[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Ivan at 28 Apr 2003 23:23:48: It seems clear to me
As an answer to: Re: Oh, you of so little faith written by GW at 28 Apr 2003 22:57:35:
It seems clear to me that Jim was saying that on this particular topic, he knows more than nearly all physicians, based on his study and experience with foreskin-growth and the physicians nearly complete lack of such experience and study.
And he almost certainly is right, which is not a slam against the physicians. They ought to know more about the functioning of a healthy and mobile foreskin, sufficiently that they would seek to preserve it when presented a problem involving the foreskin. The vast majority of American physicians, and to a lesser extent those of other countries, view the foreskin as a useless appendage. The attitude is much as they had for the appendix forty years ago - 'it may have been useful when our ancestors were hunter-gatherers, but it's vestigial now.' On that basis, when my brother was operated on for his spleen in the early to mid 60s, his appendix was removed 'just because they had him open anyway.' Of course, they have learned differently about the appendix since then and seek to keep it unless its infected state threatens the patient.
Physicians already have to learn enormous amounts of information, and the information about the healthy foreskin is quite low on the list of topics covered. There are a lot of reasons for that, but the m.d.s generally confirm it.
Now as for foreskin-stretching in particular, this is more akin to an exercise program anyway. The doctor could confirm, "yes, your foreskin is tight, and the skin could be made to grow so that it is looser." If you asked for directions, very few would be able to give you beyond general instructions: "This is something you can do for yourself. Check with NORM or other knowledgeable groups. Make sure nothing causes sharp pain or abrades the penis. Don't go too fast - skin takes time to grow, but it is well worth it." This would be a phenomenally well-versed doctor to say this much (unless you went to a certain surgeon in Australia). It's like deciding you are going to build big muscles. The doctor can check you out for counter-indications, such as bad circulation, a weak heart, weak tendons, etc., and give you general warnings about sharp pain, overuse, good nutrition, hormones, etc. But for the actual muscle-building exercises and program, you would go to the gym. And for the actual foreskin-building exercises and program, you would go to the Jim (or NORM).