Someone has got to say this publicly (Mom, you’ve been warned).
Am I the only woman in the world who has had sex with an intact man and one who is circumsized?
(Thank you David for being my model today).
Okay, I know I’m not.
The issue of circumcision is a HOT topic these days in America. When moms are deciding whether they will circumcise their sons they seek out advice from doctors on health benefits, they hear from circumcised men on how boys should look down there, and may investigate the experiences of men who remember having a circumcision after their neo-natal years (and would like to forget it).
I know this is really a man’s issue but where are the ladies on this matter – as their sexual partners?
I had been thinking about male circumcision long before I became pregnant with a boy.
When I was about 13 years old, my aunt sent me an article that appeared in a men’s magazine about infant male circumcision. She found it so enlightening and horrifying she wanted me to read about it. The photos were of a baby strapped down, screaming with his penis bleeding badly. It was in a hospital setting and everything looked quite sterile and typical. Here is a link to similar photos.
The effect of the photos on me were profound. I knew right then I would not have that done to any future son of mine for no obvious medical reason.
Fast forward through the high-school years when I became personally aquainted with my first penis. I don’t remember anything significant or remarkable about it. It was what it was: clean and healthy. About all I could hope for. And it was circumcised.
Throughout college I had no opportunity to see what an intact penis looked like, much less learn how it functioned. The word on the street was that it was ugly and dirty.
Eventually during my single lady years, I ventured off the circumsized male path so to speak. During intimite moment with a non-American male, I noticed that something was different. The sensation was kind of a little surprise. It was certainly unique and decidely nice.
For the record, when a man is erect, his foreskin is difficult to see. Later I was told, that the “decidely nice” part was foreskin.
When I see potions and vibrating products available today, it seems like many of them try to mimic the effect that is naturally available with foreskin. Most American women do not know this. I have had few opportunities in my life to talk with other women about a man’s fascinating foreskin, so I am taking the conversation into the blogosphere.
Some of the most interesting information I have found during my research was the resentment that some men have about being circumcised.
“Shock-Jock” Howard Stern is notoriously bitter and angry about his circumcision. As a grown man he learned about foreskin’s sexual sensitivity.
Here is a link to his comments and the comments of other men who have felt like something is “missing”.
In our modern era of free-love, there’s got to be more American women out there with credible experience on this important matter.
Writer Kristen O’Hara was so entralled with her first foreskin encounter it inspired her to write a book called Sex As Nature Intended It which goes into great detail how the foreskin functions during the act of sex.
And all you get from me is this measley post 
Well, okay, I’ll offer up a surprise bonus. It’s a photo of another one of my movie boyfriends (you may already be aware of the other one): Avatar’s Sam Worthington
Photo credit:Hotshotsworldwide
I have been dying for a reason to sneak a photo of Sam Worthington onto my web-site. (Due to copywrite laws, the best photos I can afford legally put on my site are of him schlepping his luggage through airports).
His status is (of course) personal, but the fact that he was born in England and later raised in Australia is well-known. It’s not part of the culture to circumcise infant males in England. So there you go. Think your own thoughts and enjoy the photo.
Anyway, if you found this page while investigating the pros and cons of the circumcision issue, I hope my overshare helps you consider this important aspect about the man your baby boy will one day become.
A doctor who performed circumcisions for 25 years offers her perspective on this book, infant male circumcision and sexual health right here.
Any and all thoughts and comments on this post are welcomed.
“Statue of David” photo credit: Daryl Fritz (Flikr)
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Glenna
/ October 16, 2012Heather, My son was asking because as he told me, almost all the boys he is friends with are cut and he is self councious about it. I have explained to him everything that I know about the procedure but he is still very interested in having it. I promised that I would not object if he wants it and I am going to set it up if he asks. It is solely his decision. Also, I have had both kinds and can tell no difference,feels the sme to me. Glenna
Glenna
/ September 17, 2012I am a single mother raising two boys,neither have ben circumcised. These boys are now 12 and 14 years old . We are very open about things and we have discussed circumcision. After one of them asked about it, I told them that I did not have them circed because I decided that only they should make that choice. To be truthful, I prefer a circumcised guy and I feel like it provides health benefits, is cleaner and looks better. They were told that if they decide that they wanted it that I would not argue and would pay all costs. One has brought it up again and has been asking many questions about the procedure. I have always told them the truth, and when he asked if I liked circumcision, I had to say that I did, but that my opinion should have no influance in the matter. They will have to make the decision.
