Difference between revisions of "Psychological issues of male circumcision"

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Male [[circumcision]] is a surgical amputation of the [[foreskin]], which contains more than one-half of the erogenous epithelium of the [[penis]]. The amputation most frequently carried out on infants and small boys who cannot and do not give consent for the loss of so much of their penis. There are many '''psychological issues of male circumcision''' that arise from the painful, traumatic involuntary loss of the part of the penis with the erogenous tissue that provides much sexual sensation.
+
Male [[circumcision]] is a surgical [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]], which contains more than one-half of the erogenous epithelium of the [[penis]]. The [[amputation]] is most frequently carried out on infants and small boys who cannot and do not give consent for the loss of so much of their [[penis]]. There are many '''psychological issues of male circumcision''' that arise from the painful, traumatic, involuntary loss of the part of the [[penis]] with the erogenous tissue that provides much sexual sensation.<ref name ="uberoi2022">{{REFjournal
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|title=Potentially under-recognized late-stage physical and psychosexual complications of non-therapeutic neonatal penile circumcision: a qualitative and quantitative analysis of self-reports from an online community forum
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|trans-title=
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|language=
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|journal=Int J Impot Res
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|location=
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|date=2022-10-23
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|url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-022-00619-8
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|pubmedID=36274189
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|DOI=10.1038/s41443-022-00619-8
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|accessdate=2023-02-19
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}}</ref> [[Dan_Bollinger| Bollinger]] (2023) identifed child genital cutting (CGC) as an [[Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)| adverse childhood experience]].<ref name="bollinger2023">{{REFjournal
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|last=Bollinger
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|init=D
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|author-link=Dan Bollinger
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|last2=
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|init2=
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|author2-link=
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|url=https://kindredmedia.org/2023/02/adverse-childhood-experiences-dysfunctional-households-and-circumcision/
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|title=Adverse Childhood Experiences, Dysfunctional Households, And Circumcision.
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|journal=Kindred
 +
|date=2023-02-28
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|volume=
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|issue=
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|pages=
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|accessdate=2023-03-01
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}}</ref>
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
  
Moses Maimonides wrote in the 12th century:
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[[Moses Maimonides]] wrote in the 12th century:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
 
Similarly with regard to circumcision, one of the reasons for it is, in my opinion, the wish to bring about a decrease in sexual intercourse and a weakening of the organ in question, so that this activity be diminished and the organ be in as quiet a state as possible. … In fact this commandment has not been prescribed with a view to perfecting what is defective congenitally, but to perfecting what is defective morally. The bodily pain caused to that member is the real purpose of circumcision. … For if at birth this member has been made to bleed and has had its covering taken away from it, it must indubitably be weakened.<ref name="maimonides1190">{{REFbook
 
Similarly with regard to circumcision, one of the reasons for it is, in my opinion, the wish to bring about a decrease in sexual intercourse and a weakening of the organ in question, so that this activity be diminished and the organ be in as quiet a state as possible. … In fact this commandment has not been prescribed with a view to perfecting what is defective congenitally, but to perfecting what is defective morally. The bodily pain caused to that member is the real purpose of circumcision. … For if at birth this member has been made to bleed and has had its covering taken away from it, it must indubitably be weakened.<ref name="maimonides1190">{{REFbook
 
  |last=Maimonides
 
  |last=Maimonides
 
  |first=Moses
 
  |first=Moses
  |author-link=
+
  |init=M
  |last2=
+
  |author-link=Moses Maimonides
|first2=
 
|author2-link=
 
 
  |year=1963
 
  |year=1963
 
  |title=The Guide of the Perplexed
 
  |title=The Guide of the Perplexed
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  |pages=
 
  |pages=
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
  |publisher=University of Chicago Press
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  |publisher={{UNI|University of Chicago|UChicago}} Press
 
  |isbn=
 
  |isbn=
 
  |quote=
 
  |quote=
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}}</ref>  
 
}}</ref>  
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
So we see that circumcision has long been used to effect behavior change.
 
  
==Profound lack of understanding of psychological issues==
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So we see that [[circumcision]] has long been used to effect behavior change.
  
There was little awareness of emotional and psychological issues when child circumcision was being promoted in the late 19th century and early 20th century. For example, [[Douglas Gairdner]] made no mention at all of pain, behavior changes, or psychological issues in his landmark 1949 paper.<ref name="fate1949">{{REFjournal
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== Profound lack of understanding of psychological issues ==
|last=Gairdner
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|first=D.M.
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There was little awareness of emotional and/or psychological issues when child [[circumcision]] was being promoted in the late 19th century and early 20th century. For example, [[Douglas Gairdner]] (1949) made no mention at all of [[pain]], [[trauma]] behavior changes, or psychological issues in his landmark 1949 paper.<ref name="fate1949">{{GairdnerDM 1949}}</ref>
|title=The fate of the foreskin: a study of circumcision
+
 
|journal=British Medical Journal
+
Intact America (2023) reported that [[intact]] males were shamed.<ref>{{REFweb
|volume=2
+
  |url=https://intactamerica.org/foreskin-phobia-intact-penis-shamed/
|issue=4642
+
  |title=Foreskin Phobia: How The Intact Penis Has Been Shamed
|pages=1433-1437
+
|last=Anonymous
  |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2051968/pdf/brmedj03656-0009.pdf
+
  |first=
  |quote=
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  |init=
  |pubmedID=15408299
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  |publisher=
  |pubmedCID=2051968
+
  |date=2023-12-21
  |DOI=10.1136/bmj.2.4642.1433
+
  |accessdate=2023-12-31
  |date=1949
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-05
 
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
 
==Increasing awareness==
 
==Increasing awareness==
  
David Levy (1945) reported on abnormal behavior in children who had undergone surgical operations, including circumcision, among other operations. Levy reported such emotional sequelae as:
+
David Levy (1945) reported on abnormal behavior in children who had undergone surgical operations, including [[circumcision]], among other operations. Levy reported such emotional sequelae as:
  
 
* Conditioned fear
 
* Conditioned fear
* Dependency fears and regressions.
+
* Dependency fears and regressions
* Latent fear.
+
* Latent fear
* Phobias.
+
* Phobias
* Anxiety states.
+
* Anxiety states
* Hostility reactions.
+
* Hostility reactions
* Obsessions.
+
* Obsessions
 
* Hysteria.
 
* Hysteria.
  
Levy saw a relationships to what was then called combat neurosis and now known as postraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).<ref name="levy1945">{{REFjournal
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Levy saw a relationships to what was then called ''combat neurosis'' and now known as post traumatic stress disorder ([[PTSD]]).<ref name="levy1945">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Levy
 
  |last=Levy
 
  |first=David
 
  |first=David
 +
|init=D
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Psychic trauma of operations in children: and a note on combat neurosis
 
  |title=Psychic trauma of operations in children: and a note on combat neurosis
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Am J Dis Child  
 
  |journal=Am J Dis Child  
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 85: Line 150:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Anna Freud, daughter and Sigmund Freud, and a pioneer child psychologist read Levy's paper. She wrote (1952):
+
[[Anna Freud]], daughter of [[Sigmund Freud]], and a pioneer child psychologist read Levy's paper. She wrote (1952):
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
Ever since the discovery of the castration complex analysts have had ample opportunity in their therapeutic work to study the impact of surgical operations. on normal and abnormal development. By now it is common knowledge that surgical interference with the child's body may serve as the focal point for the activation, reactivation, grouping and rationalization of ideas of being attacked, overwhelmed and (or) castrated. … Ever since the discovery of the castration complex analysts have had ample opportunity in their therapeutic work to study the impact of surgical operations. on normal and abnormal development. By now it is common knowledge that surgical interference with the child's body may serve as the focal point for the activation, reactivation, grouping and rationalization of ideas of being attacked, overwhelmed and (or) castrated.<ref name="freud1952">{{REFjournal
+
  Ever since the discovery of the castration complex analysts have had ample opportunity in their therapeutic work to study the impact of surgical operations. on normal and abnormal development. By now it is common knowledge that surgical interference with the child's body may serve as the focal point for the activation, reactivation, grouping and rationalization of ideas of being attacked, overwhelmed and (or) castrated.<ref name="freud1952">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Freud
 
  |last=Freud
 
  |first=Anna
 
  |first=Anna
 +
|init=A
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |title=The role of bodily illness in the mental life of children
 
  |title=The role of bodily illness in the mental life of children
Line 104: Line 170:
 
British child psychologist Gocke Cansever tested twelve Turkish boys before and after circumcision. Cansever (1965) confirmed the conclusions of Anna Freud (1952) and reported:
 
British child psychologist Gocke Cansever tested twelve Turkish boys before and after circumcision. Cansever (1965) confirmed the conclusions of Anna Freud (1952) and reported:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
The results of the tests showed that circumcision, performed around the phallic stage is perceived by the child as an act of aggression and castration. It has detrimental effects on the child's functioning and adaptation, particularly on his ego strength. By weakening the controlling and defensive mechanisms of the ego, and initiating regression, it loosens the previously hidden fears, anxieties, and instinctual impulses, and renders a feeling of reality to them. What is expressed following the operation is primitive, archaic and unsocialized in character. As a defensive control and protection against the surge of the instinctual forces coming from within and the threats coming from outside, the ego of the child seeks safety in total withdrawal, this isolates and insulates itself from disturbing stimuli.<ref name="cansever1965">{{REFjournal
+
The results of the tests showed that [[circumcision]], performed around the phallic stage is perceived by the child as an act of aggression and castration. It has detrimental effects on the child's functioning and adaptation, particularly on his ego strength. By weakening the controlling and defensive mechanisms of the ego, and initiating regression, it loosens the previously hidden fears, anxieties, and instinctual impulses, and renders a feeling of reality to them. What is expressed following the operation is primitive, archaic and unsocialized in character. As a defensive control and protection against the surge of the instinctual forces coming from within and the threats coming from outside, the ego of the child seeks safety in total withdrawal, this isolates and insulates itself from disturbing stimuli.<ref name="cansever1965">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Cansever
 
  |last=Cansever
 
  |first=Gocke
 
  |first=Gocke
 +
|init=G
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Psychological effects of circumcision
 
  |title=Psychological effects of circumcision
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal= Brit J Med Psychol
 
  |journal= Brit J Med Psychol
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
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  |pubmedID=5322308
 
  |pubmedID=5322308
 
  |pubmedCID=
 
  |pubmedCID=
  |DOI= https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8341.1965.tb01314.x
+
  |DOI=10.1111/j.2044-8341.1965.tb01314.x
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-05
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-05
 
}}</ref></blockquote>
 
}}</ref></blockquote>
  
Emde ''et al''. (1971) being curious about changes in infant behavior after painful heel sticking, decided to test baby boys before and after routine (non-therapeutic) circumcision performed without anesthesia. Not surprisingly, they found that circumcision changed behavior. They concluded:
+
Emde et al. (1971) being curious about changes in infant behavior after painful heel sticking, decided to test baby boys before and after routine (non-therapeutic) [[circumcision]] performed without anesthesia. Not surprisingly, they found that circumcision changed behavior. They concluded:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
Routine hospital circumcision, done without anesthesia, was chosen as a potential stressor which might be expected to produce prolonged bombardment of pain pathways. Two studies, one without polygraphic manipulation and one with EEG and polygraphic manipulation and one with EEG and polygraphic recording, resulted in similar findings. Circumcision was usually followed by prolonged, non-REM sleep. Effects of circumcision were demonstrable in terms of an increase in the amount of non-REM sleep (p<0.01) and a decrease in latency to the onset of non-REM sleep (P<0.05). Infants were used as their own controls and were compared with non-circumcised males for statistical analysis. Postcircumcision increase in non-REM sleep was also reflected in an increased total number of non-REM sleep periods and an increased number of extremely long non-REM sleep periods.<ref name=emde1971">{{REFjournal
+
Routine hospital circumcision, done without anesthesia, was chosen as a potential stressor which might be expected to produce prolonged bombardment of pain pathways. Two studies, one without polygraphic manipulation and one with EEG and polygraphic manipulation and one with EEG and polygraphic recording, resulted in similar findings. Circumcision was usually followed by prolonged, non-REM sleep. Effects of circumcision were demonstrable in terms of an increase in the amount of non-REM sleep (p<0.01) and a decrease in latency to the onset of non-REM sleep (P<0.05). Infants were used as their own controls and were compared with non-circumcised males for statistical analysis. Post circumcision increase in non-REM sleep was also reflected in an increased total number of non-REM sleep periods and an increased number of extremely long non-REM sleep periods.<ref name=emde1971">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Emde
 
  |last=Emde
 
  |first=Robert M.
 
