In Australia, MGM (male genital mutilation) has been a prevalent practice since the late 1800’s. MGM peaked in the 1950’s with an incidence rate in excess of 85%. The “MGM” industry continues unabated in Australia. More than 15,000 (12%) babies are processed each year. In 2007 there are in excess of 5,000,000 males living with MGM. A literature review found the effects of MGM as psychological harm, desensitisation, mechanical trauma, disfigurement, and traumatic stress. A poll (n=546) conducted in USA reported (Hammond, 1999; BJU) psychological harm, emotional harm, physical harm, low self esteem, intimacy problems and addictions. Physical problems included glans insensitivity, scarring and insufficient residual foreskin; emotional problems included feelings of mutilation, resentment, violation, anger, frustration, sexual impairment and betrayal. A research study was conducted in 1994-6 in Sydney, Australia. Advertisements were placed intermittently in a mainstream Sydney newspaper calling for men interested in learning foreskin restoration techniques. Forty two replies were received. A package was sent to participants including instructions referenced from, and encouraging the reading of, Bigelow’s (1995) “The Joys of Uncircumcising”. A questionnaire was sent to participants. Reminders were posted until the completed questionnaire was returned. A return rate of 85% was achieved. A further letter followed, requesting permission to conduct an interview schedule. A number of interview schedules were completed. The data from the schedules were returned to each participant for verification. Analysis of the responses yielded no statistical differences to the findings of the poll of (Hammond, 1999; BJU). Medical, public health, social science and sexual health journals were contacted and sent a copy of the study in 1996. This study has remained unpublished until now because all Editors have likewise responded that “ … target readers would not be interested …”. Each Editor referred the researcher to another journal.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: None disclosed
Recorded: Sydney, Australia, April 2007
more about this speaker
