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"Male '''circumcision''' (from Latin ''circumcidere'', meaning "to cut around") is the surgical removal or [[amputation]] of the [[foreskin]] (prepuce), a major part of the human [[penis]]. The foreskin comprises ''more than fifty percent'' of the epithelium of the [[penis]].<ref name="taylor1996">{{TaylorJR LockwoodAP TaylorAJ 1996}}</ref> When the "cutting around" is performed, the foreskin falls off, so [[amputation]] and [[mutilation]] is the result. The amputation destroys the [[Foreskin#Physiological_functions| many protective, immunological, sexual, and sensory physiological functions]] of the foreskin, so it is a very harmful and [[Pain| painful]] surgery.<ref name="garrett2023-11-10">{{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/pros-and-cons-of-circumcision/ |title=Pros and Cons of Circumcision (Spoiler: You’ve Been Lied to) |last=Garrett |first=Connor |init= |author-link=Connor Judson Garrett |publisher=Intact America |date=2023-11-10 |accessdate=2024-06-02}}</ref>

Circumcision was popularized in English-speaking nationns nations in the nineteeth nineteenth century. The practice of non-therapeutic circumcision of boys now has greatly declined in [[Australia]], [[Canada]], [[New Zealand]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. It has been gradually declining since 1985 in the [[United States]]. It has ''never'' been a popular practice in other western nations. Circumcision is classified as a form of [[genital mutilation]].

In [[Judaism]], the tradition of [[Brit Milah| circumcision]] goes back to the [[Abrahamic covenant]] in a passage in the Book of Genesis (17:10-14). It was seen as a covenant between God and man, dating back to the patriarch Abraham. <ref name="garrett2023-11-10" /> The validity of this passage is increasingly being questioned.

Jesus was born into a Jewish family in [[Israel]], where [[Judaism]] was the prevailing religion, so He was [[circumcised]] on the eighth day.<ref>{{REFweb

The [[United States]] and [[Israel ]] are the only industrialized countries in the world to have a high incidence of non-therapeutic infant male circumcision. The vast majority of infant circumcisions performed in the United States are for non-religious, non-medical reasons. See [[History of circumcision]].

The form of circumcision adopted by the medical community essentially was equivalent to the Jewish form with ''[[periah]]'', so it inflicted inflicts the maximum injuryand physical [[trauma]].

In a few cases with older patients, circumcision is legitimately indicated; a patient may be suffering recurring infections[[infection]], and other methods of treatment have failed. In other cases, a patient may be suffering from a severe case of [[phimosis]]. Overall, the actual medical necessity for circumcision is extremely rare since many conditions respond to conservative treatment. All circumcisions injure the patient by amputating the [[foreskin]] its with many protective, immunological, sensory, and sexual [[Foreskin#Physiological_functions| functions]].

# '''Traumatically injured foreskin'''. A foreskin so traumatically damaged foreskin that it cannot be surgically repaired is a valid medical reason for circumcision.

# '''Diseased foreskin.''' A foreskin that is diseased is a valid indication for cirumcisioncircumcision. Some diseases that qualify are malignancy, lichen sclerosis, [[Balanitis#Diabetic_males| yeast infection in men with diabetes]], and recurrent [[balanoposthitis]].

* Other studies suggest that circumcision is more likely to raise than to lower the generally low risk of acquiring UTI: multiple studies from [[Israel ]] showed a strong correlation between ritual circumcision on the 8th day of life and postoperative UTI.<ref>{{REFjournal

In the past, this circumstance was used to make it harder for boys to masturbate and [[masturbation]] less fun, as [[masturbation]] was viewed as immoral and was assumed to cause a variety of mental diseases, caused by the thinking of immoral thoughts! More on that can be found in the chapter "[[Circumcision#Historical_background|Historical background]]". Today, it is known that [[masturbation]] has no negative health effects, but can contribute positively to the child's sexual development. Sexuality is no longer a taboo nowadays, while [[masturbation]] is considered to be a natural part of human sexuality and is no longer seen as immoral. Therefore, circumcision for moral reasons - — which would only affect boys too young to give [[informed consent]] - — is no longer justifiable nowadays.