  |first=Robert M.
 +
|init=RM
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Harmon
 
  |last2=Harmon
 
  |first2=Robert J.
 
  |first2=Robert J.
 +
|init2=RJ
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Metcalf
 
  |last3=Metcalf
 
  |first3=David
 
  |first3=David
 +
|init3=D
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |last4=Koenig
 
  |last4=Koenig
 
  |first4=Kenneth L.
 
  |first4=Kenneth L.
 +
|init4=KL
 
  |author4-link=
 
  |author4-link=
 
  |last5=Wagonfeld
 
  |last5=Wagonfeld
 
  |first5=Samuel
 
  |first5=Samuel
 +
|init5=S
 
  |author5-link=
 
  |author5-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Stress and Neonatal Sleep
 
  |title=Stress and Neonatal Sleep
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Psychosom Med  
 
  |journal=Psychosom Med  
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 163: Line 231:
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
Researchers in Britain and America noticed that male infants in America, where most males were circumcised in the 1970s behave differently from female infants, while male infants in Britain do not behave differently from female infants. Richards, Bernal, & Brackbill (1976) said:
+
Researchers in [[United Kingdom| Britain]] and [[United States of America| America]] noticed that male infants in America, where most males were [[circumcised]] in the 1970s behave differently from female infants, while [[intact]] male infants in Britain do not behave differently from female infants. Richards, Bernal, & Brackbill (1976) said:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
 
The extent to which circumcision does contribute to gender differences in behavior during the neonatal period, or subsequently, obviously demands detailed and focused study. Most certainly, the published description of any sample using male neonates should indicate circumcision status. At present, with rare exception, this information does not appear in any account of subject characteristics.<ref>{{REFjournal
 
The extent to which circumcision does contribute to gender differences in behavior during the neonatal period, or subsequently, obviously demands detailed and focused study. Most certainly, the published description of any sample using male neonates should indicate circumcision status. At present, with rare exception, this information does not appear in any account of subject characteristics.<ref>{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Richards
 
  |last=Richards
  |first=MPM
+
  |init=MPM
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Bernal
 
  |last2=Bernal
  |first2=JF
+
  |init2=JF
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Brackbill
 
  |last3=Brackbill
 
  |first3=Yvonne
 
  |first3=Yvonne
 +
|init3=Y
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Early behavioral differences: gender or circumcision?  
 
  |title=Early behavioral differences: gender or circumcision?  
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Dev Psychobiol  
 
  |journal=Dev Psychobiol  
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 196: Line 263:
 
Grimes (1978) also expressed concern, writing:
 
Grimes (1978) also expressed concern, writing:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
In contrast to the sometimes dramatic somatic responses of the neonate to operation without anesthesia, the psychological consequences of this trauma are conjectural. Psychoanalyst Erik Erickson has described the first of eight stages of man as the development of basic trust versus basic mistrust. For the baby to be plucked from his bed, strapped in a spread eagle position, and doused with chilling antiseptic is perhaps consistent with other new-found discomforts of extrauterine existence. The application of crushing clamps and excision of penile tissue, however, probably do little to engender a trusting, congenial, relationship with the infants new surroundings.<ref name="grimes1978">{{REFjournal
+
In contrast to the sometimes dramatic somatic responses of the neonate to operation without anesthesia, the psychological consequences of this trauma are conjectural. Psychoanalyst Erik Erickson has described the first of eight stages of man as the development of basic trust versus basic mistrust. For the baby to be plucked from his bed, [[Circumstraint|strapped in a spread eagle position]], and doused with chilling antiseptic is perhaps consistent with other new-found discomforts of extra-uterine existence. The application of crushing clamps and [[excision]] of penile tissue, however, probably do little to engender a trusting, congenial, relationship with the infant's new surroundings.<ref name="grimes1978">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Grimes
 
  |last=Grimes
 
  |first=David A.
 
  |first=David A.
 +
|init=DA
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Routine circumcision of the newborn: a reappraisal
 
  |title=Routine circumcision of the newborn: a reappraisal
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Am J Obstet Gynecol
 
  |journal=Am J Obstet Gynecol
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 217: Line 283:
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-05
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-05
 
}}</ref></blockquote>
 
}}</ref></blockquote>
 
  
 
==Behavioral effects of unanesthetized infant circumcision==
 
==Behavioral effects of unanesthetized infant circumcision==
  
The focus then turned to investigation of the effects of unanesthetized infant circumcision. Doctors then falsely believed that newborn infants could not feel pain,<ref name="cope">{{REFjournal
+
The focus then turned to investigation of the effects of unanesthetized infant circumcision. Doctors then falsely believed that newborn infants could not feel [[pain]],<ref name="cope">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Cope
 
  |last=Cope
 
  |first=
 
  |first=
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Luther, Kraybill & Potter (1976) tested cortisol and cortisone in the blood of newborn infants before and after circumcision. Dramatic increases in cortisol and a lesser increase in cortisone was recorded.<ref name="luther1976">{{REFjournal
 
Luther, Kraybill & Potter (1976) tested cortisol and cortisone in the blood of newborn infants before and after circumcision. Dramatic increases in cortisol and a lesser increase in cortisone was recorded.<ref name="luther1976">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Talbot
 
  |last=Talbot
  |first=LM
+
  |init=LM
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Kraybill
 
  |last2=Kraybill
  |first2=EN
+
  |init2=EN
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Potter
 
  |last3=Potter
  |first3=HD
+
  |init3=HD
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Adrenal cortical response to circumcision in the neonate
 
  |title=Adrenal cortical response to circumcision in the neonate
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Obstet Gynecol
 
  |journal=Obstet Gynecol
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
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Rawlins, Miller & Engel (1980) investigated the blood oxygen content after [https://www.thefreedictionary.com/unanesthetized unanesthetized] non-therapeutic circumcision. They reported that blood oxygen content decreased during non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision, although it returned to baseline or above later.<ref name="rawlins-miller-engel1980">{{REFjournal
 
Rawlins, Miller & Engel (1980) investigated the blood oxygen content after [https://www.thefreedictionary.com/unanesthetized unanesthetized] non-therapeutic circumcision. They reported that blood oxygen content decreased during non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision, although it returned to baseline or above later.<ref name="rawlins-miller-engel1980">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Rawlins
 
  |last=Rawlins
  |first=DJ
+
  |init=DJ
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Miller
 
  |last2=Miller
  |first2=PA
+
  |init2=PA
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Engel
 
  |last3=Engel
  |first3=RR
+
  |init3=RR
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=The effect of circumcision on transcutaneous PO<sub>2</sub> in term infants
 
  |title=The effect of circumcision on transcutaneous PO<sub>2</sub> in term infants
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Am J Dis Child  
 
  |journal=Am J Dis Child  
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 291: Line 352:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Marshall ''et al''. (1980) tested newborn boys before and after plastibel circumcision. They reported that boys have a greater capacity for memory than previously believed, that infants behave differently after circumcision, that future researchers must consider and record the circumcision status of their subjects, and that boys might actually be feeling pain. They suggested that anesthesia by dorsal penile nerve block might be appropriate.<ref>{{REFjournal
+
Marshall et al. (1980) tested newborn boys before and after plastibel circumcision. They reported that boys have a greater capacity for memory than previously believed, that infants behave differently after [[circumcision]], that future researchers must consider and record the circumcision status of their subjects, and that boys might actually be feeling pain. They suggested that anesthesia by dorsal penile nerve block might be appropriate.<ref>{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Marshall
 
  |last=Marshall
  |first=RE
+
  |init=RE
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Stratton
 
  |last2=Stratton
  |first2=WC
+
  |init2=WC
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Moore
 
  |last3=Moore
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  |etal=yes
 
  |etal=yes
 
  |title=Circumcision I: effects upon newborn behavior
 
  |title=Circumcision I: effects upon newborn behavior
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Infant Behavior and Development  
 
  |journal=Infant Behavior and Development  
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 319: Line 378:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Gunnar ''et al''. (1981) studied the effect of circumcision of male infants on serum cortisol and behavior. The authors identified circumcision as "a potential traumatic event experienced by the majority of newborn males in this country (United States)."  The authors reported that serum cortisol during unanesthetized circumcision rose to about four times the pre-circumcision level. Behavior paralleled the increase in cortisol. They reported that "neonatal circumcision is performed without anesthesia and it is clearly stressful for the infant.<ref name="gunnar1981">{{REFjournal
+
Gunnar et al. (1981) studied the effect of circumcision of male infants on serum cortisol and behavior. The authors identified circumcision as "a potential traumatic event experienced by the majority of newborn males in this country (United States)."  The authors reported that serum cortisol during unanesthetized circumcision rose to about four times the pre-circumcision level. Behavior paralleled the increase in cortisol. They reported that "neonatal circumcision is performed without anesthesia and it is clearly stressful for the infant.<ref name="gunnar1981">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Gunnar
 
  |last=Gunnar
 
  |first=Megan R.
 
  |first=Megan R.
 +
|init=MR
 
  |author-link
 
  |author-link
 
  |last2=Fisch
 
  |last2=Fisch
 
  |first2=Robert O.
 
  |first2=Robert O.
 +
|init2=RO
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Korsvik
 
  |last3=Korsvik
 
  |first3=Sherry
 
  |first3=Sherry
 +
|init3=S
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |last4=Donhowe
 
  |last4=Donhowe
 
  |first4=John M.
 
  |first4=John M.
 +
|init4=JM
 
  |author4-link=
 
  |author4-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=The effects of circumcision on serum cortisol and behavior
 
  |title=The effects of circumcision on serum cortisol and behavior
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Psychoneuroendocrinology
 
  |journal=Psychoneuroendocrinology
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 350: Line 411:
 
}}</ref>  
 
}}</ref>  
  
Marshall ''et al''. (1982) studied the effect of circumcision on mother-child interaction (primarily breastmilk substitute feeding behavior) in a hospital setting.  They reported: "The experimental group exhibited fewer intervals of uninterrupted feeding than did the control group."<ref name="marshall1982">{{REFjournal
+
Marshall et al. (1982) studied the effect of [[circumcision]] on mother-child interaction (primarily breastmilk substitute feeding behavior) in a hospital setting.  They reported: "The experimental group exhibited fewer intervals of uninterrupted feeding than did the control group."<ref name="marshall1982">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Marshall
 
  |last=Marshall
  |first=RE
+
  |init=RE
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Porter
 
  |last2=Porter
  |first2=FL
+
  |init2=FL
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Rogers
 
  |last3=Rogers
  |first3=AG
+
  |init3=AG
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |last4=Moore
 
  |last4=Moore
  |first4=J
+
  |init4=J
 
  |author4-link=
 
  |author4-link=
 
  |last5=Anderson
 
  |last5=Anderson
  |first5=B
+
  |init5=B
 
  |author5-link=
 
  |author5-link=
 
  |last6=Boxerman
 
  |last6=Boxerman
  |first6=SB
+
  |init6=SB
 
  |author6-link=
 
  |author6-link=
 
  |etal=yes
 
  |etal=yes
  |title= Circumcision: II effects upon mother-infant interaction
+
  |title=Circumcision: II effects upon mother-infant interaction
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=
 
  |journal=
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 387: Line 446:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Gunnar ''et al''. (1984) tested the effects of a pacifier during circumcision. They reported:
+
Gunnar et al. (1984) tested the effects of a pacifier during circumcision. They reported:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
 
The results showed that stimulating the newborn with the pacifier reduced crying by about 40%. Reducing crying, however, had no significant effect on adrenocortical response. Elevations of serum cortisol predicted average behavioral state following circumcision, whereas crying during circumcision did not. Furthermore, there was evidence that the neonatal adrenocortical system was sensitive in variations in surgical procedures. The results indicate the importance of obtaining data on both behavioral and hormonal systems in studies of stress and coping in human newborns.<ref name="gunnar1984">{{REFjournal
 
The results showed that stimulating the newborn with the pacifier reduced crying by about 40%. Reducing crying, however, had no significant effect on adrenocortical response. Elevations of serum cortisol predicted average behavioral state following circumcision, whereas crying during circumcision did not. Furthermore, there was evidence that the neonatal adrenocortical system was sensitive in variations in surgical procedures. The results indicate the importance of obtaining data on both behavioral and hormonal systems in studies of stress and coping in human newborns.<ref name="gunnar1984">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Gunnar
 
  |last=Gunnar
  |first=MR
+
  |init=MR
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Fisch
 
  |last2=Fisch
  |first2=RO
+
  |init2=RO
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Malone
 
  |last3=Malone
  |first3=S
+
  |init3=S
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=The effects of a pacifying stimulus on behavioral and adrenocortical responses to circumcision in the newborn
 
  |title=The effects of a pacifying stimulus on behavioral and adrenocortical responses to circumcision in the newborn
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=J Am Acad Child Psychiatry
 
  |journal=J Am Acad Child Psychiatry
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 417: Line 474:
 