Heather
/ September 23, 2012Thanks for sharing…I have wondered about a situation like this in the future. I wonder why they are asking?
Abouttobacaway
/ September 12, 2012I’ve been w/both & prefer circumcised. In fact I’m trying to back out of pending sex affair w/a man who I had learned is NOT circumcised. I don’t want to hurt his feeling & don’t know how to get out of this. We had not done anything in real life, but engaged in phone sex. I found out about him being uncircumcised when he sent me via email pics. 1st 2 pics I saw the head & it look ok & I was aroused. But the last pix I got today I noticed looked much different – no head was shown & unappealing w/ a excess skin. So I called him to ask if he is circumcised. He replied No. This don’t happen to me often since most men are circumcised. In the past if I get caught in situation of getting in bed w/uncircumcised man w/out knowing his penis condition before hand, I promise that would be the LAST time I give it to him.
Heather
/ September 23, 2012Always great to know all perspectives. This is quite candid
I’m sure many can relate to your experience. Thank you for sharing.
gerald
/ August 13, 2012It is funny how some people consider circumcising their babies to be a no-brainer. I think rather what needs to be circumcised is their neo-cortex-i.e. a frontal lobotomy, because it obviously isn’t functioning. I believe in forgiveness but also in repentance (anybody?) and I am aware now that I lack the ability to please a woman fully, at least without resorting to oral sex, and also lack the ability to be pleased, or even to masturbate satisfactorily, and that also affects the woman’s feelings, and bonding. I hate to make excuses, and I really want to avoid exaggerating but I think I’ve lost out big time and I truly want to have a wife and kids, but I don’t want to burden anybody with my mutilated penis and my emotional issues. I always get somewhat sore after sex, and especially masturbation. I never receive that much pleasure. How is that for sex. I resent being able to give women great orgasms but not receiving any in turn. They are all localized in the groin, and not full bodied at all. I feel stressed afterwards and it is not in my head, because I have a strong drive. So I am stuck with resentment. If she was very good to me around the house and in other ways it might make up for the resentment, but then I would have to ask for a lot, submission to me as authority. I feel that so much has been taken from me. Way more than mere “pleasure” which I can scoff at, but relationship itself. Also a better relationship with my parents. I feel I have one chance only, and that is through ‘restoring’ by tugging and growing new skin. It’s not the same and it can’t possibly be as good but it might help tremendously, and I can take a consolation. But that will take at least 2-3 years and if this fails, then my last hope is gone.
People want to make excuses for why they did it. I don’t think most of their excuses have much merit, especially when they have lectured me on critical thinking, self-esteem regarding body image, proper hygiene, etc. Oh the cognitive dissonance! But even if their excuses did have merit, they don’t understand, I’m not seeking excuses, justification. I am seeking the position of humility, apology, that they are tearing their heart out. Any other position and I stop communicating with them (my parents I mean)
I was cut off from the best piece of real estate on the human body, definitely on the human skin, with many many functions, especially the fine touch nerve endings that trigger that global full bodied orgasmic sensation. I must rely on deep pressure nerves that don’t give me much feeling, no ‘global’ feeling, and only leave me strained afterwards, to handle all the sex drive I have. I’m getting older and I’m not married and don’t have any children. Sex has never been all that it’s cracked up to be but somehow I’ve managed to please the women I’ve been with. That’s been great at first, but for some reason I have always left the relationship. I’ve had only 2 and most of my life I’ve been single and celibate. I’ve turned down making love to beautiful women, wondering why the hell I would do that. I guess now I think it’s because I realized I couldn’t give them what they truly need, and I didn’t want to spoil them or cause problems. The reasons for not being able to give them what they need go beyond having a cut penis or even beyond sex but that is a definite part of it I think. This was way before I realized how bad circumcision was, though I always knew it was bad.
