to snip or not to snip... circumcision on the brain

ubermoose · August 2009

I'm at 11 weeks, so I know hubby and I have plenty of time to decide on this. I was wondering my fellow bumpies thoughts on circumcision. My hubby is not for it, I have mixed feelings. Looks-wise, I think penises are rather silly in general. Religiously, it's not a concern, but I'm thinking about hygeine/health stuff. Any input would be appreciated!

What are you planning on if you have a boy, or what choice have you made in the past?

newslady · August 2009

Snip... I don't see why anyone wouldn't. It's cleaner and I think most men are circumcised so it's considered the "norm." Just my opinion and I respect people's decisions if they disagree.

texaspch7 · August 2009

If we had a boy, we would circumsize him.

2plus4 · August 2009

We circumcised all of our boys. Hubby says he hopes he doesn't have anymore boys so he doesn't have to risk another circ. What if they cut it off!? is his and my fear of course. We did it cause DH is circumcised, and think it looks better that way and seems cleaner.

Melly Mel · August 2009

Absolutely snip.

bubbles1233 · August 2009

We won't. We figure there is no medical reason to and we personally have no religious reason to. Also, according to DH, it reduces feeling because it cuts off nerve endings.

Greyfaery · August 2009

I was kind of wishy-washy about this topic, too, but FH was adamant that we would circumcise if we have a boy. So I guess that's what we're doing.

chris27 · August 2009

I just hope we get a boy so we can make a decision like this. After two girls my husband is convinced this one will be another girl. Another girl would be great, but I have to admit I'd really like a little boy this time.

If we got one I think we would cir.

Lyssapee · August 2009

it never crossed my mind to...

I don't know first hand but I don't think any of the man in my or DH family is. They are italian, and irish/english.

as long as they clean themselves its' not a problem. Why put your son through it...

it can actually decrease sensation...

anabell0920 · August 2009

definitely SNIP!! easier to keep clean and personally from a woman's point of view I think they look better lol. Though and not to sound harsh to anyone I have no clue how some can say one feels better then the other since no man has had both. (unless they had an adult snip and how many have done that!)

MrsJJC · August 2009

We will snip for any/all boys we have.

I never realized it was such a question anymore, but a friend of mine was the only one in her recovery room (out of 4 women with boys) that elected to circumcise their son. She was surprised that the ratio was that high but we both wondered if maybe it was being delayed a bit for religious reasons, etc. Not really sure.

ksever1018 · August 2009

DH and I have decided that if we have a boy we would get him circumcised. There is some research to show circumcision may help prevent AIDS and other viruses. One issue is that some insurance plans do not cover circumcision, so it may be an out-of-pocket cost.

sleepingbeauty825 · August 2009

Spoke with the husband about this yesterday. It seems natural to circumcise, but we aren't really sure why. We don't have religious reasons to do so, and my hubby says he thinks circumcising does reduce the nerves or whatever. A side reason, terrible as it may be, my insurance doesn't cover circumcision as its not medically necessary.

AMG&PTD · August 2009

We snipped with our son and also plan to with this baby if its a boy. Like father...like son. On another note my doctor had me make the decision in the last trimester of pregnancy..signed the papers and everything. I'm not sure if all OB's do that though.

Rachel&Jake · August 2009

If we have a boy he will be circumsized.

bubbles1233 · August 2009

MrsJJC:
We will snip for any/all boys we have.
I never realized it was such a question anymore, but a friend of mine was the only one in her recovery room (out of 4 women with boys) that elected to circumcise their son. She was surprised that the ratio was that high but we both wondered if maybe it was being delayed a bit for religious reasons, etc. Not really sure.

I have read that the number of circumcisions has dropped over the years. Less people are circumcising their kids. While most adults are now, that may not be the norm in our kids' generation.

biddybaby · August 2009

I hate when men think that it will traumatize the child, did any one see the Nip/Tuck episode where his son tried to circumcise himself? That would be traumatic. Not to mention uncircumcised penises look like shar peis to me and I don't think that any man's penis wants to be laughed at. But these are my personal opinions, only you two can decide what is right for your child.

doyous&idos · August 2009

We will snip if it's a boy. DH is and a pedi (specifically DH's childhood pedi) said he rec's doing it. Our hospital has a pedi urologist do the circ, so we feel comfortable with our decision.

SoonerBred · August 2009

DH is very adament that any boys we have will be circ.ed. so i guess that is what we will do.

ubermoose · August 2009

I know it's not done very often in many European countries, and here, the numbers are as high as they were in the eighties when almost all got the snip. I read at https://www.emedicinehealth.com/circumcision/article_em.htm that numbers in the US are now around 50%, but that's gotta depend on demographics.