}}</ref></blockquote>
 
}}</ref></blockquote>
  
Porter ''et al''. (1986) recorded the pain cries of boys undergoing circumcision. They reported that "Subjective judgments and objective quantitative data converge to demonstrate that infants' cries are perceived as varying and objectively, do systematically vary with respect to the the intensity of the painful stimuli."<ref name="porter1986">{{REFjournal
+
Porter et al. (1986) recorded the pain cries of boys undergoing circumcision. They reported that "Subjective judgments and objective quantitative data converge to demonstrate that infants' cries are perceived as varying and objectively, do systematically vary with respect to the the intensity of the painful stimuli."<ref name="porter1986">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Porter
 
  |last=Porter
 
  |first=Fran Lang
 
  |first=Fran Lang
 +
|init=FL
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Miller
 
  |last2=Miller
 
  |first2=Richard H.
 
  |first2=Richard H.
 +
|init2=RH
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Marshall
 
  |last3=Marshall
 
  |first3=Richard E.
 
  |first3=Richard E.
 +
|init3=RE
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Neonatal pain cries: effect of circumcision on acoustic features and perceived urgency
 
  |title=Neonatal pain cries: effect of circumcision on acoustic features and perceived urgency
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Child Dev
 
  |journal=Child Dev
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 445: Line 503:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Porter ''et al''. (1988) recorded the cries of boys undergoing non-therapeutic child circumcision. They found that the pitch of the cries increased as stress (euphemism for pain) increases.<ref name="porter1988">{{REFjournal
+
Porter et al. (1988) recorded the cries of boys undergoing non-therapeutic child circumcision. They found that the pitch of the cries increased as stress ([[euphemism]] for [[pain]]) increases.<ref name="porter1988">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Porter
 
  |last=Porter
 
  |first=Fran Lang
 
  |first=Fran Lang
 +
|init=FL
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Porges
 
  |last2=Porges
 
  |first2=Stephen W.
 
  |first2=Stephen W.
 +
|init2=SW
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |last3=Marshall
 
  |last3=Marshall
 
  |first3=Richard E.
 
  |first3=Richard E.
 +
|init3=RE
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |author3-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Newborn pain cries and vagal tone: Parallel changes in response to circumcision
 
  |title=Newborn pain cries and vagal tone: Parallel changes in response to circumcision
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Child Dev
 
  |journal=Child Dev
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 473: Line 532:
 
}}</ref>  
 
}}</ref>  
  
The research reported in this section clearly establish the the distress shown by male infants during unanesthetized circumcision does not come from being restrained, that infants feel extreme pain, that sucking on a pacifier does not reduce pain, although it may reduce crying, and that neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision is traumatic for the child.
+
The research reported in this section clearly establish the the distress shown by male infants during unanesthetized circumcision does not come from being restrained, that infants feel extreme pain, that sucking on a pacifier does not reduce pain, although it may reduce crying, and that neonatal non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] is traumatic for the child.
  
 
==Trauma of circumcision==
 
==Trauma of circumcision==
 +
[[Dan Bollinger| Bollinger]] & [[Georganne Chapin| Chapin]] (1999) documented the extremely painful and traumatic nature of infant [[circumcision]].<ref name="bollinger2019">{{REFdocument
 +
|title=Child Genital Cutting as an Adverse Childhood Experience
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|language=English
 +
|url=http://adversechildhoodexperiences.net/CGC_as_an_ACE.pdf
 +
|archived=
 +
|contribution=
 +
|quote=
 +
|trans-quote=
 +
|quote-lang=
 +
|last=Bollinger
 +
|first=Dan
 +
|author-link=Dan Bollinger
 +
|last2=Chapin
 +
|first2=Georganne
 +
|author2-link=Georganne Chapin
 +
|publisher=Intact America
 +
|location=Tarrytown, New York, USA
 +
|format=PDF
 +
|date=2019-08-01
 +
|accessdate=2021-06-30
 +
}}</ref>    Ramos & [[Gregory J. Boyle| Boyle]] (2001) studied the psychological effects of [[circumcision]] ([[tuli]]) on Philippine boys. They reported that sixty-nine percent of traditionally [[circumcised]] boys and fifty-one percent of medically circumcised boys met the criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder ([[PTSD]]).<ref name="ramos-boyle2001">{{REFbook
 +
|last=Ramos
 +
|first=Samuel
 +
|init=S
 +
|author-link=
 +
|last2=Boyle
 +
|first2=Gregory J.
 +
|init2=GJ
 +
|author2-link=Gregory J. Boyle
 +
|year=2001
 +
|title=Ritual and medical circumcision among Filipino boys: evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder
 +
|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/300649237_Ritual_and_Medical_Circumcision_among_Filipino_Boys
 +
|work=Understanding circumcision: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to a Multi-Dimensional Problem
 +
|editor=Denniston GC, Hodges FM, Milos M
 +
|edition=
 +
|volume=
 +
|chapter=
 +
|pages=253-70
 +
|location=New York
 +
|publisher=Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers
 +
|isbn=
 +
|quote=
 +
|accessdate=2019-12-08
 +
|note=
 +
}}</ref>
  
There is now fairly extensive evidence of the effect of the trauma of non-therapeutic circumcision on behavior later in life.
+
There is now extensive evidence of the effect of the [[trauma]] of non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] on behavior later in life.
  
 
Glover (1929) reported a case in which the memory of a traumatic circumcision was repressed.<ref name="glover1929">{{REFjournal
 
Glover (1929) reported a case in which the memory of a traumatic circumcision was repressed.<ref name="glover1929">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Glover
 
  |last=Glover
  |first=E.
+
  |init=E
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |title=The ‘screening’ function of traumatic memories
 
  |title=The ‘screening’ function of traumatic memories
Line 493: Line 598:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Taddio ''et al''. (1995) (1997) studied the behavior of circumcised boys in comparison to the behavior of intact boys at the time of routine vaccination. Taddio ''et al''. (1995) reported:
+
[[Anna Taddio| Taddio]] et al. (1995) (1997) studied the behavior of [[circumcised]] boys in comparison to the behavior of [[intact]] boys at the time of routine vaccination. Taddio et al. (1995) reported:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
Male circumcision is the most common neonatal surgical procedure. It causes intense pain and measurable changes in behaviour that last up to 1 day. We found that circumcision status was associated with increased infant pain response to routine vaccination at 4-6 months. Circumcised boys had significantly longer crying bouts and higher pain scores. That both outcome measures, pain index, and cry duration, were influenced by circumcision lends credibility to our observations. During the second (HIB) vaccination, circumcision status was more clearly associated with the observed pain response than after DPT. The DPT injection might have had a priming effect in circumcised infants which led them to exhibit even more pain after the HIB injection. The effects of memory and reinforcement on later nocioceptive experience in neonates are not known. Because memory of pain is believed to be important in subsequent pain perception, and the main structures for memory are functional in the neonatal period, it is conceivable that pain from circumcision may have long-lasting effects on pain response and/or perception.<ref name="taddio1995">{{REFjournal
+
Male circumcision is the most common neonatal surgical procedure. It causes intense pain and measurable changes in behaviour that last up to 1 day. We found that circumcision status was associated with increased infant pain response to routine vaccination at 4-6 months. [[Circumcised]] boys had significantly longer crying bouts and higher pain scores. That both outcome measures, pain index, and cry duration, were influenced by circumcision lends credibility to our observations. During the second (HIB) vaccination, circumcision status was more clearly associated with the observed pain response than after DPT. The DPT injection might have had a priming effect in [[circumcised]] infants which led them to exhibit even more pain after the HIB injection. The effects of memory and reinforcement on later nocioceptive experience in neonates are not known. Because memory of pain is believed to be important in subsequent pain perception, and the main structures for memory are functional in the neonatal period, it is conceivable that pain from circumcision may have long-lasting effects on pain response and/or perception.<ref name="taddio1995">{{TaddioA etal 1995}}</ref>
|last=Taddio
 
|first=Anna
 
|author-link=
 
|last2=Goldbach
 
|first2=Morton
 
|author2-link=
 
|last3=Ipp
 
|first3=Moshe
 
|author3-link=
 
|last4=Stevens
 
|first4=Bonnie
 
|author4-link=
 
|last5=Koren
 
|first5=Gideon
 
|author5-link=
 
|etal=no
 
|title=Effect of neonatal circumcision on pain responses during vaccination in boys
 
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
|journal=Lancet
 
|location=
 
|date=1995-02-04
 
|volume=345
 
|issue=
 
|pages=291-2
 
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/pain/taddio/
 
|quote=
 
|pubmedID=7837863
 
|pubmedCID=
 
|DOI=10.1016/s0140-6736(95)90278-3
 
|accessdate=2019-12-07
 
}}</ref>
 
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
Taddio ''et al''. (1997) followed with a larger second study in which circumcised boys were compared with intact boys at time of vaccination four to six months after birth. Three measures to determine pain were used. Once again circumcised boys showed greater response to the pain of vaccination than intact boys.
+
Taddio et al. (1997) followed with a larger second study in which [[circumcised]] boys were compared with [[intact]] boys at time of vaccination four to six months after birth. Three measures to determine [[pain]] were used. Once again [[circumcised]] boys showed greater response to the pain of vaccination than [[intact]] boys.
  
Taddio ''et al''. reasoned that:
+
Taddio et al. reasoned that:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
It is, therefore, possible that the greater vaccination response in the infants circumcised without anaesthesia may represent an <u>infant analogue of a post-traumatic stress disorder</u> triggered by a traumatic and painful event and re-experienced under similar circumstances of pain during vaccination.
+
It is, therefore, possible that the greater vaccination response in the infants [[circumcised]] without anaesthesia may represent an <u>infant analogue of a post-traumatic stress disorder</u> triggered by a traumatic and painful event and re-experienced under similar circumstances of pain during vaccination.
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
 
and concluded:
 
and concluded:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
The results of this study are consistent with studies of pain response in animals and behavioural studies in humans showing that injury and tissue damage sustained in infancy can cause sustained changes in central neural function, which persist after the wound has healed and influence behavioural responses to painful events months later. Pretreatment and postoperative management of neonatal circumcision pain is recommended based on these results. Investigation of the neurological basis of these effects is warranted.<ref name="taddio1997">{{REFjournal
+
The results of this study are consistent with studies of pain response in animals and behavioural studies in humans showing that injury and tissue damage sustained in infancy can cause sustained changes in central neural function, which persist after the wound has healed and influence behavioural responses to painful events months later. Pretreatment and postoperative management of neonatal circumcision pain is recommended based on these results. Investigation of the neurological basis of these effects is warranted.<ref name="taddio1997">{{TaddioA KatzJ IlersichAL KorenG 1997}}</ref>
|last=Taddio
 
|first=Anna
 
|author-link=
 
|last2=Katz
 
|first2=Joel
 
|author2-link=
 
|last3=Ilersich
 
|first3=A Lane
 
|author3-link=
 
|last4=Koren
 
|first4=Gideon
 
|author4-link=
 
|etal=no
 
|title=Effect of neonatal circumcision on pain response during subsequent routine vaccination
 