Just like tonsil or appendix surgery, circumcision is a surgical intervention and brings the usual risks related to surgical operations, alongside several specific risks of complications and late effects. <ref name="garrett2024-01-09" /> Uberoi et al. (2022) report "some men are experiencing a complex negative constellation of psychological, physical, and sexual associations that lead to significant emotional distress directed both internally and externally. The posts also reveal a discovery phenomenon wherein men discover the physical and psychological manifestations of the decisions made by others to modify their genitals."<ref name ="uberoi2022">{{REFjournal

* [https://intactamerica.org/ask-marilyn-is-it-normal-to-have-hair-on-your-penis/ Hair on the penis] is a common effect.* An unavoidable effect of any circumcision is the permanent loss of sexual sensitivity. <ref name="garrett2024-01-09" /> This is partly due to the removal of sensory tissue. The [[foreskin]] contains very many nerve endings and touch receptors, which account for the major part of male sexual sensation. If the [[foreskin]] is removed, they can no longer provide sexual stimulation. It is also partly due to the fact that the surface of the [[Glans penis|glans]] reacts to the missing protection from friction and drying out by developing a callus layer. This reduces the sensitivity of the remaining nerves in the [[Glans penis|glans]] gradually over the years. The study conducted by Sorrells et al.<ref>{{Sorrells etal 2007}}</ref> found a significant reduction of sensitivity to touch for [[circumcised]] compared to [[intact]] [[penis]]es in adult males. Other studies revealed that [[circumcised]] men use condoms significantly less often than [[intact]] men, since they further limit the sexual sensitivity (see above).

Circumcision and frenectomy remove tissues with heightened erogenous sensitivity.<ref name="garrett2024-01-09" /><ref name="cepeda2023" /> <ref name="winkleman1959">{{WinkelmannRK 1959}}</ref> They concluded, "Evidence has also started to accumulate that male circumcision may result in lifelong physical, sexual, and sometimes psychological harm as well."

[[Psychological_issues_of_male_circumcision#Circumcision_trauma_in_adults| Psychological late effects]] are also possible after a circumcision, especially if the operation was carried out in childhood. <ref name="garrett2024-01-09" /> On this occasion a variety of [[trauma]] may occur, which depend, among others, on age and circumstances of the circumcision. For example, whether the circumcision took place with or without sufficient anaesthesia, if the individual has been informed about the operation beforehand, if he was [[circumcised]] against his will or without his consent, and also, in the case of infant circumcision, if he was told about it during childhood or had to find it out coincidentally on his own.

==Video=====Is circumcision healthy?===The video ''Is Circumcision Healthy'' is recommended for parental viewing.<br><br> <youtube>D_3LQjZgdbQ</youtube> ===Dr. Christopher Guest discusses circumcision===<br><youtube>v=TQIp9f4krVQ</youtube> ===Plastibel circumcision=== {{UNI|Stanford University|SU}} has published a video of an actual non-therapeutic plastibell circumcision. The infant has received two injections of local anesthesia to deaden the dorsal nerves. The ventral nerves were not deadened so the infant still feels pain. One can his cries on the soundtrack.* [https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/circumcision/plastibell-technique.html Plastibell Technique] ===Gomco clamp circumcision=== '''Not for the squeamish:''' This is a video of an actual circumcision with a Gomco clamp. The infant boy received two dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) analgesic injections but they did not seem to work. * [https://www.reddit.com/r/Intactivism/comments/qbpzqr/trained_medical_professionals_restrain_infant_to/ Circumcision video] ==Recommendations of medical authorities==* [[George Hill| Hill]] (2007) said:<blockquote>Male circumcision is harmful because it excises healthy tissue and permanently impairs beneficial physiological functions. Male circumcision also causes psychological problems that tend to perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Male circumcision is a costly diversion of medical resources away from beneficial services. Male circumcision violates legal rights, [[human rights]], and ethical standards. Finally, we must remember that males are the more vulnerable and sensitive of the two genders and, therefore, deserve the greater degree of protection from traumatic, invasive, injurious,and unnecessary surgery. For all of these reasons the non-therapeutic circumcision of boys should not be performed and the [[genital integrity]] of all children should be respected and protected.<ref name="hill2007">{{REFjournal |last=Hill |first=George |init=G |author-link=George Hill

