For intact men and boys
Doctors Opposing Circumcision wants you to know that it’s GOOD to have a foreskin! Every male is born with one, and the vast majority of the world’s men grow up with their genitals intact. The foreskin is a normal, protective, and pleasurable part of the body, and intact men never have to experience the harms that infant circumcision can cause. In cultures that commonly circumcise, like the United States, an intact male may sometimes feel like the “odd man out,” or hear things that may make them feel bad about being whole. Just remember, you are the lucky ones! These articles and resources will make you feel proud to be intact!
- Good news for intact men. There are so many reasons to be thankful you’re whole!
- Something they haven’t. By Hugh Young, New Zealand. A positive and supportive pamphlet for intact teens.
- On Your Mark, Get Set, Grow! By Lynda Madaras, 2008. Book on puberty for younger boys includes good information on foreskin anatomy, development, and care, but little on function. Uses pictures of intact penis for standard anatomical explanations.
- What Happened? By Kathleen Legler, 2010. A foreskin-positive illustrated guide for children, covering foreskin development, care, and function. Explains circumcision and sensitivity to genital differences in a truthful and child-friendly way.
For circumcised men considering not circumcising a son
Sometimes a circumcised man preparing to become a father of a baby boy may find it challenging to consider not having him circumcised. Remember your first job as a father is to protect your son. You don’t have to “match”! Many circumcised dads are raising intact sons without any problem on either side. These articles will inform and support you to feel comfortable with keeping your son whole.
- To circumcise or not to circumcise? A new father’s question. By Chris Silva, New York Times, March 1, 2016. A dad-to-be learns to challenge his “default way of thinking” on circumcision.
- Letter to “happily circumcised” father – Why circumcised fathers should think twice about circumcising their boys. By John Geisheker, Psychology Today, September 7, 2015.
- Should I circumcise? Blog by Jeff and Sullivan, January 3, 2015. This dad-to-be shares his emotional journey about circumcision, leading him to realize the importance of protecting his son.
- Like son, like father. A father shares his story of raising an intact son in the 1970s, and the positive impact choosing to keep his son whole had on him.
- Circumcision to look like others. By Ron Goldman, PhD. Circumcision Resource Center, Boston. A psychologist debunks the myths about circumcising to “match” Dad, siblings, or peers.
For men distressed by having been circumcised
Learning the facts about circumcision and what has been lost can unleash a lot of difficult feelings for men who were circumcised in childhood. Know that you are not alone, and that there is support out there. The following resources may be helpful to men who are seeking support in coping with their feelings about circumcision.
- Practical tips for men distressed by their circumcision. By John Geisheker, Psychology Today, June 21, 2015
- Resources for circumcision trauma and regret. Listing from Your Whole Baby of professionals who understand the trauma of genital cutting.
- Unspeakable Mutilations: Circumcised Men Speak Out. By Lindsay R. Watson, 2014. Difficult subject matter, but with the vital message of the emotional trauma of circumcision. A call for awareness and compassion that lets circumcised men know they are not alone.
For men considering foreskin restoration
For those men who feel drawn to do something to try to reclaim their lost foreskin, Doctors Opposing Circumcision heartily recommends non-surgical foreskin restoration. Restoration has many benefits in terms of physical comfort, sexual sensitivity, and emotional empowerment. The Internet is full of information on foreskin restoration. Here are a few resources to get you started.
- See our Restoration page and resources in this website’s For Professionals section.
- Uncut: A look at the wacky, wrinkly world of foreskin restoration. By Jess Swanson, the Village Voice, October 6, 2015
- Why should I restore? An essay from the National Organization of Restoring Men (NORM).
- Millennial Men Rush to Restore Their Foreskins, ‘Feel Whole Again’. Short video of one man’s restoration journey, including motivations, benefits, and devices.
Published July 2016, last updated December 2016.