Don't Retract Pack
- Home
- CONTACT / ABOUT
- INFO CARDS / WRISTBANDS
- INFO PACK
- LIBRARY RESOURCE LISTS
- LOCAL CHAPTERS
- TSHIRTS
- Kinderpack
- GUEST AUTHOR
- Foreskin Friendly Physicians
- Don't Retract Pack
- Intact Care
- Judaism & Brit Milah
- Christianity & Circumcision
- Islam & Circumcision
- MGM Memorial
- Supporting Members
- Discussion Groups
- EXPOS & EVENTS
- SOS: Sponsor a Son
- DONATE
How Can STDs Affect Your Pregnancy?
How Can STDs affect your Pregnancy?
Becoming pregnant is an amazing time for a woman. You will be happy and excited about the baby, and you will want the both of you to be healthy and safe. However, to maintain a healthy baby during your pregnancy, there are things you will need to be aware of and precautions you should take. One of the things that can cause serious issues while pregnant is STDs, otherwise known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Although you may think that you are safe, it is always better to be sure. That is why you need to be aware of your sexual health for the benefit of you and your unborn baby.
Can You Get an STD While Pregnant?
Women who are pregnant are at the same risks at those women who are not pregnant. Being pregnant offers no additional protection, so it is very important that you try to avoid any possible risk of becoming infected with an STD. When you become pregnant, it is vital that you seek a screening for an STD from your doctor. It will ensure that you are not infected with any STD’s that could harm you or your baby. Also, if you find that you are suffering from any unknown symptoms you get yourself checked.
How Can STDs Affect My Baby and Me?
Becoming infected with an STD can be serious for you and your unborn baby. The main problem is that many STDs are not visible or cause any symptoms, so the woman may not even know there is a problem. The STD can cause complications to the woman, and also the unborn baby. These are problems that can lay undetected for months or even years after your baby is born. That is why it is good to get yourself checked when you become pregnant.
How Can I Get Checked?
There are a number of companies now that offer safer STD testing in a private and confidential service that can check for STDs. They are a good way to get tested and discover the results quickly and in confidence. If you discover that you do have an infection, then you can seek medical advice.
Can STDs be Treated While Pregnant?
In some cases, STDs can be treated while you are pregnant. Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomonas, and BV can be treated successfully with antibiotics that are safe during pregnancy. However, other infections such as hepatitis B, genital herpes, and HIV cannot be cured, but there are antiviral drugs that can be given to reduce the risk of infection to your baby. Also, some infections can be passed to the baby during delivery. In these cases, it is important for the delivery to be monitored and the baby to receive treatment as soon after the delivery as possible.
What are the Risks from STDs to the Baby?
The risks and severity of the STDs vary according to the type of infection. For example, less than 0.1 percent of babies contract herpes, however, the earlier you seek advice, the better it is for the baby. With Bacterial Vaginosis or BV, there is an imbalance of the bacteria in the vagina. It can cause premature labor if not found early enough, which is why it is important to be checked for STDs before or after you become pregnant.
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium that can spread to the uterus and the fallopian tubes if it is left untreated. There is also a chance that it could cause pneumonia to develop in your baby after delivery. Antibiotics can effectively cure the bacteria, and your doctor will test you again in the third trimester to make sure there is no further infection.
The infection Trichomonas is caused by a small parasite. Around 80,000 women are thought to be affected each year in the US. If you have this infection while pregnant, then it can cause premature rupturing of the membranes. The infection can be treated with Flagyl, and both you and your partner need to be treated. Symptoms are not usually found in men who are infected, so it is important that they get treatment in any case.
One of the most common STDs in the US is the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. It is a group of viruses that make up about 100 strains. Thirty of these are sexually transmittable and can infect any sexually active area of the body.
Syphilis can be hard to detect because the sore is usually inside the vagina and is often painless. Only testing of the sore or a blood test will determine if you have syphilis. It can cause early birth or miscarriage, so it is vital that you get yourself checked as soon as you know you are pregnant.
Probably one of the most serious infections for mother and baby is HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and delivery, however, sometimes a cesarean section will be performed to prevent spread. Without treatment, there is a 25% chance that the virus will pass to the baby. Doctors can give anti-viral medications to the mother to reduce the symptoms and lessen the chances of the virus transferring. The baby will also be given the anti-viral treatment for the first six weeks of their life.
Prevention is better than Cure
The best way to prevent such infections is to be careful when you are with sexual partners. Ideally, you should both make sure you are safe before starting the relationship. However, this is not always easy to do. If you are unsure, then you should always insist on the man wearing protection. Although it isn’t as safe and abstaining, it is a lot safer than no protection at all.
If you ensure that you get tested as soon as possible, then there should be no risk to you or the baby, you can then have a straightforward pregnancy and delivery and have a healthy baby.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right For You?
Is Laser Hair Removal Right For You?
Laser hair removal is becoming a popular way of removing unwanted body hair. It is a commonly offered service, though it pays to do your research and choose a good place to get it done, such as laser hair removal Los Angeles experts, Your Laser Skin Care for those in the LA area. Remember that different clinics and salons use different equipment and you want one that will offer the best results for the skin and hair type you have.
But, is laser hair removal a better option for you than other approaches like waxing or shaving? Here, we look at some of the details.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
While it is often advertised as a permanent solution, laser hair removal can require a maintenance treatment around once a year. This is because while it does stop the hair follicles you currently have from growing new hair, a lot of people end up growing new hair follicles, which need to be treated. This means that while you will definitely get a permanent reduction in hair after the treatment is complete, you may still see some hair growth after time and need further treatment or to continue shaving or waxing.
Can It Be Used Anywhere?
All body hair can be treated with laser hair removal techniques. However, because the lasers are dangerous for your eyes, it can't be used for eyebrow shaping or hair on the cheeks and temples. Other unwanted facial hair, for instance on the chin or upper lip, can be treated.
Does It Work on Everyone?
Laser hair removal used to only be recommended for people with light, untanned skin, but the technology has moved on and now it is suitable for almost all skin types. However, the color of your body hair affects the type of laser that can be used and how effective the treatment will be. The easiest types of hair to treat are dark ones, with blonde and red hair being much more difficult to remove. Some salons and offices do offer laser hair removal for all hair colors, but to do this they need to use a different type of laser, which is less accurate at getting the follicles and may, therefore, give less perfect results (it will still significantly reduce hair growth).
Does It Hurt?
Laser hair removal isn't pain-free, and you will feel a very brief stinging sensation as each hair follicle is hit by the laser. It is more irritating and uncomfortable than painful – certainly less painful than waxing on sensitive areas like the underarms and bikini line. However, it is worth bearing in mind that it is not totally pain-free like other solutions such as hair removal creams. You may also notice some redness and swelling afterward, though this goes away in a day or two.
Laser hair removal can be a very convenient way to get rid of your unwanted hair growth on a virtually permanent basis, so if you feel like it's the right option for you, it is a good idea to book a consultation.
4 Topics Moms Don’t Talk About After Giving Birth
4 Topics Moms Don’t Talk About After Giving Birth
Having a child causes you to become more responsible, more selfless, loving, and caring, but there are still some things that experienced mothers don’t usually talk about. These topics may be quite personal in nature, but it is also crucial that new and experienced moms open up and talk about the changes that they have experienced.
For one, mothers who have delivered babies vaginally might consider visiting David Ghozland and getting a labiaplasty consultation. Some parts of your body are expected to change with childbirth, such as enlarged and engorged breasts due to producing milk. Other changes are talked about so infrequently that a new mom could panic since she doesn’t know what to anticipate. Here are four physical changes that new moms need to be aware of so that they can be ready for their futures.