{{SEEALSO}}== Tipping point ==* [[Adolescent and adult circumcisionIntact America]]* (2024) argues that public opinion regarding non-therapeutic [[Bodily harmcircumcision]]* of children is approaching or at a "tipping point" at which [[Breastfeedingintact]]* genitals would be preferred over the [[Case Historiescircumcised]]variety.<ref>{{REFweb* [[Circumcision maps]] |url=https://intactamerica.org/public-opinion-on-circumcision/* [[ |title=Public Opinion on Circumcision methods]]: Can Intactivists Hit A Tipping Point?* [[Circumcision scar]] |last=Anonymous* [[Circumpendium]] |first=* [[Circumstraint]] |init=* [[Documented severe complications of circumcision]] |publisher=Intact America* [[Ethics of non |date=2024-03-therapeutic child circumcision]]23* [[FGM]] |accessdate=2024-04-09* [[Human rights]]}}</ref>* [[Lymphoedema]]* [[MGMIntact America]](2024) points out the need for reform in the American media false portrayal of infant circumcision as a benign procedure.<ref>{{REFweb* [[Pain]] |url=https://intactamerica.org/truth-about-circumcision-media/* [[Psychological issues |title=The Dark Side of male circumcision]]Circumcision: Why the Media Needs to Speak Up |last=Alissa |first=Kristel* [[Rights situation on circumcision]] |init=* [[Risks and complications]] |author-link=* [[Sexual effects of circumcision]] |publisher=Intact America* [[Sudden Infant Death Syndrome]] (SIDS) |date=2024-09-12* [[Trauma]] |accessdate=2024-09-13{{LINKS}}</ref>

* ==Financial and other costs==Infant male circumcision is an extra-cost option after birth. There are no medical indications for it. It is a medically-unnecessary, non-therapeutic, non-beneficial irreversible amputation of a functional body part, so medical insurance may or may not pay for it. There are several financial costs associated with infant circumcision. There is a hospital fee, a set-up fee, pharmaceutical fees, a separate fee for the medical doctor who performs the amputation, and various possible additional costs for the treatment of complications.<ref name="garrett2023-12-21">{{REFweb |url=https://www.cirpintactamerica.org/library/anatomy/garciaeconomics-of-circumcision/ |title=What exactly is circumcision and what is it not?The Economics of Circumcision: A Full Breakdown of This Penis Business |last=GarciaGarrett |first=FranciscoConnor |init= |author-link=Connor Judson Garrett |publisher=Intact America |date=19952023-12-1121 |accessdate=20202024-0905-0815}}</ref> * Bollinger estimated the total cost of [[circumcision]] in 2012 for Americans, when all costs are included, to be $3.6 billion annually.<ref>{{REFjournalREFweb |lasturl=Fleisshttps://www.academia.edu/6442587/High_Cost_of_Circumcision_3.6_Billion_Annually |firsttitle=Paul |init=P |author-link=Paul MHigh Cost of Circumcision: $3. Fleiss6 Billion Annually |titlelast=The foreskin is necessaryBollinger |journalfirst=MotheringDan |date=1997author-01 |volumelink=Dan Bollinger |issuepublisher=Academia |pageswebsite=36-45 |url=httphttps://www.noharmmacademia.org/mothering.htmedu |date=2012 |accessdate=20202024-06-2921}}*{{REFweb |format= |urlquote=https://15squareAs the saying goes, follow the money.orgNow you know why neither the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]], American Medical Association, [[American Academy of Family Physicians]], or the [[American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists]] haven’t condemned this unnecessary surgery, and why their physician members are quick to recommend the procedure to expectant parents.uk/losses-from-circumcision}}</ref> He has since updated his estimate of total annual cost in 2020 to be $5,685,000,000 or nearly six billion dollars per year.<ref>{{REFbook |titlelast=Losses from CircumcisionAnonymous |lastfirst=Ball |firstinit=Peter |publisheryear=15 Square2024 |datetitle=2003-08-09Skin in the Game |accessdateurl=2023-02-23}}* {{REFweb |urlscope=http://members.tranquility.net/~rwinkel/MGM/primer.html |titlelocation=Male Circumcision in the USA: A Human Rights Primer |lastpage=Winkel28 |firstpublisher=RichIntact America |author-linkISBN=Rich Winkel |datequote=2005-05-12 |accessdate=20212024-0108-2728 }}</ref> There also are additional non-financial costs, which include sexual and sensory losses that adversely impact on the sexual experience in adult life, and psychological losses such as [[PTSD]], and grieving of losses.

* {{REFjournal==Video== |last=Testa==Circumcision: Whose decision should it be?=== |first<youtube>v=PatrickfbkUo_mw3oA</youtube> |init===Is circumcision healthy?===The video ''Is Circumcision Healthy'' is recommended for parental viewing.<br><br> |author<youtube>D_3LQjZgdbQ</youtube>===Circumcision -linkNot Just A Little Snip== |last2=Block |first2=Walter EA British view. |init2<youtube>v=xjqxeTg7JUc</youtube> |author2-link= |etal=no |title=Libertarianism and Dr. Christopher Guest discusses circumcision===A Canadian view<br> |trans-title<youtube>v=TQIp9f4krVQ</youtube> |language= |journal=Int J Health Poiicy Manag |location= |dateNew Orleans mother speaks on circumcision=2014-05-26 |volume=3 |issue= |article<youtube>v=Q0owxwNppB8</youtube> |page= |pages=33-40 |url=https://wwwDr.academia.edu/7587653/Libertarianism_and_Circumcision?email_work_cardEric discusses circumcision ==view-paper |pubmedID=24987720 |pubmedCID=4075101<br> |DOI<youtube>v=10.15171iZ64pqWZRW8</ijhpmyoutube>Dr.2014Eric understates the numerous functions of the foreskin.51 |accessdate=}}==Plastibel circumcision===

