Ask Marilyn—What are Langerhans Cells?
Dear Marilyn: I have read that the foreskin produces anti-microbial agents, including Langerhans cells. Is that true? What are Langerhans cells? —Richard in Virginia Dear Richard: Yes, Richard, Langerhans cells have important immunological properties. Langerhans cells...
A tribute to Richard Schwartzman
Richard Schwartzman, a psychiatrist who wrote and spoke about child rearing, including the harm of infant circumcision, passed away on July 20, 2022. He was 83 and is survived by an immediate family that includes Rebecca Wald, her husband, and their children. For...
Do You Know: The causes of tight foreskin and what to do about it?
By Marilyn Milos, RN Sometimes the retractable foreskin of an adult male will close down; this condition is called "pathological phimosis." Too often, when men who have developed pathological phimosis consult with a urologist or other physician, they are told that the...
Voices — James F. Verrees, M.D., FACOG
During my Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency, I had the opportunity to learn newborn circumcision. Because of the frequency of the procedure, I agreed to the training. Yes, the Siren on the rocks of "cultural normalcy" called me. Immediately prior to the training, I...
Ask Marilyn—Kiddo Is Having Painful Erections
Dear Marilyn, My almost 5 year old keeps having erections and is complaining that it's hurting. Is that normal for an intact kiddo? My oldest is circed as is hubby so this is new to me and hubby. What can I do to help him? —Emily in Indiana Dear Emily, How does your...
Ask Marilyn—Can a Tight Foreskin be Treated without Circumcision?
Dear Marilyn: I’m a 35-year-old man. I have been having trouble with a very tight foreskin. My doctor says it’s phimosis, and the only treatment is circumcision. Is there any other remedy? I’d really like to keep my foreskin. —Harold, New Orleans, LA Dear Harold: The...
Ask Marilyn—Is It Normal to Have Hair on Your Penis?
Dear Marilyn: I have hair going up the shaft of my penis. Is this normal? —Daniel F., Tulsa, OK Dear Daniel: Hair on human bodies varies by individual. Penile shaft hair is rare but most frequently it is the result of circumcision, which pulls scrotal skin onto the...
Ask Marilyn—Is a second circumcision advisable?
Dear Marilyn, The doctor cut off only a little bit of foreskin—way less than I’ve noticed in other circumcised babies his age (4 months)—when she circumcised my son. Should I take him for a second circumcision? Should I do it now or wait until he is older? How old?...