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The
Holistic Wisdom Journal
May
15, 2003 ~ Articles In This Issue...
~ Adult Circumcision
The
Pros & Cons
~
Astrology
Does
It Work?
~
What Does
Love Mean?
Through A Child's Eyes
Adult
Circumcision
The Pros & Cons
Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D., C.E.O.
Holistic Wisdom Founder
We
get hundreds of eMails every week... some have really good questions
that inspire me to write an article based on the topic of an eMail.
Last week I received one asking about adult circumcision. It was
from an adult male who was having difficulty keeping himself clean
underneath his foreskin because he was sexually active with his
new girlfriend. He was thrilled to report that the sex was great,
but he was frustrated that her "love juice" was getting
trapped under his foreskin and making it more difficult for him
to stay clean and smelling good.
For
this article, I have decided to not only give you some interesting
facts about circumcision, but also provide you with one man's account
of what his adult circumcision was like so that you might get an
idea of this procedure in terms of doing it as an adult. Be warned...
I get a bit graphic in this article so if this topic makes you feel
a bit light headed... you may want to sit down reading it! 
Basic
Penis Anatomy~
 The
inner foreskin (mucosa) is the skin directly against the glans.
Like the lining of the mouth, this tissue is thinner and of a different
texture and color than the remainder of the skin covering the penis
(shaft skin).
The
frenulum is a particularly sensitive narrow membrane that runs down
the ventral groove of the glans and attaches to the inner foreskin.
The
ridged band is the interface between the inner foreskin (mucosa)
and the shaft skin. It often "puckers" past the tip of the glans.
The band contains whorled smooth muscle fibers, giving it pronounced
elastic properties that allow the foreskin to be retracted. The
ridged band has a tactile sensitivity equivalent to that of the
lips.
The foreskin provides ample loose skin for the penis to occupy when
erect. It is a movable skin sheath for the penis during intercourse,
reducing chafing and the need for artificial lubricants, and allowing
the glans and foreskin to naturally stimulate each other.
What
Is Circumcision?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the sleeve of skin and mucosal
tissue that normally covers the glans (head) of the penis. This
double layer, sometimes called the prepuce, is more commonly known
as the foreskin.
Circumcised Soft |
Uncircumcised Soft |
Circumcised Hard |
Uncircumcised Hard |
The Controversy Regarding Circumcision-
Whether
or not circumcision should be performed is a controversial question,
especially as religious issues may be involved. The
practice of circumcision is far older than recorded history. Certainly,
it is far older than the Biblical account of Abraham (Genesis 17)
and seems to have originated in eastern Africa.
What
struck me the most in my research for this article was the amount
of controversy around it. On one extreme, some of those opposed
claim it is genital mutilation, that it is a physical assault and
feel that those who are in favor of it are barbaric. Some also feel
that the clinicians that perform the surgery are criminals. In fact
there have been reports of harassment by medical professionals in
an attempt to stop them having this procedure carried out.
I
believe part of the intensity of the conflict is because there is
a sex organ is involved. I mean, you don't have this kind of controversy
over ear piercing, or tattooing going on. Our hyper sensitivity
to sexuality becomes pretty transparent when it comes to this issue.
Because
I like to examine as many perspectives I can on a subject to feel
more fully educated on it (often I feel that it is through fear
and ignorance that we make unhealthy choices for ourselves) I would
like to present both the pros and cons of adult circumcision.
When
Should A Man Consider An Adult Circumcision?
Adult
circumcision is not uncommon, and is often recommended by physicians
when there is a chronic medical condition that is present such as
balanoposthitis (inflammation of the head of the penis and overlying
foreskin) or phimosis (difficulty retracting the foreskin). Both
problems are more often seen in diabetics, but can occur in any
uncircumcised man. Symptoms
include chronic irritation and scarring and can usually be prevented
with careful cleaning beneath the foreskin.
Prior
to a recommendation of circumcision, a urologist will most likely
prescribe an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory ointment, which may
help clear up the problem. Yeast infections are also common as they
thrive in the warm, moist environment created beneath the foreskin.