For those who say it’s a no-brainer to have your kids cut, God have mercy on your soul. It’s called the age of consent. Wait until he can make an informed choice about his own damn body. I heard it’s illegal in Germany to cut the ears of a dog, but not to mutilate boys penises. We know how highly valued the male gender is throughout the whole world. Beneath that of girls in most places and in some places even animals. Circumcision is not even in the Quran and in the Torah it is probably referring to something much less drastic, otherwise how could the ancient jews practice epispasm? (google it). For Christians it’s almost condemned. That is what they were fighting about, the jews were envious I’m sure that the gentiles didn’t have to be cut (and that a much more minor cut) and that’s why there was so much emotion about it, in my opinion. A part of me wants to put the knife to everybody in anger, and that is another byproduct of the infliction of pain and violence that happened to my person when I was a few days old. I don’t want to exaggerate but I think sometimes that my body has been recoiling from that ever since. Why do I feel so restless sometimes? I truly hate the american medical system, for it has hated me. I hate those who make a living doing circumcisions on babies. If there is such a thing as ultimate justice, they will get theirs. I have nothing against adult male circumcision, and in theory, circumcision when it is truly necessary, although in practice they lie about it being necessary, when there are other techniques they can do, or they caused the problem by retraction, because they are idiots at best, heartless criminals at worst.
Heather
/ August 28, 2012Thank you for thoughfully and personally describing your situation. Others who read this may find your experience very informative. It’s so unfortunate you have had such a bad experience. I’ve come across men commenting on boards when this topic comes up. Those who admit they are angry about being circumsized or for a loss sensation tend to be dismissed by men who say I am circ’d and there is “no effect whatsoever”! Clearly every man has a different set of experiences. Hopefully your candor will help someone who reads this post. Thanks again.
eric
/ July 28, 2012I stumbled across this site while doing some research about circumcision. Thank you for bringing an alternative viewpoint to light on the subject! I’m 30 years old and contemplating circumcision. Why? My foreskin won’t retract during intercourse. Being a somewhat “late bloomer” sexually due to a repressive cultural background, I wasn’t aware I had a problem until I started having sex a few years ago. My partner (female) feels that our sex life would improve drastically if I were to get a circumcision. I agree that it does keep us from being wild because if the skin does slide back over the head during intercourse its very painful and I have to stop, which has been occurring more frequently of late. :/
My question is (I know this is an old thread, but I’ll take a chance someone still reads this): is there any other solution besides circumcision? I’m not sold on the idea and if there’s another solution I’m open for it! I feel that to cut off a part of me in order to get more pleasure is somehow twisted and I’d like to get opinions on what if any my other options are. Thanks for the blog again!
Heather
/ July 30, 2012Thanks for sharing your experience. I kind of wonder how a guy has the issue you describe — especially to prevent the same for other men. Considering you are in a repressive sexual culture, did the necessary stretching as a child occur? Would that have prevented this? Do you think that telling our boys do not touch, instead of make sure you stretch privately would have avoided this — or is it just your body type?
I have heard about restoring foreskin so I think it shows the area there can be stretched/manipulated carefully and naturally. I’m not a man so I really do not know. It’s regrettable that you have had this experience and hopefully you can find a natural solution. I have read that men who choose to get a circumcision later in life are quite often happy with that decision depending on the issue they were dealing with.
Please let me know if you learn anything more and if you are willing to share your experience. This post is read often. People can learn from your experience.
Anon84
/ April 1, 2012Hey. I’ve been with both. And cuz no one knows me I’m going to tell with happened too, can’t tell anyone without being worried about being called a slut, LOL. OK had a long term relationship with a cut guy for 3 years, sex seemed to hurt a lot and I almost never came, in fact, don’t think I did unless he went down on me, anyway, probably had sex less than ten times in the last year as I just didn’t enjoy it. Next relationship 4 years was with an uncut guy, I loved the sex, and it was pretty regular up until the end, I came often, it just didn’t rub like the cut guy, and he wasn’t as rough, and didn’t hurt me. Anyway, went travelling and met some Australian guys (here’s where the slut part comes in), to cut a long story short, I slept with two of them, one was circumcised one not. I slept with the uncircumcised guy one night, then the next night the circumcised guy, there was alcohol involved both times, but I just remember that same old unpleasant feeling of friction after we’d been at it a while, I just hoped he would hurry up! A few nights later I slept with the uncircumcised one again, and it just felt good, not uncomfortable even though this time we did it much longer than I had with the circumcised guy. With those guys I used condoms, so it seemed that even with a condom the uncut guy still felt better. Anyway, as it is now, I have no desire to sleep with circumcised men again. I have come to realise that their penises just cause discomfort after a while, and I don’t like it, maybe I could go with one again, but I would prefer to have a long term relationship with an uncircumcised guy.