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
|journal=Lancet
 
|location=
 
|date=1997-03-01
 
|volume=349
 
|issue=9052
 
|pages=599-603
 
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/pain/taddio2/
 
|quote=
 
|pubmedID=9057731
 
|pubmedCID=
 
|DOI=10.1016/S0140-6736(96)10316-0
 
|accessdate=2019-12-08
 
}}</ref>
 
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
Line 573: Line 617:
 
  |last=Chamberlain
 
  |last=Chamberlain
 
  |first=David
 
  |first=David
 +
|init=D
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Babies Remember Pain
 
  |title=Babies Remember Pain
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Pre- and Peri-natal Psychology
 
  |journal=Pre- and Peri-natal Psychology
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 592: Line 635:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Male circumcision is part of the culture of the Philippine Islands. Boys usually are not neonatally circumcised. Instead, circumcision is done when they are somewhat older. Some are medically circumcised while others are circumcised in a traditional manner. Ramos & Boyle (2001) studied the psychological effects of circumcision on Philippine boys. They reported that sixty-nine percent of traditionally circumcised boys and fifty-one percent of medically circumcised boys met the criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).<ref name="ramos-boyle2001">{{REFbook
+
Male circumcision is part of the culture of the Philippine Islands. Boys usually are not neonatally circumcised. Instead, [[Tuli| circumcision]] is done when they are somewhat older. Some are medically circumcised while others are [[circumcised]] in a traditional manner. Ramos & Boyle (2001) studied the psychological effects of [[circumcision]] on Philippine boys. They reported that sixty-nine percent of traditionally circumcised boys and fifty-one percent of medically circumcised boys met the criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder ([[PTSD]]).<ref name="ramos-boyle2001">{{REFbook
 
  |last=Ramos
 
  |last=Ramos
 
  |first=Samuel
 
  |first=Samuel
 +
|init=S
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Boyle
 
  |last2=Boyle
  |first2=Gregory
+
  |first2=Gregory J.
  |author2-link=
+
|init2=GJ
 +
  |author2-link=Gregory J. Boyle
 
  |year=2001
 
  |year=2001
 
  |title=Ritual and medical circumcision among Filipino boys: evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder
 
  |title=Ritual and medical circumcision among Filipino boys: evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder
Line 616: Line 661:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Boyle ''et al''. (2002) report:
+
Boyle et al. (2002) report:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
A traumatic experience is defined in DSM-IV as the direct consequence of experiencing or witnessing of serious injury or threat to physical integrity that produces intense fear, helplessness or (in the case of children) agitation (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The significant pain and distress described earlier is consistent with this definition. Moreover, the disturbance (e.g., physiological arousal, avoidant behaviour) qualifies for a diagnosis of acute stress disorder if it lasts at least two days or even a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if it lasts more than a month. Circumcision without anaesthesia constitutes a severely traumatic event in a child's life.<ref name="boyle2002">{{REFjournal
+
A traumatic experience is defined in DSM-IV as the direct consequence of experiencing or witnessing of serious injury or threat to physical integrity that produces intense fear, helplessness or (in the case of children) agitation (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The significant pain and distress described earlier is consistent with this definition. Moreover, the disturbance (e.g., physiological arousal, avoidant behaviour) qualifies for a diagnosis of acute stress disorder if it lasts at least two days or even a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder ([[PTSD]]) if it lasts more than a month. Circumcision without anaesthesia constitutes a severely traumatic event in a child's life.<ref name="boyle2002">{{BoyleGJ GoldmanR SvobodaJS FernandezE 2002}}</ref>
|last=Boyle
 
|first=Gregory J
 
|author-link=Gregory Boyle
 
|last2=Goldman
 
|first2=Ronald
 
|author2-link=Ronald Goldman
 
|last3=Svoboda
 
|first3=J. Steven
 
|author3-link=J. Steven Svoboda
 
|last4=Fernandez
 
|first4=Ephrem
 
|author4-link=
 
|etal=no
 
|title=Male circumcision: pain, trauma and psychosexual sequelae
 
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
|journal= J Health Psychology
 
|location=
 
|date=2002-05-01
 
|volume=7
 
|issue=3
 
|pages=329-43
 
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/psych/boyle6/
 
|quote=
 
|pubmedID=
 
    22114254
 
|pubmedCID=
 
|DOI=10.1177/135910530200700310
 
|accessdate=2019-12-10
 
}}</ref>
 
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
 
==Circumcision trauma in adults==
 
==Circumcision trauma in adults==
  
Famed trauma expert [https://besselvanderkolk.net/index.html Bessell van der Kolk, M. D.] (1989) reports that traumatized persons tend to repeat the trauma on themselves or others, resulting in harm to others, harm to self, or being re-victimized. He writes:
+
Famed trauma expert [[Bessel van der Kolk]], {{MD}} (1989) reports that traumatized persons tend to repeat the [[trauma]] on themselves or others, resulting in harm to others, harm to self, or being re-victimized. He writes:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
Some traumatized people remain preoccupied with the trauma at the expense of other life experiences and continue to re-create it in some form for themselves or for others.<ref name="vanderkolk1989">{{REFjournal
+
Some traumatized people remain preoccupied with the [[trauma]] at the expense of other life experiences and continue to re-create it in some form for themselves or for others.<ref name="vanderkolk1989">{{VanderKolkBA 1989}}</ref>
  |last=van der Kolk
+
</blockquote>
  |first=Bessell
+
 
 +
De Mause (1996) argued that early [[trauma]] results in aggressive adult behavior.<ref name="demause1996">{{REFjournal
 +
  |last=deMause
 +
  |first=Lloyd
 +
|init=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
  |title=The compulsion to repeat the trauma: re-enactment, revictimization, and masochism
+
  |title=Restaging Fetal Traumas in War and Social Violence
|trans-title=
+
  |journal=Pre- and Perinatal Psychology Journal
|language=
 
  |journal=Psychiatr Clin North Am
 
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
  |date=1989-06
+
  |date=1996
  |volume=12
+
  |volume=23
  |issue=2
+
  |issue=4
  |pages=389-411
+
  |pages=344-92
  |url=http://www.traumacenter.org/products/pdf_files/Compulsion_to_Repeat.pdf
+
  |url=http://www.mattes.de/buecher/praenatale_psychologie/PP_PDF/PP_08_2_deMause.pdf
 +
|archived=
 
  |quote=
 
  |quote=
  |pubmedID=2664732
+
  |pubmedID=11609155
 
  |pubmedCID=
 
  |pubmedCID=
 
  |DOI=
 
  |DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-12-08
+
  |accessdate=2020-10-09
}}</ref>
+
}}</ref>
</blockquote>
 
  
 
Rhinehart (1999) was a practicing psychiatrist who had patients with later life problems stemming from their neonatal circumcision. He listed some possibilities:
 
Rhinehart (1999) was a practicing psychiatrist who had patients with later life problems stemming from their neonatal circumcision. He listed some possibilities:
Line 688: Line 705:
 
* defensiveness
 
* defensiveness
 
* diminished sense of maleness
 
* diminished sense of maleness
* feeling damaged, especially in the presence of surgical complications such as skin tags, penile curvature due to uneven foreskin removal, partial ablation of edges of the glans and so on
+
* feeling damaged, especially in the presence of surgical complications such as [[skin]] tags, penile curvature due to uneven foreskin removal, partial ablation of edges of the glans and so on
 
* sense of reduced penile size, a part cut off or amputated
 
* sense of reduced penile size, a part cut off or amputated
 
* low self-esteem
 
* low self-esteem
Line 708: Line 725:
 
  |last=Rhinehart
 
  |last=Rhinehart
 
  |first=John W.
 
  |first=John W.
 +
|init=JW
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Neonatal Circumcision Reconsidered
 
  |title=Neonatal Circumcision Reconsidered
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Transactional Analysis Journal
 
  |journal=Transactional Analysis Journal
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 730: Line 746:
 
===Feelings and behavior of circumcised men===
 
===Feelings and behavior of circumcised men===
 
   
 
   
Goldman (1999) described the long-term psychological effects of circumcision as "anger, sense of loss, shame, sense of having been victimized and violated, feal, distrust, grief, and jealousy of intact men.<ref name="goldman1999">{{REFjournal
+
[[Ronald Goldman|Goldman]] (1999) described the long-term psychological effects of [[circumcision]] as "anger, sense of loss, shame, sense of having been victimized and violated, feal, distrust, grief, and jealousy of [[intact]] men.<ref name="goldman1999">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Goldman
 
  |last=Goldman
 
  |first=Ronald
 
  |first=Ronald
 +
|init=R
 
  |author-link=Ronald Goldman
 
  |author-link=Ronald Goldman
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Psychological impact of circumcision
 
  |title=Psychological impact of circumcision
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=BJU Int
 
  |journal=BJU Int
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 752: Line 767:
 
}}</ref>     
 
}}</ref>     
  
Goldman reported reasons why circumcised man say little about how truly feel:
+
[[Ronald Goldman|Goldman]] reported reasons why [[circumcised]] men say little about how they truly feel:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
 
# Accepting beliefs and cultural assumptions about circumcision prevents men from recognizing and feeling their dissatisfaction; e.g. being told when young that it was necessary for health reasons and not questioning that.
 
# Accepting beliefs and cultural assumptions about circumcision prevents men from recognizing and feeling their dissatisfaction; e.g. being told when young that it was necessary for health reasons and not questioning that.
Line 759: Line 774:
 
# Verbal expression of feelings requires conscious awareness. Because early traumas are generally unconscious, associated feelings are expressed non-verbally through behavioural, emotional, and physiological forms.<ref name="goldman1999" />
 
# Verbal expression of feelings requires conscious awareness. Because early traumas are generally unconscious, associated feelings are expressed non-verbally through behavioural, emotional, and physiological forms.<ref name="goldman1999" />
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
 +
 +
[[Circumcised]] men are likely to use minimization and ridicule as an ego defense when addressing the subject of circumcision.
  
 
===Adamant father syndrome===
 
===Adamant father syndrome===
  
It is now well established that circumcised men who become a father of a boy overwhelmingly want the boy to be circumcumcised.<ref name="brown-brown1987">{{REFjournal
+
It is now well established that [[circumcised]] men who become a father of a boy overwhelmingly want the boy to be [[circumcised]].<ref name="brown-brown1987">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Brown
 
  |last=Brown
 
  |first=Mark S.
 
  |first=Mark S.
 +
|init=MS
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Brown
 
  |last2=Brown
 
  |first2=Cheryl A.
 
  |first2=Cheryl A.
 +
|init2=CA
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Circumcision decision: Prominence of social concerns
 
  |title=Circumcision decision: Prominence of social concerns
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Pediatrics
 
  |journal=Pediatrics
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 788: Line 805:
 
  |last=Rediger
 
  |last=Rediger
 
  |first=Chris
 
  |first=Chris
 +
|init=C
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Muller
 
  |last2=Muller
 
  |first2=Andries J.
 
  |first2=Andries J.
 +
|init2=AJ
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
Line 814: Line 833:
 
  |date=2012
 
  |date=2012
 
  |accessdate=2019-11-11
 
  |accessdate=2019-11-11
}}</ref> Such circumcised fathers are driven to repeat the trauma of their own circumcision decades ago on their own son even acting contrary to current medical advice.<ref name="goldman1999" />
+
}}</ref> Such [[circumcised]] fathers are driven to repeat the [[trauma]] of their own [[circumcision]] decades ago on their own son even acting contrary to current medical advice.<ref name="goldman1999" />
  
However Goldman pointed out several reasons (from the viewpoint of the child) that a father should not insist on circumcising a boy:
+
However [[Ronald Goldman|Goldman]] pointed out several reasons (from the viewpoint of the child) that a father should not insist on circumcising a boy:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
 
# A circumcised boy who matches others may nevertheless have negative feelings about being circumcised. These feelings can last for a lifetime
 
# A circumcised boy who matches others may nevertheless have negative feelings about being circumcised. These feelings can last for a lifetime
Line 827: Line 846:
  
 
===Circumcised medical doctors===
 
===Circumcised medical doctors===
Most male doctors in the United States are men who were circumcsed as infants. Consequently, despite being medical doctors they have no personal knowledge of the human foreskin. These men share the trauma and attitudes of other circumcised men and are just as likely to want to repeat the trauma. LeBourdais (1995) pointed out that the "age of the attending physician, sex and circumcision status" were important factors in determining the likelyhood of a baby boy being circumcised.<ref>{{REFjournal
+
Most [[Circumcised doctors| male doctors in the United States are men who were [[circumcised]] as infants]]. Consequently, despite being medical doctors they have no personal knowledge of the human [[foreskin]]. These men share the [[trauma]] and attitudes of other [[circumcised]] men and are just as likely to want to repeat the [[trauma]]. [[Eleanor LeBourdais| LeBourdais]] (1995) pointed out that the "age of the attending physician, sex and circumcision status" were important factors in determining the likelihood of a baby boy being [[circumcised]].<ref>{{REFjournal
 
  |last=LeBourdais
 
  |last=LeBourdais
 
  |first=Eleanor
 
  |first=Eleanor
 +
|init=E
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |etal=No
 
  |etal=No
  |title= Circumcision no longer a "routine" surgical procedure
+
  |title=Circumcision no longer a "routine" surgical procedure
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Can Med Assoc J
 
  |journal=Can Med Assoc J
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 849: Line 867:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Goldman also points out that, in making the decision regarding circumcision, parents tend to follow the perceived norm.  
+
[[Ronald Goldman|Goldman]] also points out that, in making the decision regarding [[circumcision]], parents tend to follow the perceived norm.
  
