Circumsicion or Uncircumsize?

SingleMamiAgain · March 2011

I was wondering how does everyone feel about this topic. Is there real medical benifits for circumsicion? Or do we do it because of tradion

EJensify · March 2011

This thread is going to get interesting. Zip it!

biblionerd · March 2011

Since you haven't lurked much apparently, save yourself the hassle and please copy and paste this into a google search:

circumcision site:community.thebump.com

four+leighf · March 2011

A short video that lists some of the pros and cons: https://www.webmd.com/video/circumcision-pros-cons

Generally, it doesn't seem like there is much medical benefit. But there are cultural issues, as DH pointed out, being in a locker room growing up and being made fun of. Though it seems like circumcision is on the decline, so that may become less of an issue.

Scout05 · March 2011

You do whatever seems right to you and your partner, as this is your child.

:::settles back to enjoy the inevitable drama:::

Aprilynn0206 · March 2011

I left this decision up to DH and he wants DS circumcised, so that's what we're doing. Just a matter of personal preference for us, maybe a bit of tradition but nothing religious or medically related.

hi_dn@hotmail.com · March 2011

Let him look like daddy...

MissMommyMac · March 2011

EJensify:
This thread is going to get interesting.

It sure is...

breezy79 · March 2011

circumsize

here is why we decided

a little boy we know is ALWAYS getting infected. He has been to the doctor several times. (they are cleaning it properly). I'm talking about disgusting infections with swelling, puss etc etc

another boy we know had to get circumsized at 9 years old. The surgery was 4 months ago and he is sitll healing.

pandi02a · March 2011

I don't even know why I open these posts, they always piss me off.

TiffaniMay · March 2011

Just do a Google search. It's a personal decision that you and your partner must make. You'll find more than enough information online or in books to help you decide.

darmca · March 2011

I'm not really opinionated on this one. Do your own research and decide what feels right to you.

We decided to circumcise as there are chances of infection etc that could result in a later (more painful and memorable) circumcision or even, in some extreme cases, amputation. DH is circumcised and while his original thought was "I wonder what it would have been like to have foreskin, I wish I would have had that choice", we've both heard too many horror stories (no one ever tells the "I have this friend who is uncircumcised and he has no problems" stories) and decided just to go for it. To be honest, I was a little relieved for cleaning purposes, as I was not looking forward to having to pull back the foreskin to clean.

shannonalise · March 2011

pandi02a:
I don't even know why I open these posts, they always piss me off.

This.

madhatter2003 · March 2011

darmca:
I'm not really opinionated on this one. Do your own research and decide what feels right to you.
We decided to circumcise as there are chances of infection etc that could result in a later (more painful and memorable) circumcision or even, in some extreme cases, amputation. DH is circumcised and while his original thought was "I wonder what it would have been like to have foreskin, I wish I would have had that choice", we've both heard too many horror stories (no one ever tells the "I have this friend who is uncircumcised and he has no problems" stories) and decided just to go for it. To be honest, I was a little relieved for cleaning purposes, as I was not looking forward to having to pull back the foreskin to clean.

Um you do realize that only about 5% of men in the UK are circumcised and there aren't mass penile amputations going on over there. I know MANY men that are not circumcised and have no issues at all, even 'old' men which is always the common story on here.

You teach a boy to clean it, end of story. It's not that had.

heather_09_15_07 · March 2011

If we have a boy we will circumcize, and I have no need to explain our decision to anyone.

hlbman · March 2011

We are doing a circumcision. I had an ex boyfriend that wasn't circumsized when he was a baby. He was teased so much, he got circumsized when he was much older.....around 8 or 9 I believe. He said it was the most painful experience ever, but that it was worth it so that he felt more normal. It did cause a lot more scaring since he was older when he had the procedure.