Thought I’d tell you my experience anyway!
Heather
/ April 6, 2012Hi Anon,
I appreciate your candid response. This article gets read ALOT so it will probably help other women understand — that yes, it is different/more comfortable/pleasurable for other women. Thanks for confirming that I am not crazy! Your secret is safe with us
LL
/ November 20, 2011After years and years of sex with circumcised men (which was often disappointing or painful), I now have an intact boyfriend. Very different – so gentle, sweet, none of that pounding. The problem I have, is that I seem to have been ‘de-sensitiz-ed’ by prior experiences. I really WANT to enjoy my boyfriend, but I cannot feel as much, my body had become so used to the vigorous thrusting. I wish I had grown up with intact men to know/have been trained in what sex is naturally supposed to feel like!
Heather
/ November 20, 2011Hi LL,
Thanks for your candor. Sounds like some of this is actually a result of technique between the men you dated, unattributable entirely to circumcision (I think). That said, I think men who are intact generally are from cultures that enjoy a more fluid and natural and mature/sensual attitude toward the act itself. Cultures that take the view of routine neo-natal circumcision (for no medical reasons) tend to have an repressive (yet obsessive–why care so much about an infants penis?!) view of sex! I find American culture contradictory and sexually damaging.
Thanks for your input LL. I can see that a lot of people read this article. Hopefully, someone will relate to your feedback. I hope to see you again!
Rob
/ September 21, 2011Circumcision in modern society isn’t a health or hygiene issue. Cutting off part of your body isn’t hygiene – washing is. Circumcision is actually just a tribal ritual; parents feel compelled to carry it on for purely social (tribal) reasons, and without it being imposed on infants, it simply wouldn’t exist. (The % of adult men who choose to surgically remove any part of their own genitals is very small.)
Women create and trap more smegma than men, hence, any call to cut males for cleanliness is also manifestly a call to cut females for the same reason (it’s also a vote for universal mutilation over universal bathing). The self-evident ridiculousness, and violation of human rights, becomes more obvious when you look at it this way.
America’s debate on circumcision comes entirely from the fact that so many living males have been cut without their consent, and now feel forced (along with the women of the society) to justify the practice of genital cutting, and even to pass it on to their children. In most of the world, there is no debate: carving pieces from someone’s body without consent is mutilation, and you don’t have a right to cut from your children as if their genitals were your property.
Heather
/ September 21, 2011Hi Rob,
Very true. Interestingly, the magazine that I saw on this topic when I was 12 was a men’s magazine — hoping to educate other American men about the issue and genital mutilation. That was 20 years ago and fortunately neo-natal circumcision rates in this country have plummeted. I believe the are down to less than 50%.
Using the cleaning concerns is really what trips up new American moms who have no experience with intact penises but would consider not circumcising. I was so worried about proper care for my son but learned it was super easy — you just clean the outside — then leave it alone! You have to encourage boys to stretch the skin if they feel the need, too. In America, the first time a boy touches himself (as a young child) they are told that touching it is bad. So no stretching, then the skin gets tight which presents other issues especially as a young male.
I greatly appreciate when a man like yourself offers his thoughts. Thanks!
Becky
/ May 3, 2011I can’t say much about my experience with intact men. I may have been with one but he had a condom on so there really was no difference there.
Beyond that. I read one woman state once that she had a grandfather who died of penile cancer which started on his circumcision scar. If you have a penis you can get cancer of it.
Also, the best way to prevent HPV is not to cut off a piece of the penis. Both young men and young women can get vaccinated against it these days right?
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hpv/vac-faqs.htm (CDC website)
They recommend vaccinating young girls in their TEENS (not as babies folks!) and boys can get vaccinated too if their moms want them to be.
NOTE:
The American Cancer Society does NOT recommend circumcision to prevent penile cancer. Here is a link to their page:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/PenileCancer/DetailedGuide/penile-cancer-prevention
Note, they state that it is far better for men to avoid risk factors by practicing good hygiene and avoiding HPV (get vaccinated? hmm?) They also suggest that you don’t smoke which is a good idea all around. Don’t let your children try or use cigarettes. Though, as expensive as they are I don’t know why you would, YUCK. I think second hand tobacco smell is far worse than smegma.
