Foreskin Restoration: Reclaiming a Lost Birthright
R. Wayne Griffiths, a 70-year-old grandfather, speaks candidly about his restored foreskin, expressing a joy that is palpable. "It's delightful," he says, reveling in the sensation of having his foreskin back after decades of living with a circumcised penis. As the head of the National Organization for Restoring Men (NORM), Griffiths advocates for men to reclaim what he suggests is their birthright: a penis unmolded by the will of others.
A Historical and Medical Context
Circumcision gained medical popularity in the early 20th century and became a routine option for newborn American boys. However, recent years have seen a backlash, fueled by conflicting medical data about the procedure's benefits. This debate has given rise to a small but growing movement of men who oppose circumcision and seek to regrow their foreskin.
The Journey of Restoration
Griffiths spends his days educating men on foreskin restoration. NORM and similar groups view circumcision as an unnecessary procedure driven by ignorance or greed, with hospitals and parents complicit in the practice. Many restorers trace their interest back to childhood, often spurred by the sight of an uncircumcised peer. Psychologist Jim Bigelow, author of "The Joy of Uncircumcising," recalls feeling something was amiss from a young age. "I used to pray at night that God would regrow my foreskin and give it back to me," he says.
The Debate on Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the penis post-circumcision remains a contentious topic. While opponents of circumcision argue that the extra skin enhances sensitivity, a recent study by urologists found little difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men. Despite the mixed scientific evidence, restorers report heightened sexual sensation and increased sensitivity following restoration.
Emotional and Psychological Healing
For many, the value of foreskin restoration extends beyond physical changes. Griffiths and others describe a renewed sense of dignity and bodily autonomy. The language used by restorers often parallels that of survivors of trauma, emphasizing healing and empowerment.
Griffiths explains, "There's emotional healing that goes on for many men that says, 'I'm finally taking charge of my body ... I'm finally taking back what was taken from me without my consent.'"
