CIN CompuBulletin Circumcision Information Network Volume 1, Number 5, 6 July 1994 FORESKIN ANATOMY, FUNCTION, VALUE AND CARE. The natural, intact penis is composed of a shaft, a sensitive tip or head called the glans, and a protective sheath of skin called the foreskin or prepuce. The prepuce (like that of any other mammal, male or female) covers the glans or clitoris except during erection. The glans of the male penis is an internal organ--like the glans of the clitoris in females--which the foreskin covers and protects, much like the eyelid covers and protects the eye. The foreskin is laden with sensitive nerve endings that enhance the sexual experience. At birth, it is normal for the foreskin to be attached to the glans. By age 6, 92% of intact boys are able to retract their foreskin. Complete separation of these two structures is a natural process that may take up to eighteen years. If the foreskin is not retractable after that time, this is a condition called phimosis. Nothing needs to be done about it unless there is a problem with discomfort or infection. Non-surgical techniques can be employed initially. Conservative surgical techniques are available that will preserve the foreskin intact. An important note: Under no circumstances should a parent or health care professional forcibly retract a childUs foreskin. When he is old enough to retract his own foreskin, he can be taught to wash the glans with water only. Soap is not necessary and might hurt him. The foreskin should always be returned to its position over the glans. Premature retraction of the foreskin can cause problems such as pain, infection, scarring and acquired phimosis. If your doctor tries to retract your sonUs foreskin, intervene at once. Explain to the doctor the proper care of the foreskin. If he or she objects, report that doctor to his or her supervisor, facility administrator or state medical authority, and look for a doctor who knows better. Infections of the foreskin are rare, but can occur as they can in any other body organ such as the vagina, the ears, the toes and so on. If an infection of the foreskin is evident, find a doctor who will use conservative medical treatment to preserve genital integrity. Surgical amputation of a body part should always be the treatment of last resort. Remember that the foreskin is normal. The proper care of it is not only effortless but far easier than either oral, anal, or feminin hygiene. During sexual intercourse, the foreskin acts as a moveable self-lubricating sheath, sliding up and down the shaft inside the vagina. This enhances sexual pleasure and comfort for both partners. The circumcised penis on the other hand, has no such advantage, which may explain, in part, why many American men and women rely on artificial lubricants during sexual activity. Also, many circumcised men and their partners complain of painful intercourse, which may be due to the abrasion resulting from the absence of the foreskin. The naturally internal glans of the penis is a somewhat moist and sensitive mucosal structure. Without the protection of the foreskin, the glans forms extra layers of skin , in a lifelong process called 'keratinization,' which protects it from the outer environmental effects of clothing, temperature extremes, harmful sun-rays, and so on. Because newborn circumcision deprives the male of the highly erogenous foreskin and begins the process of keratinization early on, the progressive loss of penile sensitivity is accelerated in the circumcised male and becomes noticeably apparent to men in their thirties and beyond. This makes it more difficult to achieve sufficient stimulation to gain erection or to reach orgasm. Concern over further diminishment of sensitivity may explain why many American men seem reluctant to use condoms for sexual activity. The circumcised man usually does not complain about this loss of sexual sensitivity, just as many circumcised women who know nothing better usually do not complain about their loss. Ignorance about the benefits of naturally intact genitalia, and denial of adverse effects from the violation of their genitals, are two of the coping mechanisms that almost all survivors of childhood genital mutilation share in common. MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES *On Sunday, 10 July at 14:00, there will be a seminar on routine infant circumcision and its options at East Stroudsburg University Lowr Dansbury Lounge. The guest speaker will be Dr. Thomas J. Ritter, noted surgeon and author of "Say No to Circumcision!" Expectant parents, grandparents, physicians, child birth educators and the merely curious are invited. The cost is $5 per person and limited advanced registration is required. Call (717) 223-1337. The southeastern Pennsylvania/greater Philadelphia area NOHARMM, National Organization to Halt the Abuse and Routine Mutilation of Males, has reserved a block of tickets. For those interested contact Jim at (610) 357-2792, or Al at (610) 489-6505. Arrangements are also being made for those interested in car pooling. *NOHARMM (National Organization to Halt the Abuse and Routine Mutilation of Males) Field Organizer Barry Ellsworth reports: "The NY Chapter of NOHARMM will have its first meeting on Tuesday, 12 July, at 19:30. NOHARMM Founder Tim Hammond of San Francisco will be be present, as well as NOCIRC-NY representative Richard DeSeabra and I. This will be a "get to know you" meeting, and we will discuss targets and strategies for potential actions in our area. This meeting will take place at 874 Broadway at 18th St. in Manhattan. Ring buzzer, take elevator to 10th floor, and go to rear of building. RSVP (212) 505-1139." Email: BarryBE@aol.com. *Duane Jorde of Hawaii: "The Kalani Honua Cultural Center has accepted my application to facilitate a workshop on 'Healing the Wounds of Male Genital Mutilation.' If anyone is interested in attending, this is going to happen at the Pacific Conference on Men and Masculinity, 10-17 July on Hawaii Island (not far from Kilauea volcano). Call 1-800-800-6886. &Tim Hammond (founder of NOHARMM) will be on Oahu on 27 July to help facilitate a showing of the film 'The Nurses of St. Vincent: Saying "No" to Circ.'" This short film is a documentary on the two dozen nurses, who as conscientious objectors have refused to participate in any way in circumcision in Santa Fe, New Mexico. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY *During the summer of 1993, a couple of rock D.J.s claimed that a survey found that 70% of (American) women said that they were not satisfied during intercourse with their husbands/lovers. IsnUt it interesting to note that a similar percentage of American men are circumcised? What would be the result of a similar survey in Europe or other non-circumcising region? *For additional information, call NOCIRC, the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers national office in the western U.S. at (415) 488-9883. In Pennsylvania call (215) 357-2792. In Louisiana call (504) 272-2794. In the Chicago area call (708) 441-8027. *Jewish parents may obtain more specific information on alternative bris from the following sources: In Boston call Ronald F. Goldman at the Circumcision Resource Center, (617) 523-0088. In California call Helen Bryce at Alternative Bris Support Group, (831) 475-3313.