 
===Mixing religion and medical science===
 
===Mixing religion and medical science===
  
Goldman (1999) points out that some physicians allow their religious views on circumcision to influence the outcomes of scientific paper regarding male circumcision. This has created many scientifically flawed studies that distort, confuse the circumcision issue, and [[bias]] the outcome in favor of circumcision.<ref name="goldman1999" /> Some examples are [[Abraham L. Wolbarst]], Ernest Hand, Abraham Ravich, [[Edgar J. Schoen]], and [[Aaron J. Fink]].
+
[[Ronald Goldman|Goldman]] (1999) points out that some physicians allow their religious views on circumcision to influence the outcomes of scientific paper regarding male circumcision. This has created many scientifically flawed studies that distort, confuse the circumcision issue, and [[bias]] the outcome in favor of circumcision.<ref name="goldman1999" /> Some examples are [[Abraham L. Wolbarst]], Ernest Hand, [[Abraham Ravich]], [[Edgar J. Schoen]], and [[Aaron J. Fink]].
  
 
===Circumcised doctors and circumcision policy===
 
===Circumcised doctors and circumcision policy===
  
Goldman (2005) observes when circumcised doctors are appointed to a committee to develop circumcision policy they bring their cultural and personal biases to the table. Doctors who perform circumcisions need to justify their practice. Circumcised doctors may be under a compulsion to repeat the trauma.<ref name="vanderkolk1989" /> Risks and certain injury are likely to be understated, while benefits are exaggerated. Human rights issues may be ignored. The likely result is a policy statement heavily [[bias| biased]] in favor of circumcision.<ref name="goldman2005">{{REFjournal
+
[[Ronald Goldman|Goldman]] (2005) observes when [[Circumcised doctors| circumcised doctors]] are appointed to a committee to develop circumcision policy they bring their cultural and personal biases to the table. Doctors who perform circumcisions need to justify their practice. [[Circumcised]] doctors may be under a compulsion to repeat the [[trauma]].<ref name="vanderkolk1989"/> Risks and certain injury are likely to be understated, while benefits are exaggerated. [[Human rights]] issues may be ignored. The likely result is a policy statement heavily [[bias| biased]] in favor of [[circumcision]].<ref name="goldman2005">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Goldman
 
  |last=Goldman
 
  |first=Ronald
 
  |first=Ronald
 +
|init=R
 
  |author-link=Ronald Goldman
 
  |author-link=Ronald Goldman
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Circumcision policy: a psychosocial perspective
 
  |title=Circumcision policy: a psychosocial perspective
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=Paedatrics & Child Health (Ottawa)
 
  |journal=Paedatrics & Child Health (Ottawa)
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 881: Line 898:
 
==Depression, rage, and grief in circumcised men==
 
==Depression, rage, and grief in circumcised men==
  
Research done since the 1960's forward to the present day has elucidated the nature, functions, and purpose of the [[foreskin]]. Circumcised men are learning what they have lost from the Internet, so they are less able to maintain the ego defense of denial of loss,<ref name="watson2017">{{REFjournal
+
''Denial of loss'' is the first stage of grief.<ref name="kr1969">{{REFbook
 +
|last=Kübler-Ross
 +
|first=Elisabeth
 +
|init=
 +
|year=1969
 +
|title=On Death and Dying
 +
|url=
 +
|scope=
 +
|ISBN=0-415-04015-9.
 +
|accessdate=2023-07-27
 +
}}</ref> <ref name="cc2022">{{REFweb
 +
|url=https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-stages-of-grief/
 +
|title=The 5 Stages of Grief After a Loss
 +
|last=
 +
|first=
 +
|init=
 +
|publisher=Cleveland Clinic
 +
|date=2022-03-31
 +
|accessdate=2023-07-29
 +
}}</ref> [[Circumcised]] men historically have protected their feelings by ''denying that they have lost anything''.<ref>{{REFbook
 +
|last=Bigelow, Ph.D
 +
|first=Jim
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=Jim Bigelow
 +
|year=1995
 +
|title=The Joy of Uncircumcising
 +
|url=
 +
|work=
 +
|editor=
 +
|edition=Second Edition
 +
|volume=
 +
|chapter=Psychological factors related to infant circumcision.
 +
|scope=
 +
|page=92
 +
|pages=
 +
|location=Aptos
 +
|publisher=Hourglass
 +
|ISBN=0-934061-22-X
 +
|quote=
 +
|accessdate=2023-08-13
 +
|note=
 +
}}</ref> Trivialization of the loss is a frequent defense mechanism. Another is the production of fantasies about the alleged horrors of [[smegma]], [[Pheromone| aroma]], and [[Acroposthion| appearance]].
 +
 
 +
''Anger'' is the second stage of grief.<ref name="kr1969"/> <ref name="cc2022"/> Research done since the 1960's forward to the present day has elucidated the nature, functions, and purpose of the [[foreskin]]. Circumcised men are learning what they have lost from the Internet, so they are less able to maintain the ego defense of ''denial of loss'',<ref name="watson2017">{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Watson
 
  |last=Watson
  |first=Lindsay
+
  |first=Lindsay R.
  |author-link=
+
|init=LR
 +
  |author-link=Lindsay R. Watson
 
  |last2=Golden
 
  |last2=Golden
 
  |first2=Tom
 
  |first2=Tom
 +
|init2=T
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Male circumcision grief: effective and ineffective therapeutic approaches
 
  |title=Male circumcision grief: effective and ineffective therapeutic approaches
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=New Male Studies: An International Journal
 
  |journal=New Male Studies: An International Journal
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 904: Line 964:
 
  |DOI=
 
  |DOI=
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-14
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-14
}}</ref> so they increasingly responding with feelings of anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, rage, PTSD and grief.<ref name="watson2017" /> At least one case of suicide has been reported.<ref name="lowbridge2019">{{REFnews
+
}}</ref> so they increasingly responding with feelings of anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, rage, [[PTSD]] and grief.<ref name="watson2017"/>
 +
 
 +
Uberoi et al. {2022) collected the sentiments of [[circumcised]] men regarding their involuntary, unnecessary [[circumcision]].<ref name="uberoi2022 /> They published a supplement to their article on line in a 67-page Microsoft Word file with statements by 135 men.<ref>{{REFweb
 +
|url=https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1038%2Fs41443-022-00619-8/MediaObjects/41443_2022_619_MOESM1_ESM.docx
 +
|title=Complete list of all "I" statements analyzed
 +
|last=
 +
|first=
 +
|init=
 +
|publisher=Nature
 +
|date=2022-10
 +
|accessdate=2023-02-21
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
''[[Depression]]'' is the fourth stage of grief.<ref name="kr1969"/> <ref name="cc2022"/> Several cases of [[suicide]] have been reported.<ref name="lowbridge2019">{{REFnews
 
  |title=My son killed himself after circumcision
 
  |title=My son killed himself after circumcision
 
  |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-47292307
 
  |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-47292307
Line 915: Line 988:
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
 
  |quote=
 
  |quote=
}}</ref>
+
}}</ref> <ref name="watson2014">{{REFbook
 +
|last=Watson
 +
|first=Lindsay R.
 +
|init=LR
 +
|author-link=Lindsay R. Watson
 +
|year=2014
 +
|title=[[Unspeakable Mutilations]]
 +
|url=
 +
|pages=
 +
|isbn=978-1495266577
 +
|accessdate=2021-08-13
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
DeMause (1996) reported that early [[trauma]] results in war and social violence.<ref name="demause1996" />
  
 
Healing requires grieving the loss of a body part.<ref>{{REFjournal
 
Healing requires grieving the loss of a body part.<ref>{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Maguire
 
  |last=Maguire
 
  |first=Peter
 
  |first=Peter
 +
|init=P
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Parkes
 
  |last2=Parkes
 
  |first2=Colin Murray
 
  |first2=Colin Murray
 +
|init2=CM
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Coping With Loss: Surgery and Loss of Body Parts
 
  |title=Coping With Loss: Surgery and Loss of Body Parts
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=BMJ
 
  |journal=BMJ
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 940: Line 1,026:
 
  |DOI=10.1136/bmj.316.7137.1086
 
  |DOI=10.1136/bmj.316.7137.1086
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
}}</ref> Unfortunately, Watson & Goldman (2017) report:
+
}}</ref> Unfortunately, Watson & Golden (2017) report:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
We found that therapists were reluctant to accept that the grief was real, were unaware of foreskin functions, denied circumcision had physical or psychological sequelae and minimized patient grief using humor, cultural aesthetics, controversial  
+
We found that therapists were reluctant to accept that the grief was real, were unaware of foreskin functions, denied circumcision had physical or psychological sequelae and minimized patient grief using humor, cultural aesthetics, controversial  
 
health benefits, sexism and an erroneous understanding of penile anatomy and sexual function. Male therapists were more likely to deny that circumcision is harmful and to be less empathetic than female therapists.<ref name="watson2017" />  
 
health benefits, sexism and an erroneous understanding of penile anatomy and sexual function. Male therapists were more likely to deny that circumcision is harmful and to be less empathetic than female therapists.<ref name="watson2017" />  
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
Watson & Goldman recommend that men "embrace the anguish and try to feel it as strongly as they can." They also recommend non-surgical [[foreskin restoration]] "since it empowers the patient."<ref name="watson2017" />  
+
[[Lindsay R. Watson|Watson]] & [[Ronald Goldman|Goldman]]  recommend that men "embrace the anguish and try to feel it as strongly as they can." They also recommend non-surgical [[foreskin restoration]] "since it empowers the patient."<ref name="watson2017" />  
 
</blockquote>
 
</blockquote>
  
Line 967: Line 1,053:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
There is a new blog at Reddit, where grieving circumcised men discuss their feelings of grief.<ref>{{REFweb
+
There is a new blog at Reddit, where grieving [[circumcised]] men discuss their feelings of grief.<ref>{{REFweb
 
  |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/CircumcisionGrief/
 
  |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/CircumcisionGrief/
 
  |title=Circumcision Grief
 
  |title=Circumcision Grief
 
  |last=
 
  |last=
 
  |first=
 
  |first=
 +
|Publisher=Reddit
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
There is another blog at Reddit, where non-surgical foreskin restoration is discussed.<ref>{{REFweb
+
There is another blog at Reddit, where non-surgical [[foreskin restoration]] is discussed.<ref>{{REFweb
 
  |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/foreskin_restoration/
 
  |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/foreskin_restoration/
 
  |title=Foreskin Restoration
 
  |title=Foreskin Restoration
 
  |last=
 
  |last=
 
  |first=
 
  |first=
 +
|Publisher=Reddit
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
 
  |accessdate=2019-12-10
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
==More research needed==
+
[[15 Square]], the British charity, has established the [https://15square.org.uk/talking-therapies-circumcision-and-mental-health/ Talking Therapies – Circumcision and Mental Health]. The service is only available to persons in the [[United Kingdom]] due to legislative reasons. 15 Square advises there is an alternative available for persons outside of the United Kingdom through their Discord server.
  
