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 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?...
Ask Marilyn—What’s the impact of intactivism conferences?
Dear Marilyn: I’m looking forward to attending Intact 2022, the 16th International Symposium on Child Genital Cutting, in Atlanta this week. Can you tell me how child genital cutting symposia have impacted intactivism since you began organizing them in 1989? —Larry,...
Ask Marilyn – Circumcised vs Uncircumcised Babies: How Do You Care for One or the Other?
Dear Marilyn: My baby boy was circumcised when he was born two years ago. Once the wound healed, it’s been easy to keep his penis clean. But my friend says that her son’s intact penis is easier to keep clean. Who is correct? —Nicole, Arkansas Dear Nicole: Your friend...
Ask Marilyn – How to Stay Involved?
Dear Marilyn: You wouldn’t remember me, but we met many years ago at a conference. I’m an intactivist. I donate my time and money to the cause as much as I can. I am writing to ask you how you have managed to keep going for so long. You see, I am very angry at having...