I believe it's your own personal preference, but I would agree with a PP that said to make him look like daddy. This would help to build his self confidence.

normajeane6126 · March 2011

darmca · March 2011

madhatter2003:
darmca:
I'm not really opinionated on this one. Do your own research and decide what feels right to you.
We decided to circumcise as there are chances of infection etc that could result in a later (more painful and memorable) circumcision or even, in some extreme cases, amputation. DH is circumcised and while his original thought was "I wonder what it would have been like to have foreskin, I wish I would have had that choice", we've both heard too many horror stories (no one ever tells the "I have this friend who is uncircumcised and he has no problems" stories) and decided just to go for it. To be honest, I was a little relieved for cleaning purposes, as I was not looking forward to having to pull back the foreskin to clean.
Um you do realize that only about 5% of men in the UK are circumcised and there aren't mass penile amputations going on over there. I know MANY men that are not circumcised and have no issues at all, even 'old' men which is always the common story on here.
You teach a boy to clean it, end of story. It's not that had.

Sorry if you misunderstood, what I meant by that is, while I am sure they are large numbers of uncircumcised men, no one tells stories about how they don't have problems because that is boring and not 'story-worthy'. You only hear the horrors stories, as with anything. In the end it's a fairly arbitrary, personal decision. I would never tell someone what to do one way or the other (which I do with other things like bumper pads). I just felt like she was looking to see what other people have decided and why, so I explained what we decided and why.

darmca · March 2011

Sorry- duplicate post it won't let me delete

kimbo1216 · March 2011

I'm not having a boy, but my personal opinion is to always circumsize. Hygiene wise, it's easier to keep clean and free of infection. From a non-medical stand point, I just like it better--aesthetically that is. I am personally not a fan of male or female genitals. I don't think either one is attractive. I appreciate them for what they are worth, but I don't get anything from looking at them. That being said, a hotdog with a bun is just that much more unattractive.

Are you trying to decide? I think it's a personal decision, but I personally would do it.

lnelson20 · March 2011

There are plenty of reasons (medical, cultural, sexual) to support either choice. Do the research. Read the studies. Talk to your partner about his/her feelings. Check to see if your insurance covers it (more and more are dropping coverage). Talk to your pediatrician about your own health histories and if there is anything there that would impact his/her recommendation.

Sugarfeets · March 2011

Circumsizing.

Like some of the PP's said.It's a personal choice.I agree with googling this issue.Alot of the women here are very opinionated about this subject and things can get a bit nasty in here.

[looks over shoulder]

Indifferent

LittleDelany · March 2011

Scout05:
You do whatever seems right to you and your partner, as this is your child.

:::settles back to enjoy the inevitable drama:::

Yes

andrea922 · March 2011

madhatter2003:
darmca:
I'm not really opinionated on this one. Do your own research and decide what feels right to you.
We decided to circumcise as there are chances of infection etc that could result in a later (more painful and memorable) circumcision or even, in some extreme cases, amputation. DH is circumcised and while his original thought was "I wonder what it would have been like to have foreskin, I wish I would have had that choice", we've both heard too many horror stories (no one ever tells the "I have this friend who is uncircumcised and he has no problems" stories) and decided just to go for it. To be honest, I was a little relieved for cleaning purposes, as I was not looking forward to having to pull back the foreskin to clean.
Um you do realize that only about 5% of men in the UK are circumcised and there aren't mass penile amputations going on over there. I know MANY men that are not circumcised and have no issues at all, even 'old' men which is always the common story on here.
You teach a boy to clean it, end of story. It's not that had.

This exactly - and you don't pull back the foreskin to clean until they are much older, so you wouldn't be doing this for years, and by the time you do you simply teach your child to clean themselves, just like you would teach your daughter to clean herself.

LittleDelany · March 2011

darmca:
To be honest, I was a little relieved for cleaning purposes, as I was not looking forward to having to pull back the foreskin to clean.

You actually aren't supposed to pull the foreskin back to clean until they reach a certain age. If you do it too early, you can actually tear their skin and cause them to have an infection. It's best to just wash it normally until the skin starts to rectract on its own, and then teach him to clean it himself.

reference here: clicky

musicamh · March 2011

oh boy.

kxp004 · March 2011

+++Heather+++:

A short video that lists some of the pros and cons: https://www.webmd.com/video/circumcision-pros-cons

Generally, it doesn't seem like there is much medical benefit. But there are cultural issues, as DH pointed out, being in a locker room growing up and being made fun of. Though it seems like circumcision is on the decline, so that may become less of an issue.