1. Vaginal and Perineal Tearing
Delivering a baby is completely natural and a testament to the strength of women throughout history. On the other hand, a complication-free natural delivery doesn’t always mean that mom comes out unscathed. Women who have experienced childbirth really need to talk about the merits of labiaplasty and the reasons why this medical procedure might be needed after vaginal and perineal tearing. Doctors traditionally use stitches to help reconstruct the vaginal area directly after birth, but very little follow-up work is ever performed. You should feel free to talk to other mothers about their vaginal delivery births if you feel that you are experiencing discomfort or delayed recovery.
2. Stretch Marks
You don’t just get them from having a baby, but stretch marks are common in women who have given birth. Sometimes they consist of a very small and faint patch of marks around the thighs, abdomen, and breasts, and other times they can be red, purple, raised, and cover large portions of the skin. Whatever happens to your body during childbirth, realize that time normally has a very healing effect. You can cover them up or show them off, just remember that your stretch marks are normal and a result of delivering a beautiful, healthy child.
3. Digestive Changes
Some women are able to eat the same types of diet they followed pre-pregnancy while others find that they are suddenly unable to tolerate dairy products, red meat, alcohol, or a number of other types of food. You may develop a calcium deficiency as a result of giving birth or find that you cannot digest large meals anymore. Digestive changes are common in women who have given birth and you can meet with your doctor if you’d like to get a better outlook on your diet plans.
4. Postpartum Depression
This is a topic that very few new moms want to bring up. Being depressed after having a baby is nothing to be ashamed of, yet that is how many mothers who go through postpartum depression feel. Here’s the thing - anyone feeling depressed, despondent, or sad all the time after having a new baby needs help, both for her child and herself. It is a common occurrence and it doesn’t always go away on its own. So, congratulations on becoming a new mom and in time you will learn to love and accept all of the changes you have gone through. You now have a little person in your life who will love you unconditionally. Learn to love yourself in the right manner and you will be completely fulfilled.
Mother’s Guide to Healthy Dexterity
Mother’s Guide to Healthy Dexterity
There is a famous proverb that says “HEALTH IS WEALTH" and very rightly as it’s been said. Health is the most important factor required by a human being, especially mothers, in order to survive, to enjoy the fruits of her hard work, to be able to carry out the day to day chores herself and not be dependent on anyone else, to be able to provide for her family and celebrate and roister little joys of life that come from just being healthy and hearty.
WHO (World Health Organization) states that:
"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
This definition has not been amended since 1948.
A reasonable health care routine can be judged by an experience that we go through while boarding an airplane and the cabin pressures go low during the flight, it’s been advised to put on an oxygen mask. While it may not be very appealing for some people to be selfish and put on their masks first, how will you be able to help others while you are yourself struggling to acquire oxygen?
Similarly it can be said that how will you be helpful, functional and sympathetic towards your loved ones once you are yourself not in the best of your health. It has been advised to not only take care of yourself but to keep a wise track of your health and the symptoms that occur in your body, not to ignore them and immediately see a doctor if you see anything abnormal taking place. Being healthy, fit and fine comprises of three factors. It may be related to your physical self-care, mental self-care and your spiritual self-care.
The physical self-care may bring into account your diet, your exercise regime, and your sleep pattern. All these factors make up a healthy and effective physical self-care pattern. Even if just one of the components lack in delivery of the required outcome, you are definitely going to pay the price in the longer run.
Our body has a certain level of requirement in terms of nutrition, vitamins and carbohydrates. All need to be fulfilled as per the body’s needs. A poor diet may profoundly affect the immune system and in return increasing the stress levels and risk for chronic diseases. If you are not able to do the trick and accomplish nutritional requirements of the body you may make use of Rain Soul Pure Wellness supplements that tend to make up for the deficiencies in your body and make you capable of doing well in terms of nutrition.
Exercise is a significant, paramount and imperative aspect of a healthy lifestyle. In today’s world where mostly people have sedentary jobs where they just have to sit in front of the screen from morning till evening people become lazy and lethargic which in return affects their cardio system as well as mental wellbeing. There are several exercise regimes available in the market/online which are easy to approach and manageable to perform like yoga burn. It is highly recommended to pick up an exercise routine that suits your lifestyle, moods, and body type to show results in lesser amount of time before one gets bored and disheartened.
Taking care of one’s self in all the possible ways that are within our reach is vital, indispensable and a fundamental ingredient to fight against the odds we face in our daily lives. To be a stronger member of the family in order to be able to provide for their lack of management without you.
*******
Going Back to College: How to Make Time for Your Kids as You Study
Going Back to College: How to Make Time for Your Kids as You Study
Although college is generally seen as the next step up for high school graduates, the number of adults returning to education later in life is on the rise. With tuition fees higher than ever before, many high schoolers decide to pursue a career instead of a college degree and go to school later in life when they are in a better financial position to afford doing so. On the other hand, graduates make up a huge chunk of adult learners; many people who graduated from college in their early 20s decide to go back and build upon their education after years, or even decades, of being a part of the workforce. Moreover, good social work essay writing services are available online, so you don’t need to worry if you happen to be very busy at some point.
Among adult learners are many parents. Working toward a bachelor's or master's degree can significantly improve career prospects, and enable parents to give their family a better life. Yet juggling studies and parenthood can be difficult; so how can you be sure to make time for your little ones and avoid missing out on seeing them grow up as you study?
Tip #1 - Study for an Online Degree
Many of us today have no idea what we ever did without the internet. Younger people may not even remember a time when it wasn’t around. Going online can help us with a range of different tasks from working to buying and selling, and getting a degree is no different. In the digital age, it’s entirely possible to study for your entire master's in social work online. Students can choose their own study times and work from home – this makes it far easier to spend more time with your children and eliminates the guilt that comes with being away from them and in class for a large chunk of the day.
Tip #2 - Schedule in Family Time
Whether you’re hoping to get on to one of the many reputable online MSW programs available, or decide to take the traditional route of on-campus classes, it’s important to have a schedule to stick to, helping you to stay on top of your work and divide your time between each of your commitments.
Don’t forget, however, that making time for breaks and having fun with your family is as important - not just for your children, but also for you, as all work and no play can lead to exhaustion! It’s a good idea to make sure that you take at least one weekend day off, for example, to do something fun as a family together.
Tip #3 - Study Together
If your little ones are in school, you can use this to your advantage by studying together! While your children are getting on with their homework, you can sit with them and do your own revisions and college work – this will mean that you’re able to spend some time together, and even learn different things from each other. It also allows mom or dad to keep an eye on the kids and make sure that their homework is completed, too.
Going back to college as a parent has several benefits, but it has the potential to steal away precious time spent with our children if we don't take proactive steps to avoid this. Did these tips help? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
*******
Regular doctor’s appointments and how they can help you
By Alex Martin © 2017
Going to the doctor is mostly seen as something people do when they are in need of treatment. Going to the doctor when there’s apparently nothing wrong with you may seem a bit odd for some, especially younger people who feel that their fortuitous age means that they don’t need to schedule a visit. Doctor’s appointments are usually made based on the symptoms people experience, but you don’t actually need to wait until you’re pooping blood to go to see your doctor (you should definitely do it if you’re experiencing that symptom, by the way). There are actually many benefits that come with going to the doctor’s cabinet regularly for routine check-ups.
Here are some reasons why you would want to go see your doctor every now and again, even if you’re not ill.
General health
It’s important to maintain your health at all times, and going to the doctor will help with this as you will be getting all the recommended injections. A visit may also include proactive tests that can detect something problematic that gets worse with time. The reason many people managed to survive through difficult medical situations was because the problem was found early on and gave medics time to treat it properly and effectively.
Regular stats
There are many numbers that can fly off the charts without us even noticing. These numbers are usually a wakeup call from the body, but it doesn’t actually ring until you see the numbers. Checking on your cholesterol level regularly, for example, as well as a blood pressure, will let you know if you have the body of a 20 year old or an 80 year old.
