384: What's the impact of circumcision on a man? (ft. Michael Smith, Intactivist Educator)

In North America, we tend to think of circumcision as "normal" and "widespread." But did you know that circumcision as a practice only became widespread in the US in the mid 1900s?

So what's the deal? Why did it originate as a practice and why has it persisted? And perhaps most importantly, what is the impact on a man -- both physiologically as well as psychologically?

The answers may surprise you -- I know they did me. I was unaware, for example, of the extent to which intact foreskin helps a man with sexual pleasure. I also didn't realize that foreskin restoration is a thing -- that if you've been circumcised, there's actually a way to re-grow foreskin.

There's a lot of intensity and sensitivity around this subject, and for good reason: It matters deeply. If you yourself are circumcised, you have loved ones who are, and especially if you're a parent-to-be, please listen. It's important.

---

Work with us

Ready to go deeper than the podcast and take action? Jason and I can help you break old patterns and transform your sex & love life for good. To see if you're a fit for our flagship program, Pillars of Presence, book a call here. Start anytime. (https://evolutionary.men/apply/)

---

Memorable quotes:

• “Much of the history is murky.”
• “I acutely felt the feeling of being different.”
• “Dollars per hour, circumcision is the most lucrative thing a doctor can do.”
• “Circumcision is estimated to be a $5B/year industry in the US.”
• “Men don’t like to feel like victims.”
• “Most responses are silence.”
• “There’s an unconscious desire to control the sexuality of children.”
• “‘OK, something really bad happened to me.’”
• “It ends with me.”
• "This can be a story of resilience and triumph."

---

Mentioned on this episode:

• Book rec: Circumcision: The Hidden Trauma -- How an American Cultural Practice Affects Infants and Ultimately Us All
• Documentary on Netflix: American Circumcision
• Subreddit dedicated to foreskin restoration: www.reddit.com/r/foreskin_restoration/
• For more on our upcoming course, Sexual Mastery, go to melaniecurtin.com/sexualmastery