Bollinger and Van Howe (2011) associate [[Alexithemia| alexithymia]] with the trauma of circumcision.<ref name="bollinger2011">{{REFjournal
+
==Autism spectrum disorder==
  |last=Bollinger
+
[[Rosemary Romberg]] (2021) observed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the [[United States]] occurs four times more frequently in boys than in girls.<ref name="romberg2021">{{REFbook
  |first=Dan
+
|last=Romberg
  |author-link=Dan Bollinger
+
|first=Rosemary
  |last2=Van Howe
+
|init=
  |first2=Robert S.
+
|author-link=Rosemary Romberg
  |author2-link=Robert S. Van Howe
+
|year=2021
 +
|title=Circumcision — The Painful Dilemma
 +
|url=https://circumcisionthepainfuldilemma.wordpress.com/
 +
|work=
 +
|editor=[[Ulf Dunkel]]
 +
|edition=Second Edition, Revised
 +
|volume=
 +
|chapter=A possible link between infant circumcision and autism
 +
|scope=
 +
|page=420
 +
|pages=
 +
|location=
 +
|publisher=Kindle
 +
|ISBN=23: 979-8683021252
 +
|quote=
 +
|accessdate=2023-08-31
 +
|note=
 +
}}</ref>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 
 +
After the medical community belatedly learned that infants actually feel [[pain]], Howard, Howard, & Weitzman (1994) tested the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) for post-surgical pain following neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision.<ref name="howard1994">{{REFjournal
 +
  |last=Howard
 +
  |first=Cynthia R.
 +
|init=CR
 +
  |author-link=
 +
  |last2=Howard
 +
  |first2=Fred M.
 +
|init2=FM
 +
  |author2-link=
 +
|last3=Weitzman
 +
|first3=Michael L.
 +
|init3=ML
 +
|author3-link=
 
  |etal=no
 
  |etal=no
  |title=Alexithymia and Circumcision Trauma: A Preliminary Investigation
+
  |title=Acetaminophen analgesia in neonatal circumcision: the effect on pain
|trans-title=
+
  |journal=Pediatrics
|language=
 
  |journal=International Journal of Men’s Health
 
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
  |date=2011
+
  |date=1994-04
  |volume=10
+
  |volume=93
  |issue=2
+
  |issue=4
  |pages=184-95
+
  |pages=641-6
  |url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/676d/b908ff4629702b99da6d77739d1300370bd4.pdf
+
  |url=https://www.i2researchhub.org/articles/acetaminophen-analgesia-in-neonatal-circumcision/
 +
|archived=
 
  |quote=
 
  |quote=
  |pubmedID=
+
  |pubmedID=8134222
 
  |pubmedCID=
 
  |pubmedCID=
  |DOI=10.3149/jmh.1002.184
+
  |DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-12-12
+
|accessdate=2020-11-09
 +
}}</ref> The relief by this mild analgesic was slight, but doctors started to prescribe acetaminophen (paracetamol) to relieve the post-circumcision surgical pain of newborn boys. An increase in the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has occurred. Bauer & Krebel (2013) have shown an ecological link between the use of acetaminophen for post-circumcision pain and ASD.<ref name="bauer2013")>{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Bauer
 +
|first=Ann
 +
|init=A
 +
|author-link=
 +
|last2=Kriebel
 +
|first2=David
 +
|init2=D
 +
|author2-link=
 +
|etal=no
 +
|title=Prenatal and perinatal analgesic exposure and autism: an ecological link
 +
|journal=Environ Health
 +
|location=
 +
|date=2013-05-09
 +
|volume=12
 +
|issue=
 +
|pages=41
 +
|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673819/
 +
|archived=
 +
|quote=
 +
|pubmedID=23656698
 +
|pubmedCID=3673819
 +
|DOI=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673819/
 +
  |accessdate=2020-11-14
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
Morten & Simonsen (2015) associate neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision with autism spectrum disorder.<ref>{{REFjournal
+
Morten & Simonsen (2015) associated neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision with autism spectrum disorder.<ref>{{REFjournal
 
  |last=Frisch
 
  |last=Frisch
 
  |first=Morten
 
  |first=Morten
 +
|init=M
 
  |author-link=
 
  |author-link=
 
  |last2=Simonsen
 
  |last2=Simonsen
 
  |first2=Jacob
 
  |first2=Jacob
 +
|init2=J
 
  |author2-link=
 
  |author2-link=
  |etal=yes
+
  |etal=no
 
  |title=Ritual circumcision and risk of autism spectrum disorder in 0- to 9-year-old boys: national cohort study in Denmark
 
  |title=Ritual circumcision and risk of autism spectrum disorder in 0- to 9-year-old boys: national cohort study in Denmark
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |journal=J R Soc Med
 
  |journal=J R Soc Med
 
  |location=
 
  |location=
Line 1,035: Line 1,178:
 
}}</ref>
 
}}</ref>
  
==Video==
+
Hirota & King (2023) reported the incidence of autism spectrum disorder was 3.7% in males as compared to 0.9 % in females.<ref name="hirota2023">{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Hirota
 +
|first=
 +
|init=T
 +
|author-link=
 +
|last2=King
 +
|first2=
 +
|init2=BH
 +
|author2-link=
 +
|etal=yes
 +
|title=Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|language=
 +
|journal=JAMA
 +
|location=
 +
|date=2023-01-10
 +
|volume=329
 +
|issue=2
 +
|article=
 +
|page=
 +
|pages=147-68
 +
|url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2800182?guestAccessKey=ed7c3ab4-13c4-4e61-b07d-9450c0aa0221
 +
|archived=
 +
|quote=
 +
|pubmedID=36625807
 +
|pubmedCID=
 +
|DOI=10.1001/jama.2022.23661
 +
|accessdate=2023-01-13
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Alexithymia==
 +
 
 +
[[Dan Bollinger| Bollinger]] and [[Robert S. Van Howe|Van Howe]] (2011) associated [[Alexithemia| alexithymia]] with the [[trauma]] of [[circumcision]].<ref name="bollinger2011">{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Bollinger
 +
|first=Dan
 +
|init=D
 +
|author-link=Dan Bollinger
 +
|last2=Van Howe
 +
|first2=Robert S.
 +
|init2=RS
 +
|author2-link=Robert S. Van Howe
 +
|etal=no
 +
|title=Alexithymia and Circumcision Trauma: A Preliminary Investigation
 +
|journal=International Journal of Men’s Health
 +
|location=
 +
|date=2011
 +
|volume=10
 +
|issue=2
 +
|pages=184-95
 +
|url=https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/676d/b908ff4629702b99da6d77739d1300370bd4.pdf
 +
|quote=
 +
|pubmedID=
 +
|pubmedCID=
 +
|DOI=10.3149/jmh.1002.184
 +
|accessdate=2019-12-12
 +
}}</ref>  Psychiatrists call this phenomenon alexithymia — Greek for not having words for feelings.<ref>{{REFbook
 +
|last=Van der Kolk
 +
|first=Bessel
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=Bessel van der Kolk
 +
|year=2014
 +
|title=The Body Keeps the Score
 +
|url=
 +
|work=
 +
|editor=
 +
|edition=
 +
|volume=
 +
|chapter=Chapter Six
 +
|scope=
 +
|page=100
 +
|pages=
 +
|location=
 +
|publisher=Penguin Books
 +
|ISBN=978-9-14312774-1
 +
|quote=
 +
|accessdate=2023-07-16
 +
|note=
 +
}}</ref>[[Bessel van der Kolk| Van der Kolk]] (2014) said, "People with alexithemia can get better only by learning to recognize the relations between their physical sensations and their emotions, much as colorblind people can only enter the world of color by learning
 +
to distinguish and appreciate shades of gray."<ref>{{REFbook
 +
|last=Van der Kolk
 +
|first=Bessel
 +
|init=
 +
|author-link=Bessel van der Kolk
 +
|year=2014
 +
|title=The Body Keeps the Score
 +
|url=
 +
|work=
 +
|editor=
 +
|edition=
 +
|volume=
 +
|chapter=Chapter Six
 +
|scope=
 +
|page=101
 +
|pages=
 +
|location=
 +
|publisher=Penguin Books
 +
|ISBN=978-9-14312774-1
 +
|quote=
 +
|accessdate=2023-07-16
 +
|note=
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
Bollinger & [[Georganne Chapin| Chapin]] (2019) reported that [https://simplyhealth.today/16-common-triggers-of-adverse-childhood-experiences/?msclkid=a663823c1fa01a8515b9e0f09aaad3bd adverse childhood experiences], which includes [[circumcision]], is a cause of alexithymia.<ref name="bolinger2019">{{REFdocument
 +
|title=Child genital cutting as an adverse childhood experience
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|language=English
 +
|url=http://adversechildhoodexperiences.net/CGC_as_an_ACE.pdf
 +
|archived=
 +
|contribution=
 +
|quote=
 +
|trans-quote=
 +
|quote-lang=
 +
|last=Bollinger
 +
|first=Dan
 +
|author-link=Dan Bollinger
 +
|last2=Chapin
 +
|first2=Georganne
 +
|author2-link=Georganne Chapin
 +
|publisher=Intact America
 +
|location=Tarrytown
 +
|format=PDF
 +
|date=2019-08
 +
|accessdate=2021-04-02
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Socio-effective processing==
 +
 
 +
Miani et al. (2020) theorized that adult men "who underwent neonatal [[circumcision]], compared to those who did not, will display alterations in socio-affective processing conforming to the fast life-history strategies, namely, decreased reliance on social environment and increased perceived stress and sexual activity."<ref name="miani2020">{{REFjournal
 +
|last=Miani
 +
|init=A
 +
|first=Allessando
 +
|author-link=
 +
|last2=Di Bernardo
 +
|init2=GC
 +
|first2=Gian Carlo
 +
|author2-link=
 +
|last3=Hǿjgaard
 +
|init3=AD
 +
|first3=Astrid Ditte
 +
|author3-link=
 +
|last4=Earp
 +
|init4=BD
 +
|first4=Brian D.
 +
|author4-link=Brian D. Earp
 +
|last5=Zack
 +
|init5=PD
 +
|first5=Paul D.
 +
|author5-link=
 +
|last6=Landau
 +
|init6=AM
 +
|first6=Anne M.
 +
|author6-link=
 +
|last7=Hoppe
 +
|init7=J
 +
|first7=Jǿrgen
 +
|author7-link=
 +
|last8=Winterdahl
 +
|init8=M
 +
|first8=Michael
 +
|author8-link=
 +
|etal=no
 +
|title=Neonatal male circumcision is associated with altered adult socio-affective processing
 +
|journal=Heliyon
 +
|location=Aalborg, [[Denmark]]
 +
|date=2020-11
 +
|volume=6
 +
|issue=11
 +
|article=e05566
 +
|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020324099?fbclid=IwAR2KTI5HKklEM0WFhVSIe99Vg_hL3nyidBnnc8FSJQu0vT9YCt26blN43rA
 +
|DOI=10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05566
 +
|accessdate=2020-12-20
 +
}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
To test the theory, they surveyed American men. They studied "408 men [[circumcised]] within the first month of life and 211 non-circumcised men and measured socio-affective behaviors and stress."<ref name="miani2020" />
  
* <youtube>tNCJ7AL_ThY</youtube>
+
The authors reported their "analysis shows differences between early [[circumcised]] and non-circumcised men in psychological measures of socio-affectivity and provides initial support for the hypothesis that this alteration stems from the most crucial neurodevelopmentally plastic period of an individual's life. They called for "replication of the current study with a larger sample size and better ability to control for socioeconomic variables."<ref name="miani2020" />
  
 +
{{SEEALSO}}
 +
* [[Adamant father syndrome]]
 +
* [[Association of male circumcision with homosexuality]]
 +
* [[Circumcision coma]]
 +
* [[Circumcision and violence]]
 +
* [[Foreskin_restoration#Emotional.2C_psychological.2C_and_psychiatric_benefits| Emotional, psychological, and psychiatric benefits]]
 +
* [[Pain]]
 +
* [[Psychosexual Effects of Circumcision]]
 +
* [[Psychiatrist Discusses the Lasting Trauma of Circumcision]]
 +
* [[Post-traumatic stress disorder]]
 +
* [[Suicide]]
 +
* [[Trauma]]
 +
 +
== Videos ==
 +
 +
=== Voices of those affected De drabbades röst ===
 +
The following poignant video expresses the emotional pain that many men who were [[circumcised]] in infancy feel. There is a short NSFW section:
 +
 +
<youtube>v=3AulRgBt6ls&feature=youtu.be</youtube>
 +
 +
=== A Therapist on Men's Hidden Circumcision Grief ===
 +
 +
<youtube>tNCJ7AL_ThY</youtube>
 +
<br>
 +
=== Gregory Becker voices a personal memoir on his circumcision experience ===
 +
<youtube>https://youtu.be/02K_76WjOds</youtube>
 
{{LINKS}}
 
{{LINKS}}
 
+
*  {{REFweb
 +
|url=http://nocirc.org/symposia/first/robertson.html
 +
|title=Childhood Circumcision: Long-Term Emotional Consequences
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|language=
 +
|last=Robertson
 +
|first=James
 +
|author-link=
 +
|publisher=First International Symposium
 +
|website=Genital Autonomy America
 +
|date=1989-03
 +
|accessdate=2019-12-19
 +
|format=
 +
|quote=
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/psych/#n39
 +
|title=Psychological impacts of male circumcision
 +
|last=
 +
|first=
 +
|init=
 +
|publisher=Circumcision Reference Library
 +
|date=2012-05-26
 +
|accessdate=2023-02-22
 +
}}
 