{{UNI|Stanford University|SU}} has published a video of an actual non-therapeutic plastibell circumcision. The infant has received two injections of local anesthesia to deaden the dorsal nerves. The ventral nerves were not deadened so the infant still feels pain. One can his cries on the soundtrack.* [https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/circumcision/plastibell-technique.html Plastibell Technique] ===Gomco clamp circumcision=== '''Not for the squeamish:''' This is a video of an actual circumcision with a Gomco clamp. The infant boy received two dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) analgesic injections but they did not seem to work. The [[Circumcision industry]] does not like parents to see an actual circumcision. * [https://www.reddit.com/r/Intactivism/comments/qbpzqr/trained_medical_professionals_restrain_infant_to/ Circumcision video] {{SEEALSO}}* [[Adolescent and adult circumcision]]* [[Bodily harm]]* [[Breastfeeding]]* [[Case Histories]]* [[Circumcision bullet-points for parents]]* [[Circumcision maps]]* [[Circumcision methods]]* [[Circumcision scar]]* [[Circumpendium]]* [[Circumstraint]]* [[Documented severe complications of circumcision]]* [[Ethics of non-therapeutic child circumcision]]* [[FGM]]* [[Human rights]]* [[Lymphoedema]]* [[MGM]]* [[Pain]]* [[Psychological issues of male circumcision]]* [[Rights situation on circumcision]]* [[Risks and complications]]* [[Sexual effects of circumcision]]* [[Sudden Infant Death Syndrome]] (SIDS)* [[Trauma]]{{LINKS}} * {{REFweb |url=https://intactionwww.cirp.org/what-is-circumcisionlibrary/anatomy/garcia/ |title=What exactly is circumcisionand what is it not? |last=SimoneGarcia |first=Judy |author-link= |publisher=Intaction |website=https://intaction.org/Francisco |date=20201995-0712-2611 |accessdate=2020-1009-04 |format= |quote=08