Heather
/ May 3, 2011Thanks Becky for your thoughtful input. Your grandfather’s story is an interesting one and teachable. And you are right good hygiene and sensible protective measures take away so many other risk factors including unintended pregnancy. Removing foreskin is not the end-all to those issues and protection still needs to be there. And I’ll second the cigarette smell comment!
Becky
/ May 3, 2011Thanks for the quick reply Heather.
I was actually thinking of the man’s comment about his circumcision later in life. I’m curious about the two issues he brought up. One was the rash he mentioned could happen when hiking or away from civilization. I’m curious, since most European men don’t resort to circumcision for such problems, what alternatives they use under such cases. There may in fact be sprays, creams or powders that could be used to counter such problems (and I imagine they’re no different from kinds of itch problems women get under similar circumstances). On the Babycenter boards (I am currently pregnant with my first son, and I’ll freely admit I’m biased since I’ve already decided he will be intact) there was a woman stating her husband was intact and never had problems with infections/rashes when away from plumbing so not every man experiences that.
The concern about tearing is interesting. I know as a woman I experience tearing in my vaginal area quite frequently with sex (tears of the perineum) so I would probably equate it with that. It’s uncomfortable but usually resolves itself within a day or so and can be prevented by preemptively using extra lube. Please correct me if I’m wrong. My husband is circumcised so I really don’t know for sure and I certainly don’t propose to be an expert.
I just wanted to relate that there might be alternatives to surgery. I have had surgery on a few occasions and it’s really not something to take lightly. I wouldn’t opt for surgery on myself unless it was a last resort so I certainly wouldn’t opt-in to have my infant son operated on immediately after birth unless his life was at risk.
There seems to be a great many people who seem to think their sons will need to be circumcised later in life and prefer to get it done as a baby ‘so they won’t remember it’ so it doesn’t hurt to point out that there are non-surgical solutions to many of these issues and not everyone has them.
Heather
/ May 4, 2011Hi Becky,
Thanks for stopping in again. I have read around the internet about men choosing the procedure later in life and being very happy with that decision such as Rio. I know only personally of one man (my uncle’s friend) who had issues late in life and had to have the procedure. He actually was quite promiscuous so I don’t know if there can be added complications if a man has contracted an STD. I would presume that would be very very uncomfortable. Otherwise, the others I know of had not one problem but some have expressed discomfort as you say during sex. The best remedy to prevent that problem I think for that is for a boy/man to engage in what circumcision was ‘supposed’ to prevent: masterbastion. After having my son, I see how the skin would need to be stretched over time and should be encouraged as the boy gets older to prevent too tight skin — which of course goes against most religious teachings. Ah, some of that American puritan sex hang-up make sense now, right?
Congrats on your boy and for giving the issue serious consideration and for keeping your son intact. It’s super easy to clean…just leave it alone and rinse the outside. When he was 3 the skin can go back some and we rinse. Although, I did get a little bit of soap under the skin once and it caused him to have some irritation. The doc just gave us bacitracin and it cleared right up. I would suggest having that ointment on hand at all times just in case. When that incident happened the doc said that for every boy she sees with an issue, she sees 10 girls. And this is L.A. where there is a large number of boys intact. That put things into perspective for me. We don’t cut anything off of girls even though they have issues ten-fold over boys.
Reedu
/ February 24, 2011Great research, great topic. I have been with uncircumcised and circumcised and am married to the latter. We had a baby boy this past summer and it was a no-brainer to have him circumcised. I have a brother-inlaw who was not born in this country and therefore not circumcised. After years of what he calls “mental anguish” he finally got circumcised at 30. I know and respect both sides of the coin, but the coin seems to way heavier on the cleanliness and sociability side. While I hated making an executive decision that ultimately changed the makeup of my son’s body, I think/believe he’ll appreciate that one day.
Heather
/ February 24, 2011Hi Reedu!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I my bro-in-law/sis-in-law circ’d his 4th son because he hadn’t done the first 3 and I guess something happened with his older kids. He really wanted it done.
Just as Rio describes, there are many reasons (physical and emotional) why some men eventually choose to have it done.
For those who don’t, they can rest assured that there are ladies like me around
.