My DH isn't and he was never made fun of in the locker room... but obviously it's about the people around you... Not that you will probably ask your DS this, but the sex is better lol (IMO)

ETA: NOT POINTING ANYONE OUT, but the most irritating thing is people who don't research this topic as much as any other topic out there... I also disagree with just letting the DH decide w/o doing research with him...and matching penises is a silly reason--you'd think you were taking pictures together with matching sweaters...DO THE RESEARCH, put in the time and make an educated decision

Sharon21 · March 2011

I agree with PP that you should do your research before making the decision that is right for you. It is important to know all angles before making your decision. I feel like there are many people that are completely uneducated about the subject and make the decision based on what they think everyone else does. Proof positive by the PP's that were saying things like your child will be picked on if he is not circumcised or complaining about having to pull the foreskin back to clean it. Those people do not know what they are talking about.

As far as your question on medical benefit this is the American Academy of Pediatrics statement:

"Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data arenot sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision."

https://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/pediatrics;103/3/686

brunette mac · March 2011

I'm having a really hard time deciding what we should do!? It's so frustrating to not feel convinced one way or the other. It's sad that this is what's preoccupying my mind in these final weeks of pregnancy!!! I'm afraid I will choose circumsicion and he'll wish I didn't make that decision for him. I'm afraid circumsicion on a new baby has risk for infection. Yikes, I don't want to deal with it. I guess I'm leaning towards no circumsicion.

amyp3553 · March 2011

Some may do this or not do this due to religion or tradition. However there are medical reasons why you would do this for your son. As a nurse I have seen too many times when a young boy has come in to the ER unable to urinate do to not enough or not good enough care to the penis (it is necessary to pull back the foreskin daily and clean well). Then this poor child ends up having to get a cirumcision at an age when they WILL remember the pain when it could have been done when they were born. There is risk of infection, if not done and not very well cared for, and the care does not mean just right after birth this care has to be done all the time. I have even seen 90 year old men coming in to get a cirumcision. I say why risk having a problem when you could take care of it right after birth and not worry, unless it is a religious issue then I can understand the hesitation.

kxp004 · March 2011

amyp3553:
Some may do this or not do this due to religion or tradition. However there are medical reasons why you would do this for your son. As a nurse I have seen too many times when a young boy has come in to the ER unable to urinate do to not enough or not good enough care to the penis (it is necessary to pull back the foreskin daily and clean well). Then this poor child ends up having to get a cirumcision at an age when they WILL remember the pain when it could have been done when they were born. There is risk of infection, if not done and not very well cared for, and the care does not mean just right after birth this care has to be done all the time. I have even seen 90 year old men coming in to get a cirumcision. I say why risk having a problem when you could take care of it right after birth and not worry, unless it is a religious issue then I can understand the hesitation.

Disagree...

This is almost like saying every baby should have their tonsils removed so they have less of a chance getting strep, or how about removing your appendix so you aren't part of the 7% of people who get appendicitis?

However, studies have noted that only 1% of boys with normal urinary tract function experience a UTI, and the number of circumcisions necessary to prevent one urinary tract infection was calculated to be 111....

I'm not saying it doesn't lessen the chances of getting a UTI, but it's not SIGNIFICANT.... which is the operative word...

andrea922 · March 2011

amyp3553:
Some may do this or not do this due to religion or tradition. However there are medical reasons why you would do this for your son. As a nurse I have seen too many times when a young boy has come in to the ER unable to urinate do to not enough or not good enough care to the penis (it is necessary to pull back the foreskin daily and clean well). Then this poor child ends up having to get a cirumcision at an age when they WILL remember the pain when it could have been done when they were born. There is risk of infection, if not done and not very well cared for, and the care does not mean just right after birth this care has to be done all the time. I have even seen 90 year old men coming in to get a cirumcision. I say why risk having a problem when you could take care of it right after birth and not worry, unless it is a religious issue then I can understand the hesitation.

This is misleading. Again, this is not something that should be done until the foreskin retracts on its own, which does not happen until they are older, not at an infant or toddler age.

justme04 · March 2011

This really always is such a hot and controversial topic.

Personally I always said I'd circumsize a boy...DH said there was no other way so yes DS is circumsized and his brother be as well. And its probably very flame-worthy but we never did research pros and cons before we made our choice. We decided that our LO's would be anestized before the procidure. So I guess in our case we did it because of tradition and feeling that it looked better.