Medical record
Your medical record can be of vital importance if you fall with illness. It will help doctors identify the problem you are dealing with and it will also help them draw more conclusions on various matters regarding your health. Your medical record is updated with each check-up, so it’s good to go see your regular physician once in a while.
Doctor-patient relationship
This relationship is developed with time, and having regular visits will definitely help you strengthen that relationship a lot faster. It’s important to be in a good relationship with your doctor because they, are after, play a key part in your health. More than that, a skilled physician can understand you, your situation, and your body a lot better if they see you more often, and thus give you the treatment or advice you need most.
A doctor’s visit isn’t always someone’s idea of a good time, but it can help make sure that we won’t have a bad time later on. Health maintenance and threat prevention are more than good reasons to pursue a better relationship with your doctor --- today.
Going to the doctor is mostly seen as something people do when they are in need of treatment. Going to the doctor when there’s apparently nothing wrong with you may seem a bit odd for some, especially younger people who feel that their fortuitous age means that they don’t need to schedule a visit. Doctor’s appointments are usually made based on the symptoms people experience, but you don’t actually need to wait until you’re pooping blood to go to see your doctor (you should definitely do it if you’re experiencing that symptom, by the way). There are actually many benefits that come with going to the doctor’s cabinet regularly for routine check-ups.
Here are some reasons why you would want to go see your doctor every now and again, even if you’re not ill.
General health
It’s important to maintain your health at all times, and going to the doctor will help with this as you will be getting all the recommended injections. A visit may also include proactive tests that can detect something problematic that gets worse with time. The reason many people managed to survive through difficult medical situations was because the problem was found early on and gave medics time to treat it properly and effectively.
Regular stats
There are many numbers that can fly off the charts without us even noticing. These numbers are usually a wakeup call from the body, but it doesn’t actually ring until you see the numbers. Checking on your cholesterol level regularly, for example, as well as a blood pressure, will let you know if you have the body of a 20 year old or an 80 year old.
Medical record
Your medical record can be of vital importance if you fall with illness. It will help doctors identify the problem you are dealing with and it will also help them draw more conclusions on various matters regarding your health. Your medical record is updated with each check-up, so it’s good to go see your regular physician once in a while.
Doctor-patient relationship
This relationship is developed with time, and having regular visits will definitely help you strengthen that relationship a lot faster. It’s important to be in a good relationship with your doctor because they, are after, play a key part in your health. More than that, a skilled physician can understand you, your situation, and your body a lot better if they see you more often, and thus give you the treatment or advice you need most.
A doctor’s visit isn’t always someone’s idea of a good time, but it can help make sure that we won’t have a bad time later on. Health maintenance and threat prevention are more than good reasons to pursue a better relationship with your doctor --- today.
*******
Top ways to recycle old electronics and gadgets you don’t need anymore
Top ways to recycle old electronics and gadgets you don’t need anymore
Electronics are never in this world for long. Either you ditch old gear because you’ve got yourself a nice little upgrade, or it becomes ancient and doesn’t work properly anymore. As easy as it is to get rid of old gadgets, it’s equally as easy to dispose of old electronics the wrong way.
Gadgets and electronic devices require special care as far as throwing them out is concerned. So what are we supposed to do if we can’t just throw them into the trash? For starters, you should check out Mytrendyphone.co.uk for up to date information about recycling.
Next, look into the rest of this article as we go more in-depth about the various solutions available for electronics recycling, and how you can go about ridding yourself of old gear. There is more than one way to get this job done, and you have the convenience of choosing the one that’s easiest for your situation and available resources. Let’s start with the basics:
Never throw in the trash
Whenever you have electronics that need to be disposed of, reconsider throwing them in the trash. If you do that, these gadgets will end up with all the rest of the garbage which will be piled up and burned. The problem is, electronic devices usually contain toxic substances (among the most toxic known to man, actually) which get released into the environment through burning. That’s why it’s so important to take special care of how we dispose of them.
Donate
This is one of the best ways in which you can get rid of stuff you don’t want. If you have electronics that still work but are just too outdated for your needs, donate them. You might afford an upgrade, but there are plenty of people out there that have never had a laptop or tablet device, not to mention a smartphone. Since you don’t need them anyway, give them to someone who will make good use of them for as long as they remain functional.
Give it back to the manufacturer
In most places, manufacturers also provide recycling solutions. They provide recycling programs that offer a safe and beneficial disposal solution so you can pretty much dump the old gadgets from the same place where you bought them. It’s convenient. Check to see which manufacturers in your area provide such services and where you can take your stuff.
E-Stewards
These are recycling networks which provide recycling assistance for broken and old gadgets and electronics. They are offering their services to people in a particular area/jurisdiction, so that you may safely and correctly dispose of your electronics when needed. Check and see if your area has such advantageous opportunities for recycling.
Variety stores
There are many stores like Best Buy which are more than glad to take your old electronics. In some cases, you can even get a discount on modern devices off of that, so it’s even better. Of course, this differs from store to store and whether or not they offer any discount or promotion. At the very least, you get rid of your old electronic devices.
Why bother?
In case you are wondering why you should even bother with finding a proper recycling point or service for your old tech, consider this: Each time devices like laptops and smartphones are recycled, necessary resources are recovered from these devices like gold, silver, and copper. These then go into the making of new phones and laptops, so you are contributing to the manufacturing of your new smartphone or notebook. There’s also that little environmental issue -- if we don’t stop polluting, we’ll run out of a planet to keep destroying.
Must Read: Complete Guide to Electronic Waste Recycling
Pregnancy Cues You May Miss Before Missing Your Period
By Alex Martin © 2017
Many today believe that the earliest tell-tale sign of a pregnancy is a missed period, but that’s not the case. Other early pregnancy symptoms before a missed period lend great insight for a woman in tune with her body, so she knows right away when life is beginning to grow inside. If you’re a first-time mom (or hoping to be) you may not immediately attribute these cues to a potential pregnancy, but if you know what to look for, and what experiences you may have in the very early stages of pregnancy, you will be able to visit with a physician or midwife sooner.
Frequent need to urinate
You’ve probably heard pregnant women joke about having to pee all the time, but did you also know that a frequent need to urinate is a common early sign of pregnancy? Unless you are diabetic, have a urinary tract infection, or some other condition that makes you urinate frequently, a sudden need to urinate more often can be an indication of a pregnancy!
Spotting
If you notice that you are experiencing spotting in late pregnancy, this can be cause for concern. However, if you are not pregnant (to your knowledge) and you notice bleeding or spotting that cannot be explained by your regular menstrual cycle, you may be pregnant. This can be a tricky thing to diagnose, however, because early pregnancy spotting usually occurs around the time when you would be expecting to experience your regular menstrual cycle -- instead, it is 'implantation bleeding.'
Fatigue or lethargy
If you suddenly begin to feel very tired or lethargic, you might be pregnant. This goes beyond the typical feelings of being tired at the end of the day. When you are pregnant, some days you can be so tired you cannot function. If there is no other medical explanation for your fatigue, it could be a sign of pregnancy. You will likely feel very tired throughout your first trimester, as your body is going through tremendous changes and hormonal fluctuations – it’s a hard job growing a human being!
Cramping
If you have unexplained cramping that feels similar to menstrual cramping, it could be a sign of pregnancy. This is different than your typical monthly menstrual cramping in that it can come at any time of the month, and may be more intense than you are used to. If you are having cramping that you cannot attribute to your monthly cycle, take a pregnancy test, or see your physician or midwife. If you’re not pregnant, the cramping could be a sign of something that needs to be addressed.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be pregnant, even if you haven’t yet missed a period. The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. Remember, too, that these symptoms are not necessarily an indication that you are pregnant, only that you may be be. And if so - congratulations! Let the baby-growing commence.
