Dec 7, 2008

Exploring the different types

Below I have featured a video that describes the different levels of female circumcision. This is a great opportunity to highlight just how female genital mutilation differs from that of male circumcision. Obviously, the most grotesque level of FGM is meant to completely eliminate a females' sexual desire. By sewing up the vaginal canal they are taking steps to control womens sexual activity. Men may undergo circumcision but it rarely results in major complications and does not remove a male's sexual desire. As shown, type 2 is the most common of all the types of FGM, and one can clearly see the impacts of such a procedure. Sexual intercourse becomes uncomfortable for the victim, something unheardof after male circumcision.
While both male and female circumcision is often performed for "hygenic purposes" only the female suffers long term consequences. The numerous complications that accompany FGM seperate, yet again, female genital mutualtion from male circumcision. Although fertility is often given as a reason for this procedure, it can actually create complications during childbirth. While I am not trying to discount those who argue against male circumcision, I do want to confort those who try to compare the two. The impacts on the female body are long-lasting and dangerous, not to mention monstrous.

2 comments:

specialaffinity said...

Regarding your comment that circumcision doesn't reduce or effect a males penile sensitivity or sex drive, please read the following and update your information.

At a time when fewer parents are opting to have their newborn sons circumcised, a new study has come along that shows that removal of the foreskin may also remove the five most sensitive areas of the penis.

The research, reported this week by LiveScience, contradicts previous studies that found circumcision led to little, if any, decrease in penile sensitivity.

For the study, Morris Sorrells of the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resources Center and colleagues created a “penile sensitivity map” by measuring the sensitivity of 19 locations on the penises of 159 male volunteers. Of the participants, 91 were circumcised as infants and none had histories of penile or sexual dysfunction.

Researchers prodded dozens of male penises with a fine-tipped tool and found that the five areas most receptive to fine-touch are routinely removed by the surgery.

The original finding was detailed in the April issue of the British Journal of Urology (BJU) International.

The research showed that, for circumcised penises, the most sensitive region was the circumcision scar on the underside of the penis. For uncircumcised penises, the areas most receptive to pressure were five regions normally removed during circumcision—all of which were more sensitive than the most sensitive part of the circumcised penis.

Samantha Loen said...

This video absolutely shocked me. First of all, there is a difference between performing a procedure on someone and mutilating someone without anesthia and with huge, unsanitized tools. Its disgusting and I dont understand how anyone can do that to a child. I understand that they have their reasons in their culture and they feel its right, but this is not right. Not to mention, they do this when the girls are into their early adolescent years. I feel badly for the victims of this ritual and the consequences they will suffer as a result. Our bodies are made the way they are made for a reason. There was no mistake and to alter the body in such a dramatic way cannot be right.