Pookie's_Girl · March 2011

Although I didn't research this as thoroughly as some of the other decisions I've been making regarding this pregnancy and how I would give birth and take care of my son, I did enough to weigh the pros and cons of getting him circumcised, and I'm going to do it. DH was fairly adamant about it from the get-go, but he's usually not too hard to talk down when presented with actual evidence to the contrary, but I just felt this was the best decision overall for my son. I really don't care about him looking like DH, or getting picked on at school for it, my reasons were more preventative medical ones. I grew up surrounded by boys, so I am very familiar with their general hygienic habits when they're children, and, I have to say, that there is very little chance of my son actually doing as DH and I tell him and thoroughly cleaning his penis everyday to avoid an infection. And, as willing as I am to stand over my kids and make sure they do their homework, or brush their teeth, I will not stand over my son as he's bathing to make sure it's kept clean. Just the other month, a ten year old boy at my church had to have a circumcision because of a terrible infection that he got because he didn't clean his boy parts very good. My DS will be given a local anesthesia before the procedure though, or I will not allow it to be performed until we can fond someone who will.

ChristinaMT4 · March 2011

brunette mac:
I'm having a really hard time deciding what we should do!? It's so frustrating to not feel convinced one way or the other. It's sad that this is what's preoccupying my mind in these final weeks of pregnancy!!! I'm afraid I will choose circumsicion and he'll wish I didn't make that decision for him. I'm afraid circumsicion on a new baby has risk for infection. Yikes, I don't want to deal with it. I guess I'm leaning towards no circumsicion.

It isn't sad at all. It's an important decision and one every parent should research. I always suggest starting with this page as it discusses in some detail the results of all of the major peer reviewed studies. You'll find evidence that supports both sides, it's up to you to draw your own conclusion about what is best for your son.

AAP Policy Statement

yougrindmygears · March 2011

We will not be circumcising if we have a boy. I personally don't see any GOOD reason to mess with his genitals. DH wasn't circumcised, neither were his other 2 brothers and neither were my 2 brothers and none of them have ever had any kind of infection or problem because of the foreskin. ( I know about my BIL's because MIL is also against circumcision and has told me all her boys never had a problem) None of these people were picked on in the locker room at school either. I asked DH and he's like " what? you think we go around comparing d!cks or something?? You keep your eyes to yourself."

And I'm not even going to touch the sex topic because I am not a man so I have no idea if one feels better than the other. But I can just imagine, if my clitoris was exposed 24/7 that it would lose feeling for sure.

Either way, it's a personal choice and people will make the decision they feel is best for their children.

JaysonandKristin · March 2011

kxp004:
amyp3553:
Some may do this or not do this due to religion or tradition. However there are medical reasons why you would do this for your son. As a nurse I have seen too many times when a young boy has come in to the ER unable to urinate do to not enough or not good enough care to the penis (it is necessary to pull back the foreskin daily and clean well). Then this poor child ends up having to get a cirumcision at an age when they WILL remember the pain when it could have been done when they were born. There is risk of infection, if not done and not very well cared for, and the care does not mean just right after birth this care has to be done all the time. I have even seen 90 year old men coming in to get a cirumcision. I say why risk having a problem when you could take care of it right after birth and not worry, unless it is a religious issue then I can understand the hesitation.
Disagree...
This is almost like saying every baby should have their tonsils removed so they have less of a chance getting strep, or how about removing your appendix so you aren't part of the 7% of people who get appendicitis?
However, studies have noted that only 1% of boys with normal urinary tract function experience a UTI, and the number of circumcisions necessary to prevent one urinary tract infection was calculated to be 111....
I'm not saying it doesn't lessen the chances of getting a UTI, but it's not SIGNIFICANT.... which is the operative word...

Agree with kxp.

Furthermore, deferring to DH/SO/your partner, because he's the one with the penis is TERRIBLE. Give me a break!! Get in on the decision it's both of your son's penis!!

DH and DS1 and soon to be DS2 don't match. DH is cut, and the boys will both have foreskin. How many times did you and your mothers compare labia? NEVER!!