Unfortunately, these conditions often recur, and when they do, a
circumcision is advisable.
Medical
Reasons To Do The Surgery-
~
Phimosis (tight foreskin)
~ Paraphimosis (inability to pull the retracted foreskin back over
the glans)
~ Balanitis and balanoposthitis (inflammation of glans and glans
and foreskin)
~ Frenulum breve (short frenulum which tears with intercourse)
~ Diseases of the foreskin, including cancer
Women's
Attitudes Toward The Circumcised Penis~
It
seems that a circumcised penis is favored by most women for appearance
and hygiene. Furthermore, some women were not attracted to the smell
of the uncircumcised penis, where, as mentioned earlier, bacteria
and other microorganisms proliferate under the foreskin. This is
not to say that some women do not prefer and uncircumcised penis,
rather it is just to say that in my research through various polls
taken (including our own) that most women prefer a circumcised penis
on their lover.
A
Poll Of 1000 Women From Our Web Site Was
Taken Last Month And Here Are The Results-
92%
said the circumcised penis was cleaner.
90% said it looked 'sexier.'
85%
it felt nicer to touch.
55% smelled more pleasant.
2% preferred an uncircumcised
penis for fellatio.
82% preferring the circumcised
variety.
71% preferred sex with men who were circumcised
6% preferred men
who were not circumcised
Why
women generally say they like a circumcised penis over a non circumcised
one~
Visual
appeal-
Quite likely it is that the glans is exposed in both the erect and
un-erect state.
Cleanliness-
They consider they are at less risk of yeast infections, bacterial
infections and STDs.
Smell-
The foreskin was also regarded as a source of a bad smell and men
too thought it was cleaner.
Sexual
Satisfaction-
Increased sexual pleasure from the exposed head. Women who failed
to reach an orgasm were 3 times more likely to have an uncircumcised
lover this may be due to the head of the penis being more pronounced
in circumcised men. However it may also have to do with the confidence
of men who are circumcised as well as other sociological factors.
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Pro's
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Con's
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Decreases The Risks Of The Following-
Paraphimosis~
This is the inability to position the foreskin back over
the head of the penis after it has been retracted; this is
usually associated with phimosis and can be a surgical emergency
since blood flow to the head of the penis can become impaired.
Genital
Warts~
(Condylomata) Can become quite large and unresponsive to topical
medications, and if located on the foreskin, may be best treated
with circumcision.
Penile
Cancer~
If caught early enough, may be treated with circumcision (interestingly,
penile cancer virtually never occurs in circumcised men).
Zipper
Injury~
In uncircumcised boys the foreskin can become accidentally
entrapped in zippers, resulting in pain, trauma, swelling
and scarring of this appendage.
Less
Chance Of Disease~
Much lower chance of acquiring AIDS heterosexually. Virtually
complete elimination of the risk of invasive penile cancer.
Much lower chance Phimosis which also increases risk of penile
cancer.
Less
Chance Of Infections~
Much lower
risk of urinary tract and yeast infections.
External
Cleanliness~
Bathroom 'splatter'- men who are not circumcised can"piss
off their living companions" he, he... because if they
do not retract the foreskin when they urinate 'splatter' will
usually occur.
Sexual Benefits~
More favorable hygiene for the man and his sexual partner.
Better sexual function on average. A penis that is regarded
by most as being more attractive.
Post
Surgery-
Getting circumcised will result in having to go through a
very minor surgical procedure that carries with it small risks.
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Pre-Surgery-
Parts of the foreskin, such
as the mucosa (inner foreskin) and frenulum, are protective
and enhance sexual control.
The
foreskin
can protect the glans penis from friction and abrasion throughout
life.
The
foreskin
keeps the glans moisturized and soft with emollient oils.
It also provides an aid to masturbation and foreplay and serves
as an aid to penetration.
During The Surgery-
Excessive
bleeding~
This is treated with pressure or locally-acting agents.
