Psychological Damage Caused by Circumcision
The aims of 15 Square is to have a policy of understanding and non-judgement.
We do not claim to be able to cure the psychological damage that circumcision can cause.
It is our hope that with the information available on the site, more people will start to understand these psychological impacts. More recognition is needed, and we hope to assist men who have been impacted by their own circumcision and to help those around them understand the issues that they may be facing. In this article we acknowledge some of the psychological burdens men and their loved ones face as a result of this practice.
One of our primary concerns is that the medical professions have blindly ignored this issue, and (to our knowledge) they have never studied the psychological effects of circumcision. If they had, they would see the same stories that we do every day at 15 Square.
We want to change the conversation.
The impact of circumcision harm.
Men may feel isolated because there is little understanding of the psychological damage caused by circumcision. As you can imagine, having part of your genitals surgically cut away isn’t okay with everyone.
Many circumcised men experience trauma including:
- Depression (sometimes to the point of being suicidal)
- Abuse trauma
- Anxiety
- Self-esteem issues
- Problems with relationships and sexuality
- Aggression and anti-social sentiments
- Addiction
- Social and emotional withdrawal
- Self-harm
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is clear that this trauma can impact every aspect of these men’s lives. Some men are affected more than others.
Psychological damage, what are men saying?
Men are starting to speak out and we encourage them to tell their story, we find that this can help greatly with the feeling of being isolated, and it shows others they are not alone either. We hope that men who have told their stories will help other people struggling with this issue to get the help and support that they need. Share your experiences with us so we can help change the narrative.
These following complaints are from men that have written in, to 15 Square:
Anti-social sentiments
It is reasonably common for men to have problems with authority as a result of the power abuse that they feel they have experienced. Betrayal of consent is a common theme. This can be directed towards their parents, doctors or society in general.
Addiction
Substance abuse and addictions are often used to avoid the emotional pain and shame that can accompany circumcision. These can lead to health problems, difficulties at home or at work and may subsequently lead to job loss or a relationship breakdown.
Anger Management
Men can feel uncomfortable in expressing emotions such as guilt, fear, vulnerability or shame. These are the main feelings that men can experience after circumcision but anger may be used to convey or hide these emotions.
Sexual anxiety
Men may have anxieties about masculinity which may be increased by the stereotype that ‘real men don’t have a problem with circumcision. As a result, many circumcised men avoid or fear intimate relationships.
Physical and Emotional Symptoms
Symptoms that may be experienced include:
- Nightmares
- Agitation
- Difficulty in using public toilets
- Depression
- Fear in the presence of seemingly more aggressive men
- Issues with trust and being intimate
- Fear that they may be forced to circumcise their own children and being over-protective with their own children.
Family & Friends Support
You may be consulting this page because you are worried about a friend or family member who you believe could be traumatised by circumcision.
Some of you may have given up or distanced yourself from the situation. Perhaps this is because you do not understand the situation or feel unable to help. You may think that your efforts are unappreciated or that you are less important to the men than their problem Trying to work with someone traumatised by circumcision requires patience and often feels like an uphill struggle. It is exhausting and takes a toll on friends and family members who are emotionally invested in the situation.
Unfortunately, the psychological damage caused by circumcision is not recognised as a condition, something which we are working to change. In the meantime, family and friends are left to try and help those struggling with problems. Often it is the family who has inadvertently caused the problem.
That is not to say there is nothing you can do. How much will depend on your situation.
15 Square is in the process of setting up a SOFFA group (Significant Other Family Friends Ally) for individuals who are affected by circumcision by association, this could be a family member or loved one for an example.
SOFFA will offer a safe space for people to talk openly with others in similar situations in a confidential space via email and Facebook
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