Anonymous
/ February 24, 2011Going anon. on this one in case someone I know tracks me down ha! Anyway, I’ve been with both types of men, and I have to say uncircumcised is not as bad as it’s made out to be! I actually found the experience to be much better, truth be told. Unfortunately that person is NOT the person I’m married to, but I’ll make do with what I got
I also did not choose to circumcise my sons…I can’t imagine choosing to change my child’s body in such a major way without their consent. Fortunately, by the time they reach the locker room they probably won’t feel weird with the decision we made to keep them intact as it seems to be a choice many parents make today.
Heather
/ February 24, 2011Hi Anon,
Thanks for your candor and for sharing your experience. And because I say that I personally prefer a man intact does not imply that one who is circumcised isn’t very enjoyable. It would just seem like being with someone always wearing a condom, though. But I don’t know…I have never gone back. I think it’s okay to admit that it is different
! Glad I’m not alone!
Rio Guzman
/ February 12, 2011Hi Heather!
I couldn’t say that I wouldn’t have minded as an infant; I think an infant, if he had a choice, would say, “Hey I want some anesthesia, okay?” And anyway, it is better to be able to choose; as you say, mistakes are done.
Heather
/ February 13, 2011I have heard that topical anesthesia was recently added to procedure. Thanks again for sharing!
Rio Guzman
/ February 12, 2011Hi Heather!
Not ever again after circumcision)
I am qualified to comment here; I had a circumcision done after I was a grown man and I think is one of the best things a have ever done. Here is why:
1. Cleanliness; it stays clean, no worries.
2. If one is uncircumcised and in a situation where hygiene is difficult to perform (traveling, camping whatever) and one don’t or can’t clean it properly it will get an irritation (I guess something like yeast infection on women) that will last 2 or 3 days, and it is not only bothersome but disgusting. (Guess what? I get no more of that)
3. That skin, during prolonged intercourse, can tear slightly at the base and your performance will be canceled, and there is healing to do. (It happened to me a couple of times. Again, guess what? Not anymore
About sensitivity: I can honestly say that I have never felt I lost any sensitivity at all.
About looks: It is impressive to you as any other novelty. As soon as you get used to it, it wears of. The opposite is also true: when I first saw my circumcision I thought it looked fantastic. But remember, a head is a head, hat or no hat.
That said, after looking at your pictures I don’t know if I would recommend the operation for a newly born, but to anyone who might be considering it in later years I would say just to get a good surgeon. (The “good” here is important. You don’t want him to cut too much
Heather
/ February 12, 2011Rio!
Thank you so much for your candor here. Certainly you explain the drawbacks of the foreskin well. Another drawback I have heard is that it can hurt as a guy gets older and needs to stretch the skin.
I have heard about the doctor’s cutting too much and that men’s skin can actually be very tight later on since the doctor had not accommodated properly for a boy’s growth. But you’ve dispelled a few rumors and assumptions for me here. I gather from your comment that you would not have minded having a circumcision as an infant — many men (maybe not Howard Stern) seem fine with it. I’m glad that you are happy with your decision and for sharing! A key thing for me here is that you had the choice and you eventually made it for yourself.
Fe
/ February 10, 2011This is a usual scenario come Summer time in my country, the Philippines – where most Filipino boys earn their “manhood” through routine circumcision. Those who are “cut” boast of their “manliness,” while those who are yet to experience the “right of passage” are left embarrassed by their condition, anxious for their time to come.
There are three main reasons why doctors continue endorsing routine circumcision: For hygienic purposes; religious reasons and to avoid foreskin problems (phimosis, paraphimosis and balanitis) in susceptible males and cervical cancer in women.
My son is about to go under the knife this summer and I don’t even know why. A predominantly Catholic country, circumcision in the Philippines has long become an obligation and a tradition. Following Christian doctrine, Filipinos believe that circumcision is a symbol of the covenant between man and God. Nobody dared question the practice.
Heather
/ February 10, 2011That is very interesting. It’s human nature to carry on many traditions without much thought. The Philippines is probably a good place to gather information about the sensitivity issue, though. Best wishes for the health and well-being of your son. At least this way — even if there are social influences, it can still be his choice.
Here in the U.S. doctors have stopped endorsing routine circumcision. The rate is down from 87%-50% and falling since this change took place.
I know that phimosis and tight foreskin are serious problems but foreskin is very, very stretchy. I often think that if a boy can stretch his earlobes the size of a quarter with those big circle things, he should be able to stretch is foreskin just as easily. But I don’t know for sure. I’m not a guy.