It's on the decline - MAJORLY - in the US. Down to nearly 35% or so. I'm thinking it's primarily because insurance isn't covering much regarding circumcisions anymore because of the AAP's stance. So, the locker room argument doesn't hold much weight either. How many of you were ever stark naked in your school's locker room anyways?

smilelari · March 2011

kxp004:
amyp3553:
Some may do this or not do this due to religion or tradition. However there are medical reasons why you would do this for your son. As a nurse I have seen too many times when a young boy has come in to the ER unable to urinate do to not enough or not good enough care to the penis (it is necessary to pull back the foreskin daily and clean well). Then this poor child ends up having to get a cirumcision at an age when they WILL remember the pain when it could have been done when they were born. There is risk of infection, if not done and not very well cared for, and the care does not mean just right after birth this care has to be done all the time. I have even seen 90 year old men coming in to get a cirumcision. I say why risk having a problem when you could take care of it right after birth and not worry, unless it is a religious issue then I can understand the hesitation.

Disagree...

This is almost like saying every baby should have their tonsils removed so they have less of a chance getting strep, or how about removing your appendix so you aren't part of the 7% of people who get appendicitis?

However, studies have noted that only 1% of boys with normal urinary tract function experience a UTI, and the number of circumcisions necessary to prevent one urinary tract infection was calculated to be 111....

I'm not saying it doesn't lessen the chances of getting a UTI, but it's not SIGNIFICANT.... which is the operative word...

100% this. Amputation isn't an appropriate preventative treatment for problems that are so rare.

If you're on the fence, I'd skip it. It's easier to do later on if you change your mind than to undo if you change your mind.

drpayne · March 2011

andrea922:
amyp3553:
Some may do this or not do this due to religion or tradition. However there are medical reasons why you would do this for your son. As a nurse I have seen too many times when a young boy has come in to the ER unable to urinate do to not enough or not good enough care to the penis (it is necessary to pull back the foreskin daily and clean well). Then this poor child ends up having to get a cirumcision at an age when they WILL remember the pain when it could have been done when they were born. There is risk of infection, if not done and not very well cared for, and the care does not mean just right after birth this care has to be done all the time. I have even seen 90 year old men coming in to get a cirumcision. I say why risk having a problem when you could take care of it right after birth and not worry, unless it is a religious issue then I can understand the hesitation.
This is misleading. Again, this is not something that should be done until the foreskin retracts on its own, which does not happen until they are older, not at an infant or toddler age.

Thank you! You would think a nurse would know that. I think people who talk about needing to pull the foreskin back to clean it are in the "haven't done their research" group. It is a tough decision... A permanent one you have to make for someone else. It's tough! We are still trying to decide and baby should be here any day. I think it's a personal decision. I just don't get some of the arguments people use. Needing to look like dad? Or their peers? Fathers and sons don't sit there comparing penises (weird if they do). Same for the locker room - according to every guy I've asked they keep their eyes to themselves. We are leaning towards not circumcising, mainly because we have a hard time accepting the idea that little boys come into the world flawed and in need of a cosmetic procedure.

g00dg0llymsm0lly · March 2011

If this LO had been a boy, we would have circumcised. DF decided at 21 to get circumcised due to a recurring infection, and according to him, sex is BETTER since he's been cut. I don't see any good reason not to circumcise. And ftr, in response to another poster who mentioned she would feel guilty if her son decided later in life that he wished he wasn't circumcised, I've never EVER met a man who said "Oh, I sure do wish I wasn't circumcised!" I think people think way too hard about this issue...

yougrindmygears · March 2011

g00dg0llymsm0lly:
If this LO had been a boy, we would have circumcised. DF decided at 21 to get circumcised due to a recurring infection, and according to him, sex is BETTER since he's been cut. I don't see any good reason not to circumcise. And ftr, in response to another poster who mentioned she would feel guilty if her son decided later in life that he wished he wasn't circumcised, I've never EVER met a man who said "Oh, I sure do wish I wasn't circumcised!" I think people think way too hard about this issue...

Actually...I came across this a little while back. So yes, there are men who resent being circumcised.

https://community.babycenter.com/post/a21876959/can_men_resent_being_circumcised

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