The act of removing parts of the body for religious reasons is called ritual mutilation. It has been practiced since ancient times all around the world. One example is Jewish boys who have their foreskin removed when they reach puberty to signify their transition into adulthood. This practice is known as bris milah or brit milah. Girls can also be subjected to this procedure if they are born within an Orthodox Jewish community.
Some communities allow it but discourage it. Many parents choose to circumcise their children because they believe that God commanded them to do so. The purpose is to prevent health complications such as urinary tract infections and penile cancer. They also think that it will increase their child's fertility rate later on. In recent years, the issue of female genital mutilation has come up more frequently. Women are being forced into undergoing these procedures in countries like Egypt and Somalia. This has led to a lot of controversies about whether it should be allowed or not. Some people argue that it violates human rights while others say that it is part of their culture and tradition. The World Health Organization says that FGM should not be done without medical supervision and consent from the person concerned. There are different types of FGM, which include clitoridectomy (removal of part or all of the clitoris), excision (partial or total removal of the external genitalia), infibulation (narrowing or closing of vaginal opening), and other harmful traditional practices.
What psychological and relational outcomes can result from religiously motivated circumcision?
Circumcision can affect one's self-esteem.
Men who have been circumcised may feel less attractive than those who haven't had their foreskin removed. This could lead to low self-confidence and poor body image. Another effect is reduced sexual sensitivity due to the loss of nerve endings during surgery. Circumcised men might find it difficult to reach orgasm because they cannot experience pleasure fully. Sexual performance could also suffer since there is no foreskin to stimulate the penis during foreplay or intercourse. This could cause problems in marriage if both partners don't understand each other's needs. In some cases, women may reject their husbands sexually after learning about the practice. It could make them question why he chose to do something so extreme when there are other options available. They might even want a divorce. Religious communities often encourage members to marry within their faith.
This can create issues between spouses who come from different backgrounds. If one partner was forced into circumcision as a child while another wasn't, there will be differences that need to be addressed. The couple must learn how to communicate openly and honestly with each other before making any decisions. If not handled properly, it could lead to resentment and mistrust. There is a risk of HIV/AIDS transmission during sex among people who engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected anal or oral sex. Those living with HIV should avoid uncircumcised partners to prevent further spread of the virus.
Do psychological and relational outcomes differ based on type of religiously motivated circumcision?
They do.
Male circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by up to 70%. UTIs occur when bacteria enter through an opening in the urethra and travel up into the bladder. Circumcision removes this area where most bacteria live, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
Female genital modification does not have these benefits since it does not remove any tissue. FGM doesn't offer any health advantages but only increases vulnerability to complications like bleeding and infection. It also reduces sexual pleasure for both parties involved. Women may experience pain during intercourse after undergoing infibulation, which involves sewing together the vaginal lips. They might not enjoy sex anymore because they feel numb down there. This could cause problems between them and their partners if they cannot satisfy each other properly. Men who have had part of their penis removed may struggle to get an erection due to reduced blood flow. In some cases, they can develop erectile dysfunction (ED). ED affects about half of all men over 40 years old. The prevalence is even higher among those who have been circumcised at birth or as adults. Both partners need to learn how to deal with these issues and support one another emotionally throughout life.
How are psychological and relational outcomes affected by culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation?
Cultural beliefs play a significant role in whether someone decides to be circumcised or not. Some communities view it as normal while others consider it barbaric. There is no universal standard on what type of mutilation should take place either.
Jewish people believe that boys must be circumcised at eight days old, but Muslims don't have such rules. Girls who undergo FGM usually do so before puberty so that they won't remember it later on. Their parents may encourage them to keep quiet about it when asked why they were cut up. This makes them feel like outcasts within society because they know nothing else. Circumcising boys might lead to bullying or teasing from peers who find out about it later on in life. If a man doesn't want his son to go through this experience, he may reject his religious community altogether. Being gay or bisexual complicates matters further since there is still stigma against same-sex relationships within many faiths. Parents may fear their children will turn away from God if they discover their true sexuality. They might try to change them instead of accepting who they are. In some cases, parents could even force LGBTQ+ individuals into therapy or conversion treatments designed to make them straight again. This can cause severe trauma and leave lasting scars.
What are the psychological and relational outcomes of religiously motivated circumcision or female genital modification?
The practice of religiously motivated circumcision or female genital modification has been a topic of debate for many years due to its potential physical and psychological effects on individuals. While there have been conflicting studies regarding these consequences, research suggests that both practices may result in negative psychological and relational outcomes such as low self-esteem, body image issues, sexual dysfunction, and reduced intimacy with partners.