Infection~
Local infections occur in 1 in 100-1000 and are easily treated
with local antibiotics.
Subsequent
surgery~
Needed for 1 in 1000 because of skin bridges, or removal of
too much or too little foreskin. Repair of injury to penis
or glans required for 1 in 15,000.
Local
anesthetic~
The only risk is when the type of anesthetic used is a dorsal
penile nerve block, with 1 in 4 having a small bruise at the
injection site. This will disappear.
Post Surgery-
The
healing can potentially be complicated by nocturnal erections,
which put pressure on the incision and can cause bleeding
(this is usually self-limiting, but can create swelling and
bruising).
Diabetics
have a greater risk of postoperative infection, which is generally
a low risk after this surgery.
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The
Surgery~
Undergoing
a circumcision as an adult can be intimidating, but it is generally
safe. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia,
but it can also be performed under local.
Effects
Of A Circumcision On Sexual Stimulation~
A
circumcision can affect penile sensitivity and sexual stimulation.
The most sensitive area of the penile skin is the frenulum, the
area just below the head of the penis on its underside. Even with
efforts to preserve as much of this skin as possible, some men notice
less sexual satisfaction after circumcision. All that having been
said, urologists successfully perform many medically necessary --
and cosmetic -- circumcisions in men every year.
Why
Are Men Born With Foreskin?
One
possible function of the foreskin was to protect the head of the
penis from long grass, shrubbery, etc. when humans wore no clothes
thousands of years ago.
The foreskin allowed the tip of the penis to stay moist to allow
for quick penetration of a female, where lengthy foreplay and intercourse
would be a dangerous to one's survival. The risk from predators
and human enemies were greater the longer they were engaged in sex.
Why
Did Certain Cultures Begin Removing The Foreskin?
Many cultures have various reasons for circumcision... here are
just a few-
| Historically
it was not uncommon for soldiers to be circumcised in preparation
for active service because infections, initiated by the aggravation
of dirt and sand, are not uncommon under such conditions and
have crippled the health and functioning of entire armies. That
makes a lot of sense when you remember that it is difficult
to achieve sanitation during prolonged battle. |
| Egyptians
are thought to have circumcised themselves and their slaves
to prevent schistosomal infection. Urinary tract obstruction
and hematuria are common in localities such as the Nile Valley
that are inhabited by the infectious organisms. The foreskin
undoubtedly possess' the ability to hold infected water allowing
parasites to infect the entire body. |
| The perpetuation
of the procedure by the Jews may have subsequently been driven
by a desire to maintain cleanliness in an arid, sandy desert
environment. |
| In
Madagasgar, where all men are circumcised regardless of religion,
the reason is that women say that sex with a circumcised man
is longer, stronger, better for them and cleaner, so the men
are more likely to get sex by being circumcised. |
Keeping
An Uncircumcised Penis Clean-
Smegma:
Specialized sebaceous glands - Tyson's Glands - which are located
on the glans under the foreskin, are largely inactive in childhood.
At puberty, Tyson's Glands produce an oily substance, which, when
mixed with shed skin cells, constitute adult smegma. Adult smegma
serves a protective, lubricating function for the glans. When this
begins to build it is good to clean underneath the foreskin.
Foreskin
Hygiene:
The foreskin is easy to care for. An uncircumcised man should bathe
frequently to keep the risk of infection down.
Cost
Of The Procedure~
Circumcision
is amongst the 40 most frequently performed surgical procedures,
occurring more commonly than tooth extraction.
Most health insurance will cover circumcision for any of the conditions
listed above except cosmetic appearance. Fees will vary from patient
to patient depending on the degree of complexity, however a good
approximation is $1000.
What
Type Of Practitioner Does An Adult Circumcision?
For
adults a urological surgeon will often be the person to consult
with, or a general surgeon. Again, being so simple, there may be
other doctors who are not surgeons who can do it. So to find someone,
think about who you might ask first from your own knowledge and
contacts. It could be your local doctor. There are also men's health
centers/clinics that specialize in such male-specific matters, and
are used to handling enormous numbers of inquiries from men who
want to get circumcised. So if you are an uncircumcised male and
think this is what you want, don't be shy ... ask!