Many today believe that the earliest tell-tale sign of a pregnancy is a missed period, but that’s not the case. Other early pregnancy symptoms before a missed period lend great insight for a woman in tune with her body, so she knows right away when life is beginning to grow inside. If you’re a first-time mom (or hoping to be) you may not immediately attribute these cues to a potential pregnancy, but if you know what to look for, and what experiences you may have in the very early stages of pregnancy, you will be able to visit with a physician or midwife sooner.
Frequent need to urinate
You’ve probably heard pregnant women joke about having to pee all the time, but did you also know that a frequent need to urinate is a common early sign of pregnancy? Unless you are diabetic, have a urinary tract infection, or some other condition that makes you urinate frequently, a sudden need to urinate more often can be an indication of a pregnancy!
Spotting
If you notice that you are experiencing spotting in late pregnancy, this can be cause for concern. However, if you are not pregnant (to your knowledge) and you notice bleeding or spotting that cannot be explained by your regular menstrual cycle, you may be pregnant. This can be a tricky thing to diagnose, however, because early pregnancy spotting usually occurs around the time when you would be expecting to experience your regular menstrual cycle -- instead, it is 'implantation bleeding.'
Fatigue or lethargy
If you suddenly begin to feel very tired or lethargic, you might be pregnant. This goes beyond the typical feelings of being tired at the end of the day. When you are pregnant, some days you can be so tired you cannot function. If there is no other medical explanation for your fatigue, it could be a sign of pregnancy. You will likely feel very tired throughout your first trimester, as your body is going through tremendous changes and hormonal fluctuations – it’s a hard job growing a human being!
Cramping
If you have unexplained cramping that feels similar to menstrual cramping, it could be a sign of pregnancy. This is different than your typical monthly menstrual cramping in that it can come at any time of the month, and may be more intense than you are used to. If you are having cramping that you cannot attribute to your monthly cycle, take a pregnancy test, or see your physician or midwife. If you’re not pregnant, the cramping could be a sign of something that needs to be addressed.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be pregnant, even if you haven’t yet missed a period. The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. Remember, too, that these symptoms are not necessarily an indication that you are pregnant, only that you may be be. And if so - congratulations! Let the baby-growing commence.
Why You Should Consider a Career in Education
By Alex Martin © 2017
Why You Should Consider a Career in Education
There are many misconceptions that exist today about seeking a career in the education sector, but for those interested in the field, it is often found to be the most rewarding experience of life. Many believe that teachers are consistently overworked, underpaid, and must have a love for small children in order to be successful in the field. However, many of the preconceived notions are incorrect. A career in education is much more than what happens inside the classroom. Education offers different exciting opportunities at every level, and each plays an important role both in and out of the classroom setting. Consider the following if you feel a career in education could be right for you.
Endless Opportunities
Working in the education sector means playing a role in a constantly shifting environment, no matter which area of the field you go into. Opportunities in education are nearly boundless, and offer exciting roles for people from all walks of life. If you have a passion for helping to develop young minds, look into an early childhood education degree at Gwynedd Mercy. Desire to go in-depth with a subject and pass your knowledge of history or science on to the next generation? A career in education can be focused outside the classroom as well with work readily available for skilled administrators, nurses, and other more generalized areas that can meld your personal talents with your interest in education. With the right requirements, a substantial income can also be made while practicing something you’re passionate about. Take your time to explore all areas of education to find the one that suits you best.
Life Experience Matters
Your lived experience is perhaps the single most important thing you can bring to work in an education setting. Education is a field that has been dominated by women since WWII, however, studies show that the more diversity a child is exposed to from role models and leaders, the more well-rounded their education experience can be. Consider the impact that you could have in a child’s life. Maybe you’re a member of a minority group with a unique insight into the world that you can offer to your students. Maybe you’re an aspiring male teacher with a heart for teaching grade school and early childhood education who can exemplify a strong leader to his students. Maybe you’re an aspiring female teacher in a STEM field who can inspire other women to get involved in science and technology. Representation has shown to be a powerful tool in a child’s educational tool-box, and you have the incredible opportunity to be part of that story simply by being you!
Inspiring Minds
Working in education can be as inspiring as it is challenging. Teachers tell stories of another teacher before them who inspired them - often as a child - to follow a path toward education. While you may find yourself challenged on a daily basis, consider how the knowledge you impart can become the basis of the next big idea in science, technology, or social justice. Think of the ways you were inspired by your education, and imagine passing on that passion for knowledge onto your students every day. It’s pretty incredible! Working in the education sector is not all lesson plans and grading quizzes. As an educator, you play a vital role in furthering society and shaping a better world for the future — perhaps the most important position there is. If you’re excited about seeing the potential for greatness in every student, look no further than a career in education.
Venturing into a career in education is not for the faint of heart, but can be the most rewarding experience of your life when you find the position that’s right for you. Do your research before seeking out a degree program, and learn your state’s requirements for entering into the education sector. Whether you want to teach kindergarten, work in a district office, or become a single-subject teacher for high-schoolers or higher education, you’ll go to work every day with the opportunity to change the world little-by-little, student by student. If you’re excited to share your passion for knowledge and inspire future generations every day, a career in education could be right for you.
Why You Should Consider a Career in Education
There are many misconceptions that exist today about seeking a career in the education sector, but for those interested in the field, it is often found to be the most rewarding experience of life. Many believe that teachers are consistently overworked, underpaid, and must have a love for small children in order to be successful in the field. However, many of the preconceived notions are incorrect. A career in education is much more than what happens inside the classroom. Education offers different exciting opportunities at every level, and each plays an important role both in and out of the classroom setting. Consider the following if you feel a career in education could be right for you.
Endless Opportunities
Working in the education sector means playing a role in a constantly shifting environment, no matter which area of the field you go into. Opportunities in education are nearly boundless, and offer exciting roles for people from all walks of life. If you have a passion for helping to develop young minds, look into an early childhood education degree at Gwynedd Mercy. Desire to go in-depth with a subject and pass your knowledge of history or science on to the next generation? A career in education can be focused outside the classroom as well with work readily available for skilled administrators, nurses, and other more generalized areas that can meld your personal talents with your interest in education. With the right requirements, a substantial income can also be made while practicing something you’re passionate about. Take your time to explore all areas of education to find the one that suits you best.
Life Experience Matters
Your lived experience is perhaps the single most important thing you can bring to work in an education setting. Education is a field that has been dominated by women since WWII, however, studies show that the more diversity a child is exposed to from role models and leaders, the more well-rounded their education experience can be. Consider the impact that you could have in a child’s life. Maybe you’re a member of a minority group with a unique insight into the world that you can offer to your students. Maybe you’re an aspiring male teacher with a heart for teaching grade school and early childhood education who can exemplify a strong leader to his students. Maybe you’re an aspiring female teacher in a STEM field who can inspire other women to get involved in science and technology. Representation has shown to be a powerful tool in a child’s educational tool-box, and you have the incredible opportunity to be part of that story simply by being you!
Inspiring Minds
Working in education can be as inspiring as it is challenging. Teachers tell stories of another teacher before them who inspired them - often as a child - to follow a path toward education. While you may find yourself challenged on a daily basis, consider how the knowledge you impart can become the basis of the next big idea in science, technology, or social justice. Think of the ways you were inspired by your education, and imagine passing on that passion for knowledge onto your students every day. It’s pretty incredible! Working in the education sector is not all lesson plans and grading quizzes. As an educator, you play a vital role in furthering society and shaping a better world for the future — perhaps the most important position there is. If you’re excited about seeing the potential for greatness in every student, look no further than a career in education.