I know they can be taken care of and kept pretty clean either way. Still, doesn't it collect the last few little dribbles of pee each time? I know UTI's are really rare with boys in general, so I'm not too concerned about that.

Doozieanne · August 2009

Snip. I don't know how people can say that they have less sensation (although it may be true). I mean, unless they had sex uncir'd, then sex after being circ'd...how do you know? I just saw one done and it is so quick, the baby barely cried. I have seen an uncirc'd penis too and it's not pretty and they have to make sure to clean it really well. Just my personal opinion though. I thought it was gross and the guy always complained about being sensitive during "play" time.

whit1827 · August 2009

If we have a boy, we will circumcise him, for no other reason than it is just the decision DH and I came to. However (and this doesn't change our decision), insurance no longer views circumcision as a medically necessary procedure and instead a cosmetic procedure. So the price of having your son circumcised would fall on you. That being said, my cousin just had her newborn son circumcised and it cost them $750 out of pocket. I suppose that could be a decision maker for some people!

homebird · August 2009

I'm sorry, but snipping "because it looks funny" or because people might laugh at him? Those are not good reasons to circumcise your child, imo.

I'm kind of torn on the issue, so I think I'm going to let my husband decide.

mlf625 · August 2009

We had DS circ'd, and if we have another boy we'll make the same choice. ?But next time, DH will NOT watch the procedure. ?He went with my OB last time to watch the circumcision and came back to the room with tears in his eyes and feeling faint. ?:( ?DS was returned to me in better condition than DH was.

mitchelltheojua · August 2009

my husband and I have never really thought about it ... it's always been a given ... "absolutely" ... honestly, from my point of view, like some of the other ladies ... "it's more attractive" and honestly, in my experience ... "feels better too" Embarrassed ... I agree ... not enough of a reason to have it done but in my family, it's just what you do ... now ... for the other stuff ...

My husband is an epidemiologist ... studies the spread of disease for a living ... he gave the following information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

Several types of research have documented that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition by men during penile-vaginal sex.

Biologic Plausibility

Compared with the dry external skin surface, the inner mucosa of the foreskin has less keratinization (deposition of fibrous protein), a higher density of target cells for HIV infection (Langerhans cells), and is more susceptible to HIV infection than other penile tissue in laboratory studies. The foreskin may also have greater susceptibility to traumatic epithelial disruptions (tears) during intercourse, providing a portal of entry for pathogens, including HIV. In addition, the microenvironment in the preputial sac between the unretracted foreskin and the glans penis may be conducive to viral survivaL. Finally, the higher rates of sexually transmitted genital ulcerative disease, such as syphilis, observed in uncircumcised men may also increase susceptibility to HIV infection.

Male Circumcision and Other Health Conditions

Lack of male circumcision has also been associated with sexually transmitted genital ulcer disease and chlamydia, infant urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and cervical cancer in female partners of uncircumcised men. The latter two conditions are related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Transmission of this virus is also associated with lack of male circumcision. A recent meta-analysis included 26 studies that assessed the association between male circumcision and risk for genital ulcer disease. The analysis concluded that there was a significantly lower risk for syphilis and chancroid among circumcised men, whereas the reduced risk of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection had a borderline statistical significance.

Effects of Male Circumcision on Penile Sensation and Sexual Function

NOTE: of course most men who have been circumcised had the procedure done as infants ... can't comment on what "it" would feel like as an adult without circumcision ... never experienced intercourse in any other way so how would they know?

Well-designed studies of sexual sensation and function in relation to male circumcision are few, and the results present a mixed picture. Taken as a whole, the studies suggest that some decrease in sensitivity of the glans to fine touch can occur following circumcision. However, several studies conducted among men after adult circumcision suggest that few men report their sexual functioning is worse after circumcision; most report either improvement or no change. The three African trials found high levels of satisfaction among the men after circumcision; however, cultural differences limit extrapolation of their findings to U.S. men.

Food for thought ....

murfygirl · August 2009

If we have a boy he is definitely getting the snip! Its totally a personal choice though. I don't get the whole sensation thing. My fiance asks for sex way too much as it is I am glad it doesn't feel any better for him or he might never leave our bed Stick out tongue

GCavvv · August 2009

If we have a boy snip

anotherbrock · August 2009

Absolutely not. There are just as many studies showing an uncircumcised penis to be as clean as a circumcised. Not getting it done b/c it will "look weird" or funny is absurd. If our son hates his penis that much he can choose to have it done as an adult. We're also not Jewish or Muslim, so there's no religious incentive for us.?

Jennicap · August 2009

DH is snipped so our boys will be snipped. I have experience in both and the unsnipped is not that much harder to take care of you just need to take an extra step to make sure the inside is clean and dry.