A
Personal Story Shared By A Man Who Had A Circumcision Performed
As An Adult-
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I
used to get very sweaty under my foreskin and it was sometimes
quite unpleasant. In addition to that annoyance, when I had
a very hard erection my tight frenulum not only hurt but also
pulled on the back of the glans and made the piss slit point
down at right angles to my shaft. These were the two main
reasons that I decided to get a circumcision. The following
is how it went down-
My
genitals were first swabbed with an iodine based antiseptic
and then I was given the local anaesthetize (Bupivacaine)
which was injected into the base of my shaft. The first two
injections were quite painful, but I never have liked having
any injections so it could have intensified by my psychological
aversion to shots.
As
the anesthetic began to work, I didn't feel the remaining
injections. The doctor clamped my foreskin and determined
exactly where he was going to place the cut. He placed a large
pair of forceps across the foreskin where he was going to
cut it and clamped them tight.
One
brief stroke of the scalpel along the side of the forceps
removed my foreskin. The places where I was bleeding were
found and sealed, either with simple pressure from small forceps
or by using an electric cautery device. After most of these
bleeding points had been sealed the doctor released my frenulum
from the back of the glans but didn't completely remove it.
I had expected that this would be done first to make the foreskin
more mobile.
He
used a lot of small stitches, close together, and it took
much longer to stitch me up than it had done to do the initial
circumcision. Dissolving stitches were used so that I would
not have to return to have them removed. Once the stitching
was completed the wound was covered with gauze and then tightly
bound with bandage, from half way down my glans to just short
of my scrotum.
The
whole operation had taken about an hour. The glans was bruised
looking for about four days. The bandage had been put on very
tightly and it compressed my urethra somewhat so that when
I had a pee there was considerable resistance to it coming
out. I took a couple of the stronger pain killers before turning
in, but I was rather uncomfortable and I didn't get a good
night's sleep.
In
the morning however there was no real pain. Although I had
to take things easy, and for the first few days was walking
with my legs apart as if sitting on a horse. The initial dressing
was to be kept on for 48 hours and so I soaked it off in the
bath. It took about an hour to soak off, with me gradually
unwinding it as each layer came free. When the dressing was
off, the cut looked like a broad pink ring around the penis,
with a wavy line of dried blood and the black stitches in
it. The frenulum area however looked very bruised and sore.
A new layer of antibiotic gauze was laid over the wound and
held on with fresh gauze bandaging. I had no real pain and,
apart from the first night, very little serious discomfort,
but I am glad that I took the week off work and would recommend
this to anyone whose job is at all active. During the whole
of the first two weeks I only took four doses of the stronger
pain killer and about the same of paracetamol - mainly at
night as a precaution rather than as a necessity. The dressing
was changed again on Thursday and Saturday nights. Each time
the cut looked nicer and cleaner. It was, of course, still
very tender and was somewhat painful to try to lift up to
examine the frenulum area. I went back to work a week after
the circumcision.
The
frenulum area still had a scab on it and the scar line was
still rather rough, but I was already very pleased with the
result. The stitches had all come out by the middle of the
third week and I had my first circumcised wank. I found this
highly pleasurable and shot loads all over my chest! The last
scab finally came off the frenulum area the following Wednesday
- three and a half weeks after the operation.
The
doctor has done the operation completely to my satisfaction
and I think it is very neat. When I am erect the color contrast
in the skin is very clear. The scar line has been placed 1.75"
behind the rim of the glans on a penis which is 6" when erect.
My circumcised penis also no longer bends downwards when fully
erect. I immediately found I was much more comfortable at
work, and really experienced the full benefit during the following
summer months when it got exceptionally hot. I would recommend
circumcision to anyone who has any tightness in their frenulum
or foreskin, or who regularly works in a hot and sticky place.