Venturing into a career in education is not for the faint of heart, but can be the most rewarding experience of your life when you find the position that’s right for you. Do your research before seeking out a degree program, and learn your state’s requirements for entering into the education sector. Whether you want to teach kindergarten, work in a district office, or become a single-subject teacher for high-schoolers or higher education, you’ll go to work every day with the opportunity to change the world little-by-little, student by student. If you’re excited to share your passion for knowledge and inspire future generations every day, a career in education could be right for you.
*******
The best DNA testing kits for when you want to know your heritage
By Alex Martin © 2017
The best DNA testing kits for when you want to know your heritage
Knowing the full extent of their heritage is something that interests a lot of people. Many would like to know where their ancestors came from, and what the history of their family tree was like. If you are also interested in finding out about your family heritage, taking a DNA test may be one of the most fascinating moves you've made. Especially if you have kids or if you have kids on the way, this can be insightful for their upbringing. Finding out that a small part of their DNA comes from a particular part of the world that you never knew was a part of your family’s history can even influence how we raise or what we teach our children about where they came from. Even if you don’t end up making a lot of decisions based on the information that you learn about, children may still wish to know their family line when they are older. You can provide them the answers they’re looking for thanks to a DNA test. DNA tests can be used for other things as well, such as finding out paternity, for example. There are a lot of answers that can be found through the interpretation of DNA. Today there are many DNA test kits that allow you to test your DNA and find out more about where you come from. In this guide we are looking at some of the very best of them. When you’re ready to find out even more, continue reading with this helpful guide.
AncestryDNA Genetic Testing
Some tests are really hard to use and this turns people off to the idea of finding out more about their heritage. However, this specific test acknowledges the fact that people may have trouble using and reading a DNA test so they’ve made it extremely easy. When you buy this DNA test you will also receive a special container that you will be delivering through mail. You will also get a saliva tube that you will be filling with a sample of the appropriate DNA (saliva) and then using the included recipient to mail it to the lab. They will analyze the sample for you and send you the results. You also have to keep in mind the fact that the saliva tube has an activation code and you will need to activate it. After you activate it, they will begin the process and you just need to wait for the results. This entire process is extremely easy to follow. The package also comes with a step by step instruction manual just in case you feel lost for a second.
23andMe DNA Test
This is yet another test that you can use to find out more about your family tree and where is it that your family comes from. There is a key difference between this service and the one presented previously however. This DNA test uses a genetic base to find out more about your relatives and where you come from and it has the advantage of using tracking tools to find out more about your line at a genetic level. It is also easy to use and won’t be any trouble to get done. The users of this service benefit from a database of over 1 million customers -- which is saying quite a lot.
Vitagene Ancestry DNA Test
This is a service that goes beyond the other ones in terms of price and service, so if you have a little more to spare, you may wish to opt for this DNA test. It comes with a lot of benefits that justify the cost. The service comes with a policy on extreme speed, and will work to get you your results as fast as possible. This is a big plus -- especially when you cannot wait to get back your results and every minute feels like an eternity. Surely we’ve all been there, in a place where we are so excited to find out something that we couldn’t sit in our seats anymore. This test puts your money to good use and makes sure that you get the results you were looking for nice and easy.
On top of DNA results that tell you more about your family’s line, you can also expect some bonuses coming from this service. In addition to the ancestry line discovery, you will also benefit from more knowledge regarding your physical health and your fitness level. All kinds of useful information will be part of the report that comes back from the testing laboratories. This company is also known for its professionalism and also comes with a high count when it comes to total number of customers. In other words you should feel safe trusting them to uncover the genetic mystery of your family.
These are a handful of the best DNA tests money can buy. When it is important to know more about the places and people we come from, these are the testing locations to turn to. No matter what you’re trying to find out, a DNA test can provide a lot of answers. Whether you desire to know if your great grandparents came from a different country, or if your child’s father is who you think it is, a DNA test will solve the problem. When it comes to price and services offered, these tests stand out from the crowd.
The best DNA testing kits for when you want to know your heritage
Knowing the full extent of their heritage is something that interests a lot of people. Many would like to know where their ancestors came from, and what the history of their family tree was like. If you are also interested in finding out about your family heritage, taking a DNA test may be one of the most fascinating moves you've made. Especially if you have kids or if you have kids on the way, this can be insightful for their upbringing. Finding out that a small part of their DNA comes from a particular part of the world that you never knew was a part of your family’s history can even influence how we raise or what we teach our children about where they came from. Even if you don’t end up making a lot of decisions based on the information that you learn about, children may still wish to know their family line when they are older. You can provide them the answers they’re looking for thanks to a DNA test. DNA tests can be used for other things as well, such as finding out paternity, for example. There are a lot of answers that can be found through the interpretation of DNA. Today there are many DNA test kits that allow you to test your DNA and find out more about where you come from. In this guide we are looking at some of the very best of them. When you’re ready to find out even more, continue reading with this helpful guide.
AncestryDNA Genetic Testing
Some tests are really hard to use and this turns people off to the idea of finding out more about their heritage. However, this specific test acknowledges the fact that people may have trouble using and reading a DNA test so they’ve made it extremely easy. When you buy this DNA test you will also receive a special container that you will be delivering through mail. You will also get a saliva tube that you will be filling with a sample of the appropriate DNA (saliva) and then using the included recipient to mail it to the lab. They will analyze the sample for you and send you the results. You also have to keep in mind the fact that the saliva tube has an activation code and you will need to activate it. After you activate it, they will begin the process and you just need to wait for the results. This entire process is extremely easy to follow. The package also comes with a step by step instruction manual just in case you feel lost for a second.
23andMe DNA Test
This is yet another test that you can use to find out more about your family tree and where is it that your family comes from. There is a key difference between this service and the one presented previously however. This DNA test uses a genetic base to find out more about your relatives and where you come from and it has the advantage of using tracking tools to find out more about your line at a genetic level. It is also easy to use and won’t be any trouble to get done. The users of this service benefit from a database of over 1 million customers -- which is saying quite a lot.
Vitagene Ancestry DNA Test
This is a service that goes beyond the other ones in terms of price and service, so if you have a little more to spare, you may wish to opt for this DNA test. It comes with a lot of benefits that justify the cost. The service comes with a policy on extreme speed, and will work to get you your results as fast as possible. This is a big plus -- especially when you cannot wait to get back your results and every minute feels like an eternity. Surely we’ve all been there, in a place where we are so excited to find out something that we couldn’t sit in our seats anymore. This test puts your money to good use and makes sure that you get the results you were looking for nice and easy.
On top of DNA results that tell you more about your family’s line, you can also expect some bonuses coming from this service. In addition to the ancestry line discovery, you will also benefit from more knowledge regarding your physical health and your fitness level. All kinds of useful information will be part of the report that comes back from the testing laboratories. This company is also known for its professionalism and also comes with a high count when it comes to total number of customers. In other words you should feel safe trusting them to uncover the genetic mystery of your family.
*******
Celebration of the Breast Calendars
With Holly Milkowski of Mama's Milk, No Chaser
We are excited to announce these new Celebration of the Breast Calendars from Mama's Milk, No Chaser. Holly Milkowski writes, "This is an idea that was inspired by Nicole Deelah of Sage Beginnings Doula Services, and professionally shot by Blue Fitzcarraldo of Blue Fitz Photography. We had an open call for any and all women who wished to be involved and welcomed those who wanted to participate in either version of the calendar [Vital or Taboo]."
Milkowski continues, "It was a fun and beautiful project to work on. Each month explores different themes that speak of the female breast’s power: what it is, how it works, what it looks like, what it does, its simultaneous oppression and influence. We have within this calendar a monthly cycle framing the history and functions of the very body part that defines our species."