Sedate Me
/ February 8, 2011The “science” behind circumcision is dodgy at best. There’s probably no advantage that a good, regular, cleaning of your junk won’t achieve. It’s all just searching for ways to avoid treating circumcision for exactly what it is, male genital mutilation. http://www.mgmbill.org/index.htm
What man would allow some guy slice up their package as an adult? Not many. So why is OK to do with non-consenting children? If somebody believes in the benefits of circumcision or wants to make some pact with whatever God demands they hack of their foreskins, they should do it as consenting adults.
Heather
/ February 8, 2011Thanks for your thoughts Sedate Me.
Because so many women have not seen how the foreskin functions, the cleaning myths persist. I realize there are valid hygiene issues but having raised my son, I know how so easy to clean. Parents tamper with their little boys too much and that can cause problems.
When people say it is better to circumcise a baby than an adult because he won’t remember it is like saying it’s okay to punch a baby in the stomach because he won’t remember it.
I agree. If most adult males are not eagerly lining up for this procedure, we should question whether or not we should automatically subject our babies to it.
Lisa
/ February 7, 2011The only pro I could see of circumcision is that men have less of a chance of giving women HPV, but it seems cruel.
Heather
/ February 7, 2011Hi Lisa,
Thanks for stopping by. I agree.
By the way, isn’t that questionable vaccine Gardasil suppose to be preventing HPV? The best way to guard against this and many other things is encouraging safe sex and good old fashion abstinence. Partner discretion and very high standards of health and financial security in this area would benefit us all better in numerous ways than mass neo-natal circumcision.
Marina DelVecchio
/ February 7, 2011Interesting topics brought out by this post — Kudos to you for writing it. I also found you on Feministing.com — and some people were harsh!
Check out The New Agenda! I just joined them — they’re non-partisan — don’t call themselves feminists, but are into organizing against sex-trafficking and protecting young girls, anti-sexism of women.
Heather
/ February 7, 2011Hi there Marina!
Well, I think it is worth mentioning this to other American moms.
Yes, I linked to the feministing discussion in a widget at the top my site “Confirmation That Moms Are Still Outcasts”. The word “offensive” is in the tagline for good reason but it’s disheartening to have it confirmed on a website called “feministing.com”.
I saw that link on your site to the New Agenda. I really liked it and plan on registering! Thanks for the reminder.
Marm
/ February 4, 2011@bruno – Circumcised men can get penile cancer. The risk “appears” to be lower. See this link:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/PenileCancer/DetailedGuide/penile-cancer-prevention
In the past, circumcision has been suggested as a way to prevent penile cancer. This was based on studies that reported much lower penile cancer rates among circumcised men than among uncircumcised men. But in many of those studies, the protective effect of circumcision was no longer seen after factors like smegma and phimosis were taken into account.
Most public health researchers believe that the risk of penile cancer is low among uncircumcised men without known risk factors living in the United States. Men who wish to lower their risk of penile cancer can do so by avoiding HPV infection and not smoking. Those who aren’t circumcised can also lower their risk of penile cancer by practicing good hygiene. Most experts agree that circumcision should not be recommended solely as a way to prevent penile cancer.
Heather
/ February 4, 2011Thanks Marm for that detailed information. It seems like we would have to start removing alot of infant body parts these days to prevent cancer.
Since Bruno is a man his point of view on this topic is much appreciated. At the end of the day, I think if a male is older and has concerns about developing penile cancer then it can be his choice to be circumcised at that point.
brunolem
/ February 4, 2011Questions:
1. Does your husband read your blog?
2. Why not publish a couple of pictures (before and after)?
3. Did you know that circumcized men don’t (can’t?) have penis cancer?
(I read a study about that a long time ago…)
Heather
/ February 4, 2011Hi Bruno,
1. No, my husband does not read my blog but he’s welcome to anytime. He knows all about the movie boyfriends and my thoughts on foreskin. Don’t worry, my movie boyfriends don’t know about me so they pose no threat to my marriage (I’m sure that’s why you asked, right?)
2. I cannot publish photos since I do all of this on my work computer. The sites that I have linked to have photos.
3. I did not know that the science was “certain” on that but I have read that making the case for circumcising to prevent penile cancer is like removing a toenail to prevent toe cancer or circumcising a girl to prevent cancer of the vulva.