One
year after... my glans is fairly sensitive so it does not
take long for an ejaculation to happen, whereas it took longer
before I was circumcised. When I look back at being circumcised
I am glad that I was done, especially since I work in a hot
environment and the weather last summer was exceptionally
hot. I found it much more comfortable without my foreskin
than other summers with it.
-
Anonymous
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I
hope that this article has provided education about circumcision
with an objective vantage. In general circumcision is a low risk
procedure that provides positive benefits. Whether a man should
have one as an adult is a personal decision that he should make
based on weighing the pros and cons not only mentioned in this article
but also within his own personal situation. Hopefully the information
provided here will help in the decision-making process.
Astrology-
Does It Work?
Foreword
By Lisa S. Lawless, Ph.D., CEO-
When
I used to look at the astrology "horoscope" sections in
the newspaper I used to role my eyes with a great deal of skepticism.
I still do! It
was not until I learned that "sun sign" astrology is just
like looking at one number in a huge math equation and telling people
that from that one number you can derive the answer. How ridiculous!
Astrology
is a complex science and art that allows us to gain insight into
our personalities, life purpose, relationships and even forecasts
that aid in knowing what cosmic energies are around the corner and
in our future. The more I learn in life the less I know... and that
is certainly the case astrology as it is such a vast and rich resource.
I
have learned so much about myself as well as my relationships through
astrology. From my sun, moon, rising and other signs in my chart
and their interconnected patterns, I have more insight into myself
and others as well as a clearer sense of purpose.
I
must warn you however that it takes a skilled astrologer to provide
you with accurate as well as "quality" information because
there are a lot of scam artists out there and"astrologers"
that prefer providing surface "readings" rather than quality
counseling.
Astrology
is gaining momentum as the most elegant and sophisticated study
of the personality and the soul ever known. More and more people
are starting to see past the glitz and superficiality of popular
versions of astrology for more spiritual and empowering uses.
There
are 3 main uses for astrology. First, you can have a consultation
on your birth chart. This will highlight the spiritual themes and
tendencies that are working within your life consciously and unconsciously.
It will give voice to the issues your soul is addressing as well
as illustrate optimal ways to maximize your potential.
Life
is busy and a reflection of that can be seen through the constant
and significant activity to any birth chart. The second use for
astrology is to understand the current activity that your chart
is facing. We are all traveling down our own unique paths. We can
embrace our life or let it drag us kicking and resisting... by better
understanding ourselves and purpose we are better prepared to navigate
with more ease and with the tools to achieve the goals that our
create our life's purpose. That is just part of how astrology consultations
can help.
The
final use is relationship astrology or synastry. We are energy,
and our energy radiates and connects to others. It is of great importance
to have understanding and consciousness about the energetic connections
between any two people. Not just for intimate partners (the most
popular use) but also using synastry to help clarify the dynamics
between friends, parent/child, coworkers etc.
What Does Love Mean?
Through A Child's
Eyes
A
group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4
to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were
broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined.
We
thought these replies were beautiful and made our hearts overflow
with recognition of how much beauty there is in the world. See what
you think~
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"When
my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint
her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all
the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca - Age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.
You know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy
- Age 4
"Love
is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French
fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy
- Age 6
"Love
is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - Age
4
"Love
is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a
sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
Danny - Age 7
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop
opening presents and listen... Bobby - Age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with
a friend who you hate." Nikka - Age 6
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears
it everyday." Noelle - Age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who
are still friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - Age 6
"During
my piano recital, I was on a stage and scared. I looked at
all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling.
He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
Cindy - Age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone
else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - Age 6
"Love is
when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken."
Elaine - Age 6
"Love is
when mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he
is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - Age 7
"Love is
when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone
all day." Mary Ann - Age 4
"I
know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her
old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren
- Age 4
"When you
love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars
come out of you." Karen - Age 7
"You really
shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you
mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica
- Age 8
Author
and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he
was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find
the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child
whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had
recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little
boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap,
and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had
said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just
helped him cry."
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