"The female breast is life-giving. Fascinating. Unique. A marker of milestones. Misunderstood. All the while, totally, utterly normal. For a variety of reasons, we believe everyone benefits from getting used to seeing breasts — especially used as biologically intended, reflected in art, for education, or otherwise for sexual expression as the owner of the breast chooses."
Milkowski and her team made two versions of this calendar. *
Vital…
is bright and gorgeous. Perfect for an office wall, or a kitchen fridge.
Taboo…
is provocative and challenges social expectations. (Please be aware this calendar contains what some may consider to be mature themes and/or suggestive imagery).
* Images above are examples of what you’ll find inside.
Too hard to choose? If you decide to purchase both in the same order, you will receive a special discount — a savings of $10! Better yet, all proceeds go to a great cause (read more on that below).
THANK YOU for supporting The Breast better than any bra ever could. 🙂
U.S. shipping is included; for international orders, please email MilkowskiHolly@gmail.com
About the Proceeds
Proceeds from these calendars will go directly to The INTACT Network and Intact Houston. These are not-for-profit organizations directed by Saving Our Sons, whose mission is to bring an end to the forced genital cutting of minors and ensure equal genital autonomy rights for all. All funds donated are used for educational materials, hosting local awareness-raising events/presentations, and protecting those who are at risk of unnecessary genital harm.
We are excited to announce these new Celebration of the Breast Calendars from Mama's Milk, No Chaser. Holly Milkowski writes, "This is an idea that was inspired by Nicole Deelah of Sage Beginnings Doula Services, and professionally shot by Blue Fitzcarraldo of Blue Fitz Photography. We had an open call for any and all women who wished to be involved and welcomed those who wanted to participate in either version of the calendar [Vital or Taboo]."
Milkowski continues, "It was a fun and beautiful project to work on. Each month explores different themes that speak of the female breast’s power: what it is, how it works, what it looks like, what it does, its simultaneous oppression and influence. We have within this calendar a monthly cycle framing the history and functions of the very body part that defines our species."
"The female breast is life-giving. Fascinating. Unique. A marker of milestones. Misunderstood. All the while, totally, utterly normal. For a variety of reasons, we believe everyone benefits from getting used to seeing breasts — especially used as biologically intended, reflected in art, for education, or otherwise for sexual expression as the owner of the breast chooses."
Milkowski and her team made two versions of this calendar. *
Vital…
is bright and gorgeous. Perfect for an office wall, or a kitchen fridge.
Taboo…
is provocative and challenges social expectations. (Please be aware this calendar contains what some may consider to be mature themes and/or suggestive imagery).
* Images above are examples of what you’ll find inside.
Too hard to choose? If you decide to purchase both in the same order, you will receive a special discount — a savings of $10! Better yet, all proceeds go to a great cause (read more on that below).
THANK YOU for supporting The Breast better than any bra ever could. 🙂
U.S. shipping is included; for international orders, please email MilkowskiHolly@gmail.com
About the Proceeds
Proceeds from these calendars will go directly to The INTACT Network and Intact Houston. These are not-for-profit organizations directed by Saving Our Sons, whose mission is to bring an end to the forced genital cutting of minors and ensure equal genital autonomy rights for all. All funds donated are used for educational materials, hosting local awareness-raising events/presentations, and protecting those who are at risk of unnecessary genital harm.
Long-Term Adverse Effects of Circumcision
Doctors Opposing Circumcision: Genital Integrity Policy Statement
This chapter was originally available at the DOC website, and is archived here for future reading.
This chapter was originally available at the DOC website, and is archived here for future reading.
Chapter Six: Long-Term Adverse Effects of Circumcision
Male circumcision has many adverse effects that do not appear until later in life. These effects usually are overlooked and ignored in most discussions of male circumcision.
Memory starts before birth1 and newborn infants have fully functioning pain pathways.2 One would expect, therefore, to find psychological effects associated with the painful genital cutting operation.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a normal response to an abnormal event. Neonatal genital cutting is an event in which a newborn infant experiences extreme levels of pain, terror, and helplessness,3 so it fulfills the criteria as a psychogenic for PTSD. Levy (1945) reported that children experience behavior problems, such as night terrors and a fear of nurses and doctors, after surgery, including circumcision.4 Cansever (1965) tested boys before and after circumcison and reported that the ego seeks safety in total withdrawal.5 Levy found their symptoms to be similar to combat neurosis, now known as PTSD.4 Taddio et al. (1997) studied the behavior of babies at first vaccination. They found that circumcised boys have a much stronger reaction to pain of vaccination than do girls and intact non-circumcised boys, which the authors suggested is an “infant analogue” of PTSD.6 Other authors also have reported PTSD in circumcised males. Rhinehart (1999) reported four cases of PTSD secondary to neonatal circumcision in middle-aged men that he encountered in his psychiatric practice.7 Ramos & Boyle (2001) reported PTSD in 70 percent of Philippino boys who experienced ritual circumcision and 51 percent of Philippino boys who experienced medical circumcision.8
Circumcised males often feel great anxiety regarding their circumcision. This manifests itself in a reluctance to talk about circumcision or an assertion that “I’m circumcised and I’m fine.”9 van der Kolk (1989) reports some traumatized males also have a compulsion to reenact or repeat the trauma.10 These feelings emerge as the “adamant father” syndrome. Typically, a circumcised father will irrationally and adamantly insist that a son undergo circumcision, although this is contrary to contemporary medical advice.
Some circumcised doctors also exhibit anxiety by pushing medically unnecessary circumcision on their patients11 or writing medical journal articles to defend the practice.12-14 Such articles are “flawed papers that dismiss the harm and exaggerate alleged benefits.”14 This has caused the medical literature on the subject of male circumcision to become voluminous and polarized because other doctors write letters and articles to refute the false claims of circumcised doctors.13
Circumcision of the newborn usually is performed in the first week of life (the perinatal period), and, as reported above, clearly is traumatic for most boys. Several authors report that perinatal trauma causes self-destructive behavior in adult life.10, 15-18
Circumcision is cyclic trauma. Many males, who were circumcised as infants, grow up to become circumcisers themselves, in an unending repetitive pattern of abuse.10-13,18,19
Taylor et al. (1996) report circumcision removes more than 50 percent of the normal skin and mucosa from the penis.20 This skin and mucosa is provided by nature to allow for the expansion of the penis during erection. There may not be enough residual foreskin and mucosal tissue after circumcision to allow the penis to expand during erection. The result not infrequently is painful erection or tearing at the scar site, as the residual tissue is stretched to the limit and beyond.21,22]
Earlier work by Winkelmann (1956,1959) showed the prepuce to be highly innervated and a “specific erogenous zone.”23,24 The foreskin contains the areas of the penis most sensitive to fine-touch.25
Meislahn & Taylor (2004) report an online survey of intact males, in which most of the men identified the foreskin, not the glans penis, as the site of sexual pleasure.26 This study is the first to report “directionality” in the foreskin. That is, the foreskin tends to return to the forward position. The survey found that stretching of the foreskin produces erection in intact males. The survey also reported that stretching of the ridged band of the foreskin produces contractions of thebulbocavernosal muscle, which produces ejaculation. The intact males who participated in the survey reported the foreskin to be far more important than the glans penis.27
Removal of the nerves of the foreskin by circumcision produces a deficit in sensory input into the central, parasympathetic, and sympathetic nervous systems. One, therefore, would expect to find alteration in sexual response. Several recent studies have found this to be the case. Coursey et al. (2001) reported that adult circumcision degrades erectile function.27 Fink et al. (2002) also reported worsened erectile function after adult circumcision and, in addition, a degradation of penile sensitivity.28 Pang & Kim (2002) carried out a survey in South Korea, where many adult males have been circumcised, and report that a man was twice as likely to have experienced diminished sexuality rather than improved sexuality.29 Shen et al. (2004) surveyed 95 circumcised male patients and reported erectile dysfunction in 28, weakened erectile confidence in 33, prolonged intercourse in 31, and difficult insertion in 41.30 Senkul et al. carried out a survey of young adult Turkish males who were circumcised in adult life. They reported increased time to ejaculate.31 Thorvaldsen & Meyhoff (2005) report that young circumcised males have more difficulty in reaching erection and orgasm.32 Kim & Pang (2007) reported a decrease in masturbatory pleasure and an increase in mastubatory difficulty in Korean males who were circumcised as adults.33 Frisch et al. (2011) reported that circumcised Danish men frequently experinence difficulties in achieving orgasm as compared with non-circumcised men.34 Podnar (2011) compared the penilo-cavenosus reflex of intact and circumcised men. He reported,“[t]he reflex was clinically non-elicitable in 73%, 64% and 8% of 30 circumcised men, 15 men with foreskin retraction, and 29 control men, respectively.”35 The evidence that circumcision injures human sexual response and function is now overwhelming and conclusive.