* {{REFweb
 
* {{REFweb
 
  |url=http://www.drmomma.org/2009/07/circumcision-human-behavior.html
 
  |url=http://www.drmomma.org/2009/07/circumcision-human-behavior.html
Line 1,056: Line 1,422:
 
  |quote=
 
  |quote=
 
}}
 
}}
 
+
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=http://acroposthion.com/psychological-implications/
 +
|title=Psychological implications of circumcision
 +
|last=
 +
|first=
 +
|date=
 +
|accessdate=2022-08-19
 +
}}
 
* {{REFweb
 
* {{REFweb
 
  |url=https://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/for-professionals/psychological-impact/
 
  |url=https://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/for-professionals/psychological-impact/
 
  |title=Psychological Impact
 
  |title=Psychological Impact
|trans-title=
 
|language=
 
 
  |last=Goldman
 
  |last=Goldman
 
  |first=Ronald
 
  |first=Ronald
 
  |author-link=Ronald Goldman
 
  |author-link=Ronald Goldman
  |publisher=Doctors Opposing Circumcision
+
  |publisher=[[Doctors Opposing Circumcision (D.O.C.)]]
 
  |website=
 
  |website=
 
  |date=2016-01
 
  |date=2016-01
Line 1,071: Line 1,442:
 
  |format=
 
  |format=
 
  |quote=
 
  |quote=
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/moral-landscapes/201501/circumcision-s-psychological-damage
 +
|title=Circumcision’s Psychological Damage
 +
|last=Narvaez
 +
|first=Darcia F.
 +
|author-link=Darcia Narvaez
 +
|publisher=Psychology Today
 +
|website=
 +
|date=2015-01-11
 +
|accessdate=2020-01-28
 +
|format=
 +
|quote=
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/moral-landscapes/201506/practical-tips-men-distressed-their-circumcision
 +
|archived=
 +
|title=Practical tips for men distressed by their own circumcision
 +
|last=Narvaez
 +
|first=Darcia F.
 +
|author-link=Darcia Narvaez
 +
|publisher=Psychology Today
 +
|website=
 +
|date=2015-06
 +
|accessdate=2020-12-27
 +
|format=
 +
|quote=
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://circumcision.org/psychological-impact-of-circumcision-on-men/
 +
|archived=
 +
|title=Psychological Impact of Circumcision on Men
 +
|last=Goldman
 +
|first=Ronald
 +
|author-link=Ronald Goldman
 +
|publisher=Circumcision Resource Center
 +
|website=circumcision.org
 +
|date=
 +
|accessdate=2020-07-01
 +
|format=
 +
|quote=
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://15square.org.uk/psychological-issues/
 +
|title=Psychological Issues
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|language=
 +
|last=
 +
|first=
 +
|author-link=
 +
|publisher=15Square
 +
|website=
 +
|date=2019-05
 +
|accessdate=2020-02-01
 +
|format=
 +
|quote=
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://intaction.org/psychological-harm-of-circumcision-with-dr-john-huber/
 +
|archived=
 +
|title=Psychological Harm of Circumcision with Dr. John Huber
 +
|trans-title=
 +
|language=English
 +
|last=Losquadro
 +
|first=Anthony
 +
|author-link=Anthony Losquadro
 +
|publisher=Circumcision Chronicles Uncut Podcast.
 +
|website=Intaction
 +
|date=2019-12-02
 +
|accessdate=2020-08-28
 +
|format=
 +
|quote=
 +
}}
 +
* {{REFweb
 +
|url=https://www.hegemonmedia.com/p/the-cultural-trauma-of-circumcision
 +
|title=The Cultural Trauma of Circumcision
 +
|last=Marotta
 +
|first=Brendon
 +
|author-link=Brendon Marotta
 +
|date=2022-02-17
 +
|accessdate=2022-02-18
 
}}
 
}}
  
 +
{{ABBR}}
 
{{REF}}
 
{{REF}}
  
 +
[[Category:Parental information]]
 
[[Category:Circumcision]]
 
[[Category:Circumcision]]
[[Category:Circumcision risks]]
+
[[Category:Circumcision risk]]
[[Category:Risks and complications]]
+
[[Category:Circumcision complication]]
 
[[Category:Psychology]]
 
[[Category:Psychology]]
 +
[[Category:Pain]]
 +
[[Category:Trauma]]
 +
[[Category:Education]]
 +
 +
[[de:Psychische Probleme aufgrund männlicher Beschneidung]]

Latest revision as of 12:21, 11 March 2024

Male circumcision is a surgical amputation of the foreskin, which contains more than one-half of the erogenous epithelium of the penis. The amputation is most frequently carried out on infants and small boys who cannot and do not give consent for the loss of so much of their penis. There are many psychological issues of male circumcision that arise from the painful, traumatic, involuntary loss of the part of the penis with the erogenous tissue that provides much sexual sensation.[1] Bollinger (2023) identifed child genital cutting (CGC) as an adverse childhood experience.[2]

History

Moses Maimonides wrote in the 12th century:

Similarly with regard to circumcision, one of the reasons for it is, in my opinion, the wish to bring about a decrease in sexual intercourse and a weakening of the organ in question, so that this activity be diminished and the organ be in as quiet a state as possible. … In fact this commandment has not been prescribed with a view to perfecting what is defective congenitally, but to perfecting what is defective morally. The bodily pain caused to that member is the real purpose of circumcision. … For if at birth this member has been made to bleed and has had its covering taken away from it, it must indubitably be weakened.[3]

So we see that circumcision has long been used to effect behavior change.

Profound lack of understanding of psychological issues

There was little awareness of emotional and/or psychological issues when child circumcision was being promoted in the late 19th century and early 20th century. For example, Douglas Gairdner (1949) made no mention at all of pain, trauma behavior changes, or psychological issues in his landmark 1949 paper.[4]

Intact America (2023) reported that intact males were shamed.[5]

Increasing awareness

David Levy (1945) reported on abnormal behavior in children who had undergone surgical operations, including circumcision, among other operations. Levy reported such emotional sequelae as:

  • Conditioned fear
  • Dependency fears and regressions
  • Latent fear
  • Phobias
  • Anxiety states
  • Hostility reactions
  • Obsessions
  • Hysteria.

Levy saw a relationships to what was then called combat neurosis and now known as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[6]

Anna Freud, daughter of Sigmund Freud, and a pioneer child psychologist read Levy's paper. She wrote (1952):

Ever since the discovery of the castration complex analysts have had ample opportunity in their therapeutic work to study the impact of surgical operations. on normal and abnormal development. By now it is common knowledge that surgical interference with the child's body may serve as the focal point for the activation, reactivation, grouping and rationalization of ideas of being attacked, overwhelmed and (or) castrated.[7]

British child psychologist Gocke Cansever tested twelve Turkish boys before and after circumcision. Cansever (1965) confirmed the conclusions of Anna Freud (1952) and reported:

The results of the tests showed that circumcision, performed around the phallic stage is perceived by the child as an act of aggression and castration. It has detrimental effects on the child's functioning and adaptation, particularly on his ego strength. By weakening the controlling and defensive mechanisms of the ego, and initiating regression, it loosens the previously hidden fears, anxieties, and instinctual impulses, and renders a feeling of reality to them. What is expressed following the operation is primitive, archaic and unsocialized in character. As a defensive control and protection against the surge of the instinctual forces coming from within and the threats coming from outside, the ego of the child seeks safety in total withdrawal, this isolates and insulates itself from disturbing stimuli.[8]

Emde et al. (1971) being curious about changes in infant behavior after painful heel sticking, decided to test baby boys before and after routine (non-therapeutic) circumcision performed without anesthesia. Not surprisingly, they found that circumcision changed behavior. They concluded:

Routine hospital circumcision, done without anesthesia, was chosen as a potential stressor which might be expected to produce prolonged bombardment of pain pathways. Two studies, one without polygraphic manipulation and one with EEG and polygraphic manipulation and one with EEG and polygraphic recording, resulted in similar findings. Circumcision was usually followed by prolonged, non-REM sleep. Effects of circumcision were demonstrable in terms of an increase in the amount of non-REM sleep (p<0.01) and a decrease in latency to the onset of non-REM sleep (P<0.05). Infants were used as their own controls and were compared with non-circumcised males for statistical analysis. Post circumcision increase in non-REM sleep was also reflected in an increased total number of non-REM sleep periods and an increased number of extremely long non-REM sleep periods.[9]

Researchers in Britain and America noticed that male infants in America, where most males were circumcised in the 1970s behave differently from female infants, while intact male infants in Britain do not behave differently from female infants. Richards, Bernal, & Brackbill (1976) said:

The extent to which circumcision does contribute to gender differences in behavior during the neonatal period, or subsequently, obviously demands detailed and focused study. Most certainly, the published description of any sample using male neonates should indicate circumcision status. At present, with rare exception, this information does not appear in any account of subject characteristics.[10]

Grimes (1978) also expressed concern, writing:

In contrast to the sometimes dramatic somatic responses of the neonate to operation without anesthesia, the psychological consequences of this trauma are conjectural. Psychoanalyst Erik Erickson has described the first of eight stages of man as the development of basic trust versus basic mistrust. For the baby to be plucked from his bed, strapped in a spread eagle position, and doused with chilling antiseptic is perhaps consistent with other new-found discomforts of extra-uterine existence. The application of crushing clamps and excision of penile tissue, however, probably do little to engender a trusting, congenial, relationship with the infant's new surroundings.[11]

Behavioral effects of unanesthetized infant circumcision

The focus then turned to investigation of the effects of unanesthetized infant circumcision. Doctors then falsely believed that newborn infants could not feel pain,[12] so they blamed the observed effects on "stress", not pain.

Luther, Kraybill & Potter (1976) tested cortisol and cortisone in the blood of newborn infants before and after circumcision. Dramatic increases in cortisol and a lesser increase in cortisone was recorded.[13]

Rawlins, Miller & Engel (1980) investigated the blood oxygen content after unanesthetized non-therapeutic circumcision. They reported that blood oxygen content decreased during non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision, although it returned to baseline or above later.[14]

Marshall et al. (1980) tested newborn boys before and after plastibel circumcision. They reported that boys have a greater capacity for memory than previously believed, that infants behave differently after circumcision, that future researchers must consider and record the circumcision status of their subjects, and that boys might actually be feeling pain. They suggested that anesthesia by dorsal penile nerve block might be appropriate.[15]

Gunnar et al. (1981) studied the effect of circumcision of male infants on serum cortisol and behavior. The authors identified circumcision as "a potential traumatic event experienced by the majority of newborn males in this country (United States)." The authors reported that serum cortisol during unanesthetized circumcision rose to about four times the pre-circumcision level. Behavior paralleled the increase in cortisol. They reported that "neonatal circumcision is performed without anesthesia and it is clearly stressful for the infant.[16]

Marshall et al. (1982) studied the effect of circumcision on mother-child interaction (primarily breastmilk substitute feeding behavior) in a hospital setting. They reported: "The experimental group exhibited fewer intervals of uninterrupted feeding than did the control group."[17]

Gunnar et al. (1984) tested the effects of a pacifier during circumcision. They reported:

The results showed that stimulating the newborn with the pacifier reduced crying by about 40%. Reducing crying, however, had no significant effect on adrenocortical response. Elevations of serum cortisol predicted average behavioral state following circumcision, whereas crying during circumcision did not. Furthermore, there was evidence that the neonatal adrenocortical system was sensitive in variations in surgical procedures. The results indicate the importance of obtaining data on both behavioral and hormonal systems in studies of stress and coping in human newborns.[18]

Porter et al. (1986) recorded the pain cries of boys undergoing circumcision. They reported that "Subjective judgments and objective quantitative data converge to demonstrate that infants' cries are perceived as varying and objectively, do systematically vary with respect to the the intensity of the painful stimuli."[19]

Porter et al. (1988) recorded the cries of boys undergoing non-therapeutic child circumcision. They found that the pitch of the cries increased as stress (euphemism for pain) increases.[20]

The research reported in this section clearly establish the the distress shown by male infants during unanesthetized circumcision does not come from being restrained, that infants feel extreme pain, that sucking on a pacifier does not reduce pain, although it may reduce crying, and that neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision is traumatic for the child.

Trauma of circumcision

Bollinger & Chapin (1999) documented the extremely painful and traumatic nature of infant circumcision.[21] Ramos & Boyle (2001) studied the psychological effects of circumcision (tuli) on Philippine boys. They reported that sixty-nine percent of traditionally circumcised boys and fifty-one percent of medically circumcised boys met the criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[22]

There is now extensive evidence of the effect of the trauma of non-therapeutic circumcision on behavior later in life.