GreekyPie · August 2009

bubbles1233:
MrsJJC:
We will snip for any/all boys we have.
I never realized it was such a question anymore, but a friend of mine was the only one in her recovery room (out of 4 women with boys) that elected to circumcise their son. She was surprised that the ratio was that high but we both wondered if maybe it was being delayed a bit for religious reasons, etc. Not really sure.
I have read that the number of circumcisions has dropped over the years. Less people are circumcising their kids. While most adults are now, that may not be the norm in our kids' generation.

Ditto this. My son will not be circumsized.

melody921 · August 2009

We'll circumcise. DH is, so it just seems like a normal progression. I also think it's cleaner and easier. As for people who say it decreases sensation, it's not like he'll know the difference.

liza0828 · August 2009

The argument that "it looks better" is patently ridiculous.

A lot of people don't realize why circumcision became popular in the US. It was during the Victorian era and it was done to try to prevent boys from masturbating. It had nothing to do with cleanliness. As others have pointed out, in Europe it's uncommon unless there are religious concerns. There is absolutely no medical reason to do it.

ach427 · August 2009

mitchelltheojua:
Several types of research have documented thatmale circumcision significantly reduces the risk ofHIV acquisition by men during penile-vaginal sex.

Biologic Plausibility

Compared with the dry external skin surface, theinner mucosa of the foreskin has less keratinization(deposition of fibrous protein), a higher density oftarget cells for HIV infection (Langerhans cells),and is more susceptible to HIV infection than otherpenile tissue in laboratory studies. The foreskinmay also have greater susceptibility to traumaticepithelial disruptions (tears) during intercourse,providing a portal of entry for pathogens, includingHIV.In addition, the microenvironment in the preputial sac between theunretracted foreskin and the glans penis may be conducive to viralsurvivaL. Finally, the higher rates of sexually transmittedgenital ulcerative disease, such as syphilis,observed in uncircumcised men may also increasesusceptibility to HIV infection.

I cannot believe doctors and researchers are releasing this information! It seems VERY irresponsible to me. The only real way to prevent the spread of HIV through sex is CONDOMS (or abstinence, obviously), period. No one should feel they are safer just because they are circumcised.

To answer the original question- we probably will, just because my husband is. I know 90% of the people our age are, but with babies born now I think the ratio is more even.

kristinem17 · August 2009

Since we make our decision together and DH is not cut (he is European) it seems that we will not be doing it. According to all the literature I have read, it is currently a procedure that is done 50% of the time here in the states. 30 years ago it was a given and the vast majority of newborns in the states had it done. Now, here in the states, with research showing pro's and con's for both options, the decision to cut or not cut is right down the middle. While here we have been doing it for years w/o hesitation and continue to make that choice, in other countries of the world, including both western and non-western, it isn't done unless for religous reasons and it has never been a health concern......

GreekyPie · August 2009

All these comments about uncirc'ed men having trouble keeping "clean" are just silly. If they shower regularly and wash with soap, they'll be fine.

Back in the middle ages when people never bathed, then yes, I'm sure uncirc'ed penises were awful. But not with modern hygiene.

If you choose not to circ, I don't really care - it is your decision. But it bothers me that people say they are hard to keep clean.

Mrs_D_in_KY · August 2009

Definitely snip. DH is circumsized and I asked him about it the other day and he said he has no doubt we would snip if we have a little boy.

I knew a boy who wasn't circumsized and was 6 years old when he got a bad infection and had to be snipped. I would much rather get it done when they're infants and not worry about issues later.

Gina070605 · August 2009

Snip.

Jeni182 · August 2009

Our son will be circumsized. DH is so he definitly wants it if we have a boy. I have a family member who was uncircumsized and went through years of medical problems because of it, even while trying his best to keep it clean. He ended up getting it done as an adult and it was no picnic. The research I've done suggests its cleaner and reduces the risk of certain infection so I'm all for it.

jenfurleigh · August 2009

AMG&PTD:

We snipped with our son and also plan to with this baby if its a boy. Like father...like son. On another note my doctor had me make the decision in the last trimester of pregnancy..signed the papers and everything. I'm not sure if all OB's do that though.

I had to sign the same thing but they said if I change my mind I can do so with no problem. I think it was just a "permission" sort of thing. But I thought it was really weird and since I don't even know what I am having yet!

But I still signed it as I know if I have a boy I would want him circumcised.

RadicalDreamer143 · August 2009

Definitely snipping - this was actually the first question my DH had for me regarding this baby. We are both pro-circumcision. Just because less people are doing it today doesn't mean that it is wrong to do so - I'm certainly not going to forgo vaccinating my children just because some people and celebrities think it's the right thing to do.

SugarhillHnA · August 2009

Snip...no hard decision for us and my DH isn't snipped. He wants our little one to be snipped mainly for hygeine reasons and to avoid embarassment in the locker room (I think that stems from him being teased).