Denniston (2004) surveyed 38 men who had experienced sexual intercourse before and after circumcision. Twenty-two of the 38 men (58%) felt that the pleasure of intercourse was lessened and they would not have circumcision again.36
Circumcision changes male sexual behavior. Laumann et al. (1997) reports circumcised males have a “more highly elaborated set of sexual practices.” This includes more frequent masturbation and a greater preference for oral sex.37 The British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal 2000) reports that circumcised males were more likely to report homosexual partners and partners from abroad.38 Richters et al. (2006) report that more circumcised men in Australia tend to reach orgasm “too quickly”.39
Several studies report that male circumcision also adversely affects female sexuality. Warren & Bigelow (1994) report the foreskin avoids problems with vaginal dryness.40 Fleiss & Hodges (2002) explain that the lack of gliding action in the circumcised male partner causes the taut shaft skin to drag the vaginal lubrication out of the vagina.41 O’Hara & O’Hara (1999) surveyed women in the United States who had had sex with both circumcised and intact partners. They report the women preferred the partner to be intact by a ratio of 8.6 to one.42 Women reported that they were more likely to be orgasmic and even have multiple orgasms when the male partner is intact.43 Bensley & Boyle (2001) surveyed 35 women in Australia who had sexual experience with both circumcised and intact partners. Eleven, who had a mean age of 27.3 years, indicated a preference for a circumcised partner. Eleven, who had a mean age of 36.4 years indicated they would choose a genitally intact partner.44 They reported that circumcised males are signicantly less likely to use condoms because of concern about reduced penile sensitivity. In addition, the females were significantly more likely to report vaginal dryness with a circumcised partner.43,44 The experience reported with a circumcised male partner is similar to the symptoms of “female arousal disorder.” Female arousal disorder may be a normal response to sex with a circumcised male partner.43,44 Frisch et al. (2011) report that male circumcision is associated with “orgasm difficulties, dyspareunia and a sense of incomplete sexual needs fulfillment.”34
Laumann (1997) reported that 77 percent of the adult males in the National Health and Social Life Survey (1992) were circumcised.37 The effects of this wounding by circumcision have been discussed above. Goldman (1997) argues extensively that the result of having so many emotionally and sexually injured males in a society would produce undesirable social effects.46
Goldman (1997) suggests that men who were neonatally circumcised would be more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, to avoid intimacy in male-female relationships, and a higher incidence of divorce.46 Moreover, he says neonatal circumcision may cause a higher incidence of unnecessary surgery, and of adult violence, including suicide, rape, and murder.46
Baker (1996) argues that men harbor rage toward their mothers for their circumcision. She also identifies a connection between sexual violence, rape, and neonatal circumcision.47 DeMause (1996) connects perinatal circumcision trauma with increases in teenage suicide and social violence.48
Effect on Medical Society Policy Statements
In the United States, where non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision once was a routine practice, a nearly totally circumcised male population was created. Medical doctors in the United States are largely a part of this circumcising culture, in which the abnormal appears to be normal. Circumcised men who become medical doctors have no personal experience of the foreskin and may never have seen a human foreskin. As reported above, if the doctor is circumcised himself, he is more likely to recommend circumcision to his patients.11
Medical societies in the United States are composed of men and women from this circumcising culture. Certain medical societies have issued public statements regarding circumcision. These statements inevitably are drafted by committees composed of persons, whether male or female, who are products of the circumcising culture, and who may feel a need to defend their culture of origin.12
These committees are faced with the challenge of sorting out the medical literature on circumcision, which as indicated above, has numerous papers written by circumcised doctors, who tend to be biased in favor of circumcision.12 Doctors from circumcising cultures may be blinded to the bias of published papers.
Moreover, male members of the committee are faced with the uncomfortable task of challenging their own circumcision.49 Members may be parents who have had a son circumcised and who may feel a need to defend that decision.12 Some members conceivably could even have a compulsion to reenact the trauma of their own circumcision on others!10
Doctors who are appointed to policy committees may have strong opinions on circumcision as a result of their previous experiences in a circumcising culture. Medical doctors, who profit from the performance of circumcision, may be appointed to serve on a policy committee.*49
Conflict-of-interest is inevitable. Such conflicted doctors are unlikely to be able to produce a truly evidence-based statement, even if they are able to sort out the bias in the medical literature.49,50 Fox & Thomson (2005) report that medical societies downplay or minimize the risks associated with male circumcision.51 For example, one law review article has found serious departures from the evidence in two statements produced by the American Academy of Pediatrics.52
American medical societies, thus far, have been unable or unwilling to acknowledge the human rights (see Chapter Nine) and medical ethics (see Chapter Eleven) issues inherent in the non-therapeutic circumcision of children.13 Similarly, they have not recognized the long-term adverse effects reported in this chapter.13
Foley (1966) reports that circumcised doctors are biased in favor of circumcision.53 Circumcision practice of long ago, therefore, has an effect on the policy statements of medical societies today. Such statements are the result of compromises between the bias of the committee members in favor of circumcision and the overwhelming evidence supporting genital integrity as the optimum choice for health and well-being. Such statements tend to perpetuate the status quo.49 The public, therefore, is poorly served by the apparent inability of circumcised doctors to produce a truly evidence-based statement.13
*It is very likely that all of the male members of the three task forces of the American Academy of Pediatrics are circumcised and not one has any personal knowledge of the prepuce. Circumcised doctors frequently need to justify their loss of genital integrity with claims of prophylactic benefits, so their writings tend to be biased against genital integrity.12,13
References
- Hepper PG, Fetal memory: Does it exist? What does it do? Acta Pædiatr (Stockholm) 1996; Suppl 416:16–20. [Full Text]
- Anand KJS, Hickey PR. Pain and its effects in the human neonate and fetus. New Engl J Med 1987;317(21):1321–9. [Full Text]
- American Psychiatric Association. 309.81 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. American Psychiatric Association, Washington 1994:424–29. [Text]
- Levy D. Psychic trauma of operations in children: and a note on combat neurosis. Am J Dis Child 1945;69:7–25. [Abstract]
- Cansever G. Psychological effects of circumcision. Brit J Med Psychol 1965;38:321–31. [Full Text]
- Taddio A, Katz J, Ilersich AL, Koren G. Effect of neonatal circumcision on pain response during subsequent routine vaccination. Lancet 1997;349(9052):599–603. [Full Text]
- Rhinehart J. Neonatal circumcision reconsidered. Transactional Analysis Journal 1999;29(3):215–21. [Full Text]
- Ramos S, Boyle GJ. Ritual and medical circumcision among Filipino boys: Evidence of post–traumatic stress disorder. In G. C. Denniston, F. M. Hodges, & M. F. Milos (Eds.), Understanding circumcision: A multi-disciplinary approach to a multi-dimensional problem. New York: Kluwer/Plenum, 2001.