Glover (1929) reported a case in which the memory of a traumatic circumcision was repressed.[23]

Taddio et al. (1995) (1997) studied the behavior of circumcised boys in comparison to the behavior of intact boys at the time of routine vaccination. Taddio et al. (1995) reported:

Male circumcision is the most common neonatal surgical procedure. It causes intense pain and measurable changes in behaviour that last up to 1 day. We found that circumcision status was associated with increased infant pain response to routine vaccination at 4-6 months. Circumcised boys had significantly longer crying bouts and higher pain scores. That both outcome measures, pain index, and cry duration, were influenced by circumcision lends credibility to our observations. During the second (HIB) vaccination, circumcision status was more clearly associated with the observed pain response than after DPT. The DPT injection might have had a priming effect in circumcised infants which led them to exhibit even more pain after the HIB injection. The effects of memory and reinforcement on later nocioceptive experience in neonates are not known. Because memory of pain is believed to be important in subsequent pain perception, and the main structures for memory are functional in the neonatal period, it is conceivable that pain from circumcision may have long-lasting effects on pain response and/or perception.[24]

Taddio et al. (1997) followed with a larger second study in which circumcised boys were compared with intact boys at time of vaccination four to six months after birth. Three measures to determine pain were used. Once again circumcised boys showed greater response to the pain of vaccination than intact boys.

Taddio et al. reasoned that:

It is, therefore, possible that the greater vaccination response in the infants circumcised without anaesthesia may represent an infant analogue of a post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by a traumatic and painful event and re-experienced under similar circumstances of pain during vaccination.

and concluded:

The results of this study are consistent with studies of pain response in animals and behavioural studies in humans showing that injury and tissue damage sustained in infancy can cause sustained changes in central neural function, which persist after the wound has healed and influence behavioural responses to painful events months later. Pretreatment and postoperative management of neonatal circumcision pain is recommended based on these results. Investigation of the neurological basis of these effects is warranted.[25]

Chamberlain (1989) confirms that babies remember pain.[26]

Male circumcision is part of the culture of the Philippine Islands. Boys usually are not neonatally circumcised. Instead, circumcision is done when they are somewhat older. Some are medically circumcised while others are circumcised in a traditional manner. Ramos & Boyle (2001) studied the psychological effects of circumcision on Philippine boys. They reported that sixty-nine percent of traditionally circumcised boys and fifty-one percent of medically circumcised boys met the criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).[22]

Boyle et al. (2002) report:

A traumatic experience is defined in DSM-IV as the direct consequence of experiencing or witnessing of serious injury or threat to physical integrity that produces intense fear, helplessness or (in the case of children) agitation (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). The significant pain and distress described earlier is consistent with this definition. Moreover, the disturbance (e.g., physiological arousal, avoidant behaviour) qualifies for a diagnosis of acute stress disorder if it lasts at least two days or even a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if it lasts more than a month. Circumcision without anaesthesia constitutes a severely traumatic event in a child's life.[27]

Circumcision trauma in adults

Famed trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.[a 1] (1989) reports that traumatized persons tend to repeat the trauma on themselves or others, resulting in harm to others, harm to self, or being re-victimized. He writes:

Some traumatized people remain preoccupied with the trauma at the expense of other life experiences and continue to re-create it in some form for themselves or for others.[28]

De Mause (1996) argued that early trauma results in aggressive adult behavior.[29]

Rhinehart (1999) was a practicing psychiatrist who had patients with later life problems stemming from their neonatal circumcision. He listed some possibilities:

  • a sense of personal powerlessness
  • fears of being overpowered and victimized by others
  • lack of trust in others and life
  • a sense of vulnerability to violent attack by others
  • guardedness in relationships
  • reluctance to be in relationships with women
  • defensiveness
  • diminished sense of maleness
  • feeling damaged, especially in the presence of surgical complications such as skin tags, penile curvature due to uneven foreskin removal, partial ablation of edges of the glans and so on
  • sense of reduced penile size, a part cut off or amputated
  • low self-esteem
  • shame about not "measuring up"
  • anger and violence toward women
  • irrational rage reactions
  • addictions and dependencies
  • difficulties in establishing intimate relationships
  • emotional numbing
  • need for more intensity in sexual experience.
  • sexual callousness
  • decreased tenderness in intimacy
  • decreased ability to communicate
  • feelings of not being understood

Rhinehart concluded:

In my client population of adult men, serious and sometimes disabling lifelong consequences appear to have resulted from this procedure, and long-term psychotherapy focusing on early trauma resolution appears to be effective in dealing with these consequences. Early prevention by eliminating the practice of routine circumcision is seen as desirable.[30]

Feelings and behavior of circumcised men

Goldman (1999) described the long-term psychological effects of circumcision as "anger, sense of loss, shame, sense of having been victimized and violated, feal, distrust, grief, and jealousy of intact men.[31]

Goldman reported reasons why circumcised men say little about how they truly feel:

  1. Accepting beliefs and cultural assumptions about circumcision prevents men from recognizing and feeling their dissatisfaction; e.g. being told when young that it was necessary for health reasons and not questioning that.
  2. The emotions connected with circumcision that may surface are very painful; repressing them protects men from this pain. If the feelings become conscious, they can still be suppressed.
  3. Those who have feelings about their circumcision are generally afraid to express them because their feelings may be dismissed or ridiculed.
  4. Verbal expression of feelings requires conscious awareness. Because early traumas are generally unconscious, associated feelings are expressed non-verbally through behavioural, emotional, and physiological forms.[31]

Circumcised men are likely to use minimization and ridicule as an ego defense when addressing the subject of circumcision.

Adamant father syndrome

It is now well established that circumcised men who become a father of a boy overwhelmingly want the boy to be circumcised.[32] [33] This phenomenon has come to be known as the adamant father syndrome.[34] Such circumcised fathers are driven to repeat the trauma of their own circumcision decades ago on their own son even acting contrary to current medical advice.[31]

However Goldman pointed out several reasons (from the viewpoint of the child) that a father should not insist on circumcising a boy:

  1. A circumcised boy who matches others may nevertheless have negative feelings about being circumcised. These feelings can last for a lifetime
  2. It is not possible to predict before circumcision how a boy will feel about it later.
  3. Even though intact men are in the minority in the USA, there is no evidence that many of them are dissatisfied with being intact.
  4. An intact male who is unhappy about it can choose to be circumcised, but this is rarely done. The estimated rate of adult circumcision in the USA is 3 in 1000.
  5. An intact male who is unhappy about his status may feel different after learning more about circumcision and the important functions of the foreskin.
  6. The social factor is much less of an issue for boys born in the USA today because of the lower circumcision rate (60% nationally, under 40% in some states.[31]

Circumcised medical doctors

Most [[Circumcised doctors| male doctors in the United States are men who were circumcised as infants]]. Consequently, despite being medical doctors they have no personal knowledge of the human foreskin. These men share the trauma and attitudes of other circumcised men and are just as likely to want to repeat the trauma. LeBourdais (1995) pointed out that the "age of the attending physician, sex and circumcision status" were important factors in determining the likelihood of a baby boy being circumcised.[35]

Goldman also points out that, in making the decision regarding circumcision, parents tend to follow the perceived norm.

Mixing religion and medical science

Goldman (1999) points out that some physicians allow their religious views on circumcision to influence the outcomes of scientific paper regarding male circumcision. This has created many scientifically flawed studies that distort, confuse the circumcision issue, and bias the outcome in favor of circumcision.[31] Some examples are Abraham L. Wolbarst, Ernest Hand, Abraham Ravich, Edgar J. Schoen, and Aaron J. Fink.

Circumcised doctors and circumcision policy

Goldman (2005) observes when circumcised doctors are appointed to a committee to develop circumcision policy they bring their cultural and personal biases to the table. Doctors who perform circumcisions need to justify their practice. Circumcised doctors may be under a compulsion to repeat the trauma.[28] Risks and certain injury are likely to be understated, while benefits are exaggerated. Human rights issues may be ignored. The likely result is a policy statement heavily biased in favor of circumcision.[36]

Depression, rage, and grief in circumcised men

Denial of loss is the first stage of grief.[37] [38] Circumcised men historically have protected their feelings by denying that they have lost anything.[39] Trivialization of the loss is a frequent defense mechanism. Another is the production of fantasies about the alleged horrors of smegma, aroma, and appearance.

Anger is the second stage of grief.[37] [38] Research done since the 1960's forward to the present day has elucidated the nature, functions, and purpose of the foreskin. Circumcised men are learning what they have lost from the Internet, so they are less able to maintain the ego defense of denial of loss,[40] so they increasingly responding with feelings of anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, rage, PTSD and grief.[40]

Uberoi et al. {2022) collected the sentiments of circumcised men regarding their involuntary, unnecessary circumcision.[1] They published a supplement to their article on line in a 67-page Microsoft Word file with statements by 135 men.[41]

Depression is the fourth stage of grief.[37] [38] Several cases of suicide have been reported.[42] [43]

DeMause (1996) reported that early trauma results in war and social violence.[29]

Healing requires grieving the loss of a body part.[44] Unfortunately, Watson & Golden (2017) report:

We found that therapists were reluctant to accept that the grief was real, were unaware of foreskin functions, denied circumcision had physical or psychological sequelae and minimized patient grief using humor, cultural aesthetics, controversial health benefits, sexism and an erroneous understanding of penile anatomy and sexual function. Male therapists were more likely to deny that circumcision is harmful and to be less empathetic than female therapists.[40]

Watson & Goldman recommend that men "embrace the anguish and try to feel it as strongly as they can." They also recommend non-surgical foreskin restoration "since it empowers the patient."[40]

Sources of help

Your Whole Baby maintains a short list of therapists knowledgeable in issues of circumcision grief.[45]

There is a new blog at Reddit, where grieving circumcised men discuss their feelings of grief.[46]

There is another blog at Reddit, where non-surgical foreskin restoration is discussed.[47]

15 Square, the British charity, has established the Talking Therapies – Circumcision and Mental Health. The service is only available to persons in the United Kingdom due to legislative reasons. 15 Square advises there is an alternative available for persons outside of the United Kingdom through their Discord server.

Autism spectrum disorder

Rosemary Romberg (2021) observed that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States occurs four times more frequently in boys than in girls.[48]

After the medical community belatedly learned that infants actually feel pain, Howard, Howard, & Weitzman (1994) tested the use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) for post-surgical pain following neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision.[49] The relief by this mild analgesic was slight, but doctors started to prescribe acetaminophen (paracetamol) to relieve the post-circumcision surgical pain of newborn boys. An increase in the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has occurred. Bauer & Krebel (2013) have shown an ecological link between the use of acetaminophen for post-circumcision pain and ASD.[50]

Morten & Simonsen (2015) associated neonatal non-therapeutic circumcision with autism spectrum disorder.[51]

Hirota & King (2023) reported the incidence of autism spectrum disorder was 3.7% in males as compared to 0.9 % in females.[52]

Alexithymia

Bollinger and Van Howe (2011) associated alexithymia with the trauma of circumcision.[53] Psychiatrists call this phenomenon alexithymia — Greek for not having words for feelings.[54] Van der Kolk (2014) said, "People with alexithemia can get better only by learning to recognize the relations between their physical sensations and their emotions, much as colorblind people can only enter the world of color by learning to distinguish and appreciate shades of gray."[55]

Bollinger & Chapin (2019) reported that adverse childhood experiences, which includes circumcision, is a cause of alexithymia.[56]

Socio-effective processing

Miani et al. (2020) theorized that adult men "who underwent neonatal circumcision, compared to those who did not, will display alterations in socio-affective processing conforming to the fast life-history strategies, namely, decreased reliance on social environment and increased perceived stress and sexual activity."[57]

To test the theory, they surveyed American men. They studied "408 men circumcised within the first month of life and 211 non-circumcised men and measured socio-affective behaviors and stress."[57]

The authors reported their "analysis shows differences between early circumcised and non-circumcised men in psychological measures of socio-affectivity and provides initial support for the hypothesis that this alteration stems from the most crucial neurodevelopmentally plastic period of an individual's life. They called for "replication of the current study with a larger sample size and better ability to control for socioeconomic variables."[57]

See also

Videos

Voices of those affected De drabbades röst

The following poignant video expresses the emotional pain that many men who were circumcised in infancy feel. There is a short NSFW section:

A Therapist on Men's Hidden Circumcision Grief


Gregory Becker voices a personal memoir on his circumcision experience

External links

Abbreviations

  1. REFweb Doctor of Medicine, Wikipedia. Retrieved 14 June 2021. In the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries, the abbreviation MD is common.

References

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