|last=Fleiss |first=Paul |init=P |author-link=Paul M. Fleiss |title=The foreskin is necessary |journal=Mothering |date=1997-01 |volume= |issue= |pages=36-45 |url=http://www.noharmm.org/mothering.htm |accessdate=2020-06-29}}*{{REFweb |url=https://15square.org.uk/losses-from-circumcision/ |title=Losses from Circumcision |last=Ball |first=Peter |publisher=15 Square |date=2003-08-09 |accessdate=2023-02-23}}* {{REFweb |url=http://members.tranquility.net/~rwinkel/MGM/primer.html |title=Male Circumcision in the USA: A Human Rights Primer |last=Winkel |first=Rich |author-link=Rich Winkel |date=2005-05-12 |accessdate=2021-01-27}}* {{REFnews |title=Circumcision circumspection: Weigh the facts before making the call |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-01-09_chicagotribune.php |last=Peres |first=Judy |init= |author-link= |publisher=Chicago Tribune |website= |date=2007-01-09 |accessdate=2014-07-28 |format= |quote=Ethan, a Chicagoan who asked that his last name not be used, said he and his wife decided not to circumcise their two sons, now ages 5 and 1. "We didn't think it was a good idea to impose an operation on a baby that was not medically necessary," he said.}}* {{REFnews |title=Circumcision losing favor with U.S. parents |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-06-21_SFChronicle.php |last=Guthmann |first=Edward |publisher=San Francisco Chronicle |website= |date=2007-06-21 |accessdate=2024-07-28 |format= |quote=According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the circumcision rate in the United States dropped to 55.9 percent in 2003 — an all-time postwar low.}}* {{REFnews |title=In Last Four Decades, Circumcision Has Lost Popularity in United States |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-07-08_theledger.php |last=White |first=Garry |author-link= |publisher=Lakeland Ledger |website= |date=2007-07-08 |accessdate=2024-07-28 |quote=Opponents of circumcision say the procedure is doubly harmful, inflicting pain at the time of surgery and reducing sexual pleasure later through the removal of the nerve-rich foreskin.}}* {{REFnews |title=Making the Cut |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-11-02_time.php |last=Lee-St. John |first=Jeninne |init= |author-link= |publisher=Time Magazine |website= |date=2007-11-02 |accessdate=2024-07-28 |format= |quote=But [[intactivism]] is also gaining traction among educated, middle-class whites. As University of Virginia sociologist Brad Wilcox observes, "It's these new parents that are unwilling to let kids suffer."}}* {{REFnews |title=Parents reconsider routine circumcision |url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-11-30_theenquirer.php |last=Facciolo |first=Christine |init= |author-link= |publisher=Cincinnati Enquirer |date=2007-11-30 |season= |accessdate= |format= |quote=But foes of removing the penis foreskin argue that the procedure provides minimal benefits, causes extreme pain and produces long-term psychological and sexual trauma.}}* {{REFdocument |title=Genital Integrity Policy Statement |url=https://pool.intactiwiki.org/images/2008_Genital_Integrity_Policy_Statement.pdf |contribution= |last=Hill |first=George |author-link=George Hill |publisher=[[Doctors Opposing Circumcision (D.O.C.)]] |format=PDF |date=2008-06 |accessdate=2024-11-03}}* {{REFjournal |last=Testa |first=Patrick |init= |author-link= |last2=Block |first2=Walter E. |init2= |author2-link= |etal=no |title=Libertarianism and circumcision |trans-title= |language= |journal=Int J Health Poiicy Manag |location= |date=2014-05-26 |volume=3 |issue= |article= |page= |pages=33-40 |url=https://www.academia.edu/7587653/Libertarianism_and_Circumcision?email_work_card=view-paper |pubmedID=24987720 |pubmedCID=4075101 |DOI=10.15171/ijhpm.2014.51 |accessdate=}} * {{REFweb |url=https://intaction.org/what-is-circumcision/ |title=What is circumcision? |last=Simone |first=Judy |author-link= |publisher=Intaction |website=https://intaction.org/ |date=2020-07-26 |accessdate=2020-10-04 |format= |quote=}}* {{REFjournal |last=Deacon |first= |init=M |author-link= |last2=Muir |first2= |init2=G |author2-link= |etal=no |title=What is the medical evidence on non-therapeutic child circumcision? |trans-title= |language= |journal= Int J Impot Res |location= |date=2022-01-08 |volume= |issue= |article= |page= |pages= |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-021-00502-y |archived= |quote= |pubmedID=34997197 |pubmedCID= |DOI=10.1038/s41443-021-00502-y |accessdate=2023-04-30}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/pros-and-cons-of-circumcision/ |title=Pros and Cons of Circumcision (Spoiler: You’ve Been Lied to) |last=Garrett |first= |init=CJ |publisher=Intact America |date=2023-11-10 |accessdate=2024-03-22}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/groups-who-pressure-you-to-circumcise/ |title=The 4 Authority Figures and Groups Who Will Pressure You to Circumcise (and What You Can Do) |last=Garrett |first=Connor |init= |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-01-24 |accessdate=2024-01-27}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/keeping-your-sons-penis-intact/ |title=Keeping Your Son’s Penis Intact: A Guide for Parents |last=Garrett |first=Connor |init= |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-01-24 |accessdate=2024-01-29}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/timeline-of-circumcision-suffering/ |title=A Timeline of Circumcision Suffering: A Detailed Look |last=Garrett |first=Connor |init= |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-02-02 |accessdate=2024-02-09}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/circumcision-anger-and-resentment/ |title=The Circumcision Decision: Unpackaging Anger and Resentment |last=Garner |first=Bryan |init= |author-link= |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-08-26 |accessdate=2024-09-05

|url=https://intactamerica.org/proscircumcision-anda-consbarbaric-ofpractice-circumcisionwith-consequences/ |title=Pros and Cons of Circumcision (Spoiler: You’ve Been Lied to)A Barbaric Practice with Consequences No One Talks About

|first= |init=CJ |publisher=Intact America |date=2023-11-10 |accessdate=2024-03-22}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/groups-who-pressure-you-to-circumcise/ |title=The 4 Authority Figures and Groups Who Will Pressure You to Circumcise (and What You Can Do) |last=Anonymous |first=Connor

|date=2024-0108-2428 |accessdate=2024-0110-27}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/keeping-your-sons-penis-intact/ |title=Keeping Your Son’s Penis Intact: A Guide for Parents |last=Anonymous |first= |init= |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-01-24 |accessdate=2024-01-29}}* {{REFweb |url=https://intactamerica.org/timeline-of-circumcision-suffering/ |title=A Timeline of Circumcision Suffering: A Detailed Look |last=Anonymous |first= |init= |publisher=Intact America |date=2024-02-02 |accessdate=2024-02-0915