- Ritter TJ. Say No to Circumcision. Aptos, CA: Hourglass Book Publishing, 1992:17–1.
- van der Kolk BA. The compulsion to repeat the trauma: re–enactment, revictimization, and masochism. Psychiatr Clin North Am 1989;12(2):389–411. [Full Text]
- LeBourdais E. Circumcision no longer a "routine" surgical procedure. Can Med Assoc J 1995; 152(11):1873–6. [Full Text]
- Goldman R. The psychological impact of circumcision. BJU Int 1999;83 Suppl. 1:93–103. [Full Text]
- Hill G. The case against circumcision. J Mens Health Gend 2007;4(3):318–23. [Full Text]
- Boyle GJ, Hill G. Circumcision-generated emotions bias medical literature. BJU Int 2012;109:e11. doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2012.10917.x [Full Text]
- Salk L, Lipsitt LP, Sturner WQ, et al. Relationship of maternal and perinatal conditions to eventual adolescent suicide. Lancet 1985;i:624–7. [Abstract]
- Jacobson B, Eklund G, Hamberger L, et al. Perinatal origin of adult self–destructive behavior. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1987;76(4):364–71. [Abstract]
- Jacobson B, Bygdeman M. Obstetric care and proneness of offspring to suicide. BMJ 1998;317:1346–49. [Full Text]
- Miller A. Appendix: The Newly Recognized, Shattering Effects of Child Abuse. In: The Untouched Key: Tracing Childhood Trauma in Creativity and Destructiveness.Anchor Books (Doubleday) New York, 1991. (Originally published as Der gemiedene Schlüssel by Suhrkampt Verlag am Main, 1988).
- Denniston GC. Tyranny of the victims: an analysis of circumcision advocacy. In: Denniston GC, Hodges FM, Milos MF.(eds.) Medical, Legal and Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Practice. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1999.
- Taylor JR, Lockwood AP, Taylor AJ. The prepuce: specialized mucosa of the penis and its loss to circumcision. Br J Urol 1996;77:291–5. [Full Text]
- Bigelow J. The Joy of Uncircumcising!, 2nd edition. Aptos, CA: Hourglass Book Publishing, 1995: p. 80–81.
- Fleiss PM, Hodges FM. What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Circumcision. New York: Warner Books, 2002: p. 223.
- Winkelmann RK. The cutaneous innervation of the human newborn prepuce. J Invest Dermatol 1956;26(1):53–67. [Full Text]
- Winkelmann RK. The erogenous zones: their nerve supply and significance. Mayo Clin Proc 1959;34(2):39–47. [Full Text]
- Sorrells ML, Snyder JL, Reiss MD, et al. Fine–touch pressure thresholds in the adult penis. BJU Int 2007;99:864–9. [Full Text]
- Meislahn HS, Taylor JR. The importance of the foreskin to male sexual reflexes. In: George C. Denniston, Frederick Mansfield Hodges, Marilyn Fayre Milos, eds. Flesh and Blood: Perspectives on the Problem of Circumcision in Contemporary Society. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2004.
- Coursey JW, Morey AF, McAninch JW, et al. Erectile function after anterior urethroplasty. J Urol 2001;166(6):2273–6. [Full Text]
- Fink KS, Carson CC, DeVellis RF. Adult circumcision outcomes study: effect on erectile function, penile sensitivity, sexual activity and satisfaction. J Urol2002;167(5):2113–6. [Full Text]
- Pang MG, Kim DS. Extraordinarily high rates of male circumcision in South Korea: history and underlying causes. BJU Int 2002;89:48–54. [Full Text]
- Shen Z, Chen S, Zhu C, et al. [Erectile function evaluation after adult circumcision]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 2004;10(1):18–9. [Abstract]
- Senkul T, Iseri C, Sen B. et al. Circumcision in adults: effect on sexual function. Urology 2004;63(1):155–8. [Full Text]
- Thorvaldsen MA, Meyhoff H. Patologisk eller fysiologisk fimose? Ugeskr Læger 2005;167(17):1858–62. [Abstract]
- Kim D, Pang M. The effect of male circumcision on sexuality. BJU Int 2007;99(3):619–22. [Full Text]
- Frisch M, Lindholm, Grønbæk M. Male circumcision and sexual function in men and women: a survey-based, cross-sectional study in Denmark. Int J Epidemiol2011;40(5):1367-81. [Full Text]
- Podnar S. Clinical elicitation of the penilo-cavernosus reflex in circumcised men. BJU Int 2012:209:582-5. doi:10.1111/j.1464-410X.2011.10364.x [Full Text]
- Denniston GC. Circumcision and sexual pleasure. In: Denniston GC, Hodges FM, Milos MF. (eds.) Flesh and Blood: Perspectives on the Problem of Circumcision in Contemporary Society. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 2004: pp.45–53.
- Laumann, EO, Masi CM, Zuckerman EW. Circumcision in the United States. JAMA 1997;277(13):1052–7. [Full Text]
- Dave SS, Johnson AM, Fenton KA, et al. Male circumcision in Britain: findings from a national probability sample survey. Sex Trans Infect 2003;79:499–500. [Full Text]
- Richters J, Smith AMA, de Visser RO, et al. Circumcision in Australia: prevalence and effects on sexual health. Int J STD AIDS 2006;17:547–54. [Full Text]
- Warren J, Bigelow J. The case against circumcision. Br J Sex Med 1994; Sept/Oct: 6–8. [Full Text]
- Fleiss PM, Hodges FM. What your Doctor May Not Tell You About Circumcision. New York: Warner Books, 2002: pp. 27–28, 87.
- O'Hara K, O'Hara J. The effect of male circumcision on the sexual enjoyment of the female partner. BJU Int 1999;83 Suppl 1:79–84. [Full Text]
- Bensley GA, Boyle GJ. Physical, sexual, and psychological effects of male infant circumcision: an exploratory survey. In: Denniston GC, Hodges FM, Milos MF, editors. Understanding circumcision: a multi-disciplinary approach to a multi-dimensional problem. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers; 2001. pp. 207-39.[Full Text]
- Bensley GA, Boyle GJ. Effects of male circumcision on female arousal and orgasm. N Z Med J 2003;116(1181):595–6. [Full Text]
- Boyle GJ. Circumcision in adults: effect on sexual function. Urology 2004;64(6):1267–8. [Full Text]
- Goldman R. Circumcision: The Hidden Trauma. Boston: Vanguard Publications, 1997: pp. 139–75.
- Baker JP. Ending circumcision: where sex and violence first meet. Primal Renaissance: The Journal of Primal Psychology 1996;2(1):54–8. [Full Text]
- deMause L. Restaging fetal traumas in war and social violence. Pre- & Perinatal Psychology Journal 1996;10(4):227–58. [Full Text]
- Goldman R. Circumcision policy: a psychosocial perpective. Paediatr Child Health 2004;9(9):630–3. [Full Text]
- Fleiss PM. An analysis of bias regarding circumcision in American medical literature. In: Denniston GC, Hodges FM, Milos MF (eds.) Male and Female Circumcision: Medical, Legal, and Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Practice. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1999: pp. 379-402.
- Fox M, Thomson M. Short changed? The law and ethics of male circumcision. Int J Child Rights 2005;13:161–81. [Full Text]
- Giannetti M. Circumcision and the American Academy of Pediatrics: Should scientific misconduct result in trade association liability? Iowa Law Rev 2000;85:1507–68. [Full Text]
- Foley JM. The unkindest cut of all. Fact 1966;3(4):2-9. [Full Text]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)





















