LETTERS: Circumcision may be unwise for men: for women it is mutilation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IN HIS campaign to discourage male circumcision, Dr John Warren tells only half the story. My story, tells the other half.
At 12, with puberty coming on nicely, a shock caused by a traumatic family split caused my puberty to go into reverse. During the next year or so, my foreskin tightened and one testicle shrunk to the size of a pea - which is how it is today. In later adolescence, attempts to form heterosexual relationships were dashed by pain and humiliation.
At the age of 25, a tropical virus caused inflammation under my impossible- to-clean foreskin. A quickly arranged circumcision removed the offending skin and cured the inflammation. But no psychiatric surgery could cure the psychological damage. I take that affliction to my grave.
I know I am not unique. At the age of say, 13 or 14, an appropriate medical examination of all boys would tell if all is well. Any who suffer as I did should undergo immediate circumcision.
Name and address supplied
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments