Circumcision?

Goforthbaby1 · October 2011

I honestly never gave this much thought until I was reading all about the positives and negatives in the "what to expect" books! We are team green, but I dont want to make a last minute decision. I know they are not as common as they use to be so I'm just wondering what everyone is doing and why!

ChristinaL27 · October 2011

A close friend chose not to get there son circumcised. Due to the pain that it could cause their baby...and two people they knew had complications with it which were extremely painful to their babies.

If DH and I had a baby boy we would get it done. DH is and he would want his son to be.

It seems like their are more pros then cons to it... Including less likely to get UTI, cancer, and other things... But every website seems to have conflicting answers.

Kpercyman · October 2011

We are not and it is not just because DH isn't. Most people say their partner's get more infections and STD's. However, DH and I have been together for 8 years and I don't have an STD, PCOS, frequent UTI's, and never have had a yeast infection. The US is the only industrialized country that performs regular circumcisions for non religious purposes. My parents thought I should so I started researching it more due to pressure from them and made the personal choice not to. Research credible websites and make an informed decision based on what you read.

Gem17 · October 2011

We will circumcise. Baby's pain will be terrible but worth it in the long run. I have heard of many complications without C.

mommybrynn · October 2011

We are-- I sort of let DH take the lead on this decision, he felt strongly that it should be done and I agreed so there ya go. We don't have a strong religious or medical reason why, it is simply our choice and what we feel will ultimately be best for our son.

Dman85 · October 2011

We are having it done for our son when he comes. DH is and wants him to be. He's never had a problem so I don't get why all there "conflicts" are resurfacing now after all these years. We looked at the pro's and cons and that's what we are going with.

cathom7 · October 2011

It's up to each family. FYI: In MY personal experience, I worked in a nursing home and in a daycare(Infant room 8 years, 13 total in center). There was one man in the nursing home who could not/would not clean his uncirc properly, and he was sick ALL THE TIME and it was always infected. It was AWFUL. What a horrible thing to suffer when you're 90. In the Infant room, we had a handful uncir through the years. Of those 3-5, 2 had serious problems relating and had to have it done when they were older- MUCH MORE PAINFUL! One of them was hospitalized for his bladder infections and we almost lost him(no matter WHAT WE DID to keep it clean). One had it done when he was 3. It was AWFUL. Anyway... We decided to do it bc I also know of a friend who had to have it done for medical reasons at age 12. THAT. Is traumatizing. Do I trust myself to keep it clean? Yes. Do I trust my 8yo? Heck no. Meanwhile, people will tell you that it does not help prevent STD's. But. Studies show it DOES help prevent the spread of AIDS. Around 60%. There are people that argue against this, of course. But the proof is in the pudding, if you look at what it's doing for Africa. But, if he WILL keep it clean and always wrap, it shouldn't be a problem. I did it for the health aspect. Per the World Health Organization. Also, yes, it hurt my son. But so did shots(which we did on the Dr. Sears schedule). And diaper rashes, when he got them. Which he screamed A LOT MORE for, btw. But, it is up to each family to decide. I would NOT do it to "look like dad" or something like that.

https://www.who.int/hiv/topics/malecircumcision/en/

RNmommyof2 · October 2011

If we ever have a boy, we'll circumcise.

tmjmeister · October 2011

Like everyone else said it is a personal decision. Each person has to choose whats best for their family. DH and I are not 100% sure either way but as of now we are leaning towards not circumcising even though DH is.

FluteLucy · October 2011

Kpercyman:
We are not and it is not just because DH isn't. Most people say their partner's get more infections and STD's. However, DH and I have been together for 8 years and I don't have an STD, PCOS, frequent UTI's, and never have had a yeast infection. The US is the only industrialized country that performs regular circumcisions for non religious purposes. My parents thought I should so I started researching it more due to pressure from them and made the personal choice not to. Research credible websites and make an informed decision based on what you read.

I'm sorry, but this is bothering me. You cannot "catch" PCOS from your partner like you can an STD. I have PCOS and was diagnosed with it well before I became a sexually active person.

As far as circumcision goes, we are having a boy and we are choosing to circumcise.

Shawnee11507 · October 2011

cathom7:
It's up to each family. FYI: In MY personal experience, I worked in a nursing home and in a daycare(Infant room 8 years, 13 total in center). There was one man in the nursing home who could not/would not clean his uncirc properly, and he was sick ALL THE TIME and it was always infected. It was AWFUL. What a horrible thing to suffer when you're 90. In the Infant room, we had a handful uncir through the years. Of those 3-5, 2 had serious problems relating and had to have it done when they were older- MUCH MORE PAINFUL! One of them was hospitalized for his bladder infections and we almost lost him(no matter WHAT WE DID to keep it clean). One had it done when he was 3. It was AWFUL. Anyway... We decided to do it bc I also know of a friend who had to have it done for medical reasons at age 12. THAT. Is traumatizing. Do I trust myself to keep it clean? Yes. Do I trust my 8yo? Heck no. Meanwhile, people will tell you that it does not help prevent STD's. But. Studies show it DOES help prevent the spread of AIDS. Around 60%. There are people that argue against this, of course. But the proof is in the pudding, if you look at what it's doing for Africa. But, if he WILL keep it clean and always wrap, it shouldn't be a problem. I did it for the health aspect. Per the World Health Organization. Also, yes, it hurt my son. But so did shots(which we did on the Dr. Sears schedule). And diaper rashes, when he got them. Which he screamed A LOT MORE for, btw. But, it is up to each family to decide. I would NOT do it to "look like dad" or something like that.
https://www.who.int/hiv/topics/malecircumcision/en/

^This. I also work with children and have known children of various ages that had to have it done because of infections. I would rather have it done as a newborn when they won't remember than at 9 years old when they will. When I brought the subject up to DH for the first time, he said he absolutely wants it done, so decision was made right there.

moatsie · October 2011

No question about it....YES, all our boys have been and will be circumcised. There is no way I would want him going through that surgery as a toddler, child, teenager or adult.

JeniLovesNeil · October 2011

DH is circ'ed but we will not be doing it to our son. Only about 33% of boys born now have it done and there is no longer any medical benefit to it.

I wouldn't remove my baby daughter's mammary buds to keep her from having cancer, so I feel the same way about my son. He will be born with a foreskin and I see no point to remove what nature gave him.

JeniLovesNeil · October 2011

cathom7:
It's up to each family. FYI: In MY personal experience, I worked in a nursing home and in a daycare(Infant room 8 years, 13 total in center). There was one man in the nursing home who could not/would not clean his uncirc properly, and he was sick ALL THE TIME and it was always infected. It was AWFUL. What a horrible thing to suffer when you're 90. In the Infant room, we had a handful uncir through the years. Of those 3-5, 2 had serious problems relating and had to have it done when they were older- MUCH MORE PAINFUL! One of them was hospitalized for his bladder infections and we almost lost him(no matter WHAT WE DID to keep it clean). One had it done when he was 3. It was AWFUL. Anyway... We decided to do it bc I also know of a friend who had to have it done for medical reasons at age 12. THAT. Is traumatizing. Do I trust myself to keep it clean? Yes. Do I trust my 8yo? Heck no. Meanwhile, people will tell you that it does not help prevent STD's. But. Studies show it DOES help prevent the spread of AIDS. Around 60%. There are people that argue against this, of course. But the proof is in the pudding, if you look at what it's doing for Africa. But, if he WILL keep it clean and always wrap, it shouldn't be a problem. I did it for the health aspect. Per the World Health Organization. Also, yes, it hurt my son. But so did shots(which we did on the Dr. Sears schedule). And diaper rashes, when he got them. Which he screamed A LOT MORE for, btw. But, it is up to each family to decide. I would NOT do it to "look like dad" or something like that.
https://www.who.int/hiv/topics/malecircumcision/en/

The "keep it clean" argument has been refuted by recent medical studies. The reason why uncirced boys were having UTI's and discomfort is because parents were retracting the foreskin before it did so naturally, causing infection. New research suggests not to retract the foreskin until it does on it's own - usually between 3 years and adolescence. The early retraction is what has caused these problems. Now that parents aren't retracting the risk of infection is very slim.

Kpercyman · October 2011

FluteLucy:
Kpercyman:
We are not and it is not just because DH isn't. Most people say their partner's get more infections and STD's. However, DH and I have been together for 8 years and I don't have an STD, PCOS, frequent UTI's, and never have had a yeast infection. The US is the only industrialized country that performs regular circumcisions for non religious purposes. My parents thought I should so I started researching it more due to pressure from them and made the personal choice not to. Research credible websites and make an informed decision based on what you read.

I'm sorry, but this is bothering me. You cannot "catch" PCOS from your partner like you can an STD. I have PCOS and was diagnosed with it well before I became a sexually active person.
As far as circumcision goes, we are having a boy and we are choosing to circumcise.

This was one of the reasons someone told me they were doing it and also on some not trust worthy websites (rumor mills). You have to watch what you read.

As far as the AIDS and STD's goes it is your child's own fault if they won't wear a condom. Would you consider female circumcision?

5bears · October 2011

JeniLovesNeil:

DH is circ'ed but we will not be doing it to our son. Only about 33% of boys born now have it done and there is no longer any medical benefit to it.

I wouldn't remove my baby daughter's mammary buds to keep her from having cancer, so I feel the same way about my son. He will be born with a foreskin and I see no point to remove what nature gave him.

Sorry, but that comparison is not analogous. One is more of a "snip" the other is major surgery.

MollySm · October 2011

JeniLovesNeil:

The "keep it clean" argument has been refuted by recent medical studies. The reason why uncirced boys were having UTI's and discomfort is because parents were retracting the foreskin before it did so naturally, causing infection. New research suggests not to retract the foreskin until it does on it's own - usually between 3 years and adolescence. The early retraction is what has caused these problems. Now that parents aren't retracting the risk of infection is very slim.

This!

We are having a girl, but we wouldn't circumcise if/when we have a boy. H isn't circumcised, and we just don't see any reason. All of the reputable research we have looked at shows that there is no reason to do it.

5bears · October 2011

Kpercyman:
FluteLucy:

Kpercyman:
We are not and it is not just because DH isn't. Most people say their partner's get more infections and STD's. However, DH and I have been together for 8 years and I don't have an STD, PCOS, frequent UTI's, and never have had a yeast infection. The US is the only industrialized country that performs regular circumcisions for non religious purposes. My parents thought I should so I started researching it more due to pressure from them and made the personal choice not to. Research credible websites and make an informed decision based on what you read.

I'm sorry, but this is bothering me. You cannot "catch" PCOS from your partner like you can an STD. I have PCOS and was diagnosed with it well before I became a sexually active person.

As far as circumcision goes, we are having a boy and we are choosing to circumcise.

This was one of the reasons someone told me they were doing it and also on some not trust worthy websites (rumor mills). You have to watch what you read.

As far as the AIDS and STD's goes it is your child's own fault if they won't wear a condom. Would you consider female circumcision?

Again--NOT the same. Female "circumcision" involves removing all the external female genitals. I hate that people can't give their opinion on these boards without stating that female genital mutilation is analogous to male circumcision because it's not just apples and oranges...it's like apples and toilet bowls.

hhiett607 · October 2011

If you want to do it for Traditional or Religious reasons, go ahead. My nephews are both circumcised and the only time they cried about it was when they had a wet diaper. My fianc? isn't circumcised and sees no point to it-you just have to teach good cleaning habits. With society and hygiene today it doesn't really matter if he's circumcised or not.

karleegirl · October 2011

This is such a touchy subject. But here's my 2 cents. Both of my boys are. But if u had another I would not circumcise him. There's just nit enough current valid medical data to back up the reasoning for it. It hurts the child. But to each his own.

5bears · October 2011

Ainslie325:
Kpercyman:
FluteLucy:

Kpercyman:
We are not and it is not just because DH isn't. Most people say their partner's get more infections and STD's. However, DH and I have been together for 8 years and I don't have an STD, PCOS, frequent UTI's, and never have had a yeast infection. The US is the only industrialized country that performs regular circumcisions for non religious purposes. My parents thought I should so I started researching it more due to pressure from them and made the personal choice not to. Research credible websites and make an informed decision based on what you read.

I'm sorry, but this is bothering me. You cannot "catch" PCOS from your partner like you can an STD. I have PCOS and was diagnosed with it well before I became a sexually active person.

As far as circumcision goes, we are having a boy and we are choosing to circumcise.

This was one of the reasons someone told me they were doing it and also on some not trust worthy websites (rumor mills). You have to watch what you read.

As far as the AIDS and STD's goes it is your child's own fault if they won't wear a condom. Would you consider female circumcision?

Is this some sort of rhetorical joke? To say nothing of the difference in invasiveness of these "surgical practices" (I use the term loosely with regard to female circumcision), women are circumcised in some cultures in order to maintain men's sexual and cultural dominance and to ensure women's sexual chastity (servitude). By removing the clitoris, you remove the possiblity that a woman will ever find sex pleasurable. The cultural assumption is that if a little girl grows up never knowing that sex is enjoyable, she'll never seek out pleasure on her own, remaining, essentially, a recepticle for her husband (often while he remains promiscuous with as many other women as he chooses).

Certainly you're aware that circumcision doesn't impact male sexual function or pleasure. By asking if we who plan to circumcise our sons "would consider female circumcision," you seem to be suggesting that we're okay with all of the social and cultural subjugation that goes with it, and want the same for our children. To this I say: seriously?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting that far more eloquently than I could above!

I don't understand why this issue ALWAYS explodes the boards like this. It's an issue where there are societal issues on both sides and medical evidence on both sides. It's a huge gray area in my opinion, which is why I would never attack someone for having a different opinion on this!

Peglet · October 2011

We are team green, but I told my husband it's his decision. He said he would like it done because he would want his son to look like his dad.

Traci09 · October 2011

5bears:
Again--NOT the same. Female "circumcision" involves removing all the external female genitals. I hate that people can't give their opinion on these boards without stating that female genital mutilation is analogous to male circumcision because it's not just apples and oranges...it's like apples and toilet bowls.

There are many variations of female circumcision that involve removing more or less tissue. Some versions of it are analogous to male circumcision, and the reasons that people use for doing it are the same as what people are listing here for circumcising their sons (looks better, cleaner, etc).

The fact is, circumcision is performing unnecessary surgery on an infant to permanently change his/her body. There are no medical reasons for routine circumcision on anyone, and the majority of men and women in the world do just fine being uncircumcised for their entire lives. The main issue that uncut boys have in this country is ignorance for how to care for an intact penis. Retracting the foreskin to clean under it on an infant is the cause of the issues that lead to getting circumcised later in childhood.

kikisoccerchick · October 2011

I am going to get it done. My Fiancee has the final say in the matter but i would prefer to have it done. I would like to think that my child would be able to clean it appropriately with the proper instruction however, kids these days are lazy and do not go out of their way to do extra work. I would rather get it done at a point where they will not remember it then heaven forbid NOT get it done and something happen later that might mean they need to get it done when they are older and have more pain recognition. I understand it is a touchy subject but i do not judge people for getting it done nor for not getting it done. It is a personal decision. But as an aside in my university i took a class on gender differences and female circumsision is so intrusive compared to male... you cannot compare the two.

Kpercyman · October 2011

Traci09:
5bears:
Again--NOT the same. Female "circumcision" involves removing all the external female genitals. I hate that people can't give their opinion on these boards without stating that female genital mutilation is analogous to male circumcision because it's not just apples and oranges...it's like apples and toilet bowls.
There are many variations of female circumcision that involve removing more or less tissue. Some versions of it are analogous to male circumcision, and the reasons that people use for doing it are the same as what people are listing here for circumcising their sons (looks better, cleaner, etc).
The fact is, circumcision is performing unnecessary surgery on an infant to permanently change his/her body. There are no medical reasons for routine circumcision on anyone, and the majority of men and women in the world do just fine being uncircumcised for their entire lives. The main issue that uncut boys have in this country is ignorance for how to care for an intact penis. Retracting the foreskin to clean under it on an infant is the cause of the issues that lead to getting circumcised later in childhood.

This was the point I was trying to make. I was giving the OP both sides of the argument. It is the same reason I feel judged by not having my son circumcised in the first place.

5bears · October 2011

Kpercyman:
Traci09:
5bears:

Again--NOT the same. Female "circumcision" involves removing all the external female genitals. I hate that people can't give their opinion on these boards without stating that female genital mutilation is analogous to male circumcision because it's not just apples and oranges...it's like apples and toilet bowls.

There are many variations of female circumcision that involve removing more or less tissue. Some versions of it are analogous to male circumcision, and the reasons that people use for doing it are the same as what people are listing here for circumcising their sons (looks better, cleaner, etc).

The fact is, circumcision is performing unnecessary surgery on an infant to permanently change his/her body. There are no medical reasons for routine circumcision on anyone, and the majority of men and women in the world do just fine being uncircumcised for their entire lives. The main issue that uncut boys have in this country is ignorance for how to care for an intact penis. Retracting the foreskin to clean under it on an infant is the cause of the issues that lead to getting circumcised later in childhood.

This was the point I was trying to make. I was giving the OP both sides of the argument. It is the same reason I feel judged by not having my son circumcised in the first place.

Just to clarify--Traci09 is not correct when saying FGM is analogous to male circumcision.

I think that this is a chioce that a family should make and it's really no one else's business.

pennyandandy · October 2011

mommybrynn:
We are-- I sort of let DH take the lead on this decision, he felt strongly that it should be done and I agreed so there ya go. We don't have a strong religious or medical reason why, it is simply our choice and what we feel will ultimately be best for our son.

This, exactly.

ryry1977 · October 2011

We did not get our son circumcised. Our doctor said that it wasn't medically nessesary. I was against it from the start though...many reasons. I did my research and made my decision. I think it is something that he can decide when he is older to do or not.

Angiee930 · October 2011

Dman85:
We are having it done for our son when he comes. DH is and wants him to be. He's never had a problem so I don't get why all there "conflicts" are resurfacing now after all these years. We looked at the pro's and cons and that's what we are going with.

I completely agree with you, DH and my mother made absolute certain that we would be getting Rowan circumcised, my DH is too and he wanted his son to be too, I understand and also wanted it for our son. Also I see we are due on the same dates!

soralette · October 2011

Since I don't have a penis, I'm letting DH take the lead on it -- he gets a 51% vote, lol.

My 49% is "no", though -- partially because it's not either of OUR penises we're talking about, and the kid should have the ability to decide for himself when he gets older if he wants it circ'd or not... and partially because one of my exes had a botched circumcision and came out of the procedure with, essentially, no head to his penis. That's not something I see any good reason to risk!

BlakeG · October 2011

We're having 2 boys and both will def be circumcised. DH wasn't as an infant and when he was in elementary school he had some kind of issue and ended up having to get circumcised. He missed a ton of school and is still traumatized by the pain. He would never want his boys to have even a slim chance of the same thing happening so he feels really strongly that we should get it done. I'm for it as well so that's what we are doing.

BlakeG · October 2011

Also, to the people who are saying it's something that he should be able to decide when he's older, I think that's kind of ridiculous. When you decide to do it or not do it you're making the choice for them. I think most boys/men would not decided to go through the pain of a later in life circumcision. I think everyone should make their own decisions and I'm not pushing one way or the other but I just think this statement is silly. You are making the decision for them one way or the other.

soralette · October 2011

BlakeG:
Also, to the people who are saying it's something that he should be able to decide when he's older, I think that's kind of ridiculous. When you decide to do it or not do it you're making the choice for them. I think most boys/men would not decided to go through the pain of a later in life circumcision. I think everyone should make their own decisions and I'm not pushing one way or the other but I just think this statement is silly. You are making the decision for them one way or the other.

...Then, obviously, being circumcised isn't something that they want enough to deal with having it done. If they DID want it, they'd get it done. It's not that complicated.

I don't see how allowing your child to choose what they want done with their own body is "ridiculous."

ZoeyMarie · October 2011

soralette:

BlakeG:
Also, to the people who are saying it's something that he should be able to decide when he's older, I think that's kind of ridiculous. When you decide to do it or not do it you're making the choice for them. I think most boys/men would not decided to go through the pain of a later in life circumcision. I think everyone should make their own decisions and I'm not pushing one way or the other but I just think this statement is silly. You are making the decision for them one way or the other.

...Then, obviously, being circumcised isn't something that they want enough to deal with having it done. If they DID want it, they'd get it done. It's not that complicated.

I don't see how allowing your child to choose what they want done with their own body is "ridiculous."

I think using that as an argument is silly. Reason being, you're a parent. It's your job to make a decision for your child until they are able to do so for themselves. If you're choosing to not have him circ'd, I really don't care. But, by your argument, no one should vaccinate, either, because it causes pain, there are some possible risks involved, etc.

BlakeG · October 2011

soralette:

BlakeG:
Also, to the people who are saying it's something that he should be able to decide when he's older, I think that's kind of ridiculous. When you decide to do it or not do it you're making the choice for them. I think most boys/men would not decided to go through the pain of a later in life circumcision. I think everyone should make their own decisions and I'm not pushing one way or the other but I just think this statement is silly. You are making the decision for them one way or the other.

...Then, obviously, being circumcised isn't something that they want enough to deal with having it done. If they DID want it, they'd get it done. It's not that complicated.

I don't see how allowing your child to choose what they want done with their own body is "ridiculous."

I'm not saying letting your child choose what happens to their body in general is ridiculous. I'm saying that I don't think in this particular instance it's much of a choice on either side. Circumcisions are not 100% medically necessary. People feel there are pros or cons on either side but definitely not 100% necessary, so it's reasonable to say that most men wouldn't choose to do some thing so painful that is not medically necessary. I know a few guys who aren't circumcised and actually hate it but they still wouldn't go through the pain and recovery time of getting it done now. They would have chose differently if they could tell their parents to do it at birth so that they wouldn't remember the pain or deal with the recovery time (taking off school or work).

My point is, even if a guy would rather have had the circumcision (maybe purely for vanity reasons or just because they find it annoying) by the time they are old enough to make that decision they most likely won't due to the pain factor. So you're decision to do it or not do it, in most circumstances, will be the final decision. It's just my opinion based on the guys that I know that aren't circumcised and said they wished they were from birth.

soralette · October 2011

ZoeyMarie:
soralette:

BlakeG:
Also, to the people who are saying it's something that he should be able to decide when he's older, I think that's kind of ridiculous. When you decide to do it or not do it you're making the choice for them. I think most boys/men would not decided to go through the pain of a later in life circumcision. I think everyone should make their own decisions and I'm not pushing one way or the other but I just think this statement is silly. You are making the decision for them one way or the other.

...Then, obviously, being circumcised isn't something that they want enough to deal with having it done. If they DID want it, they'd get it done. It's not that complicated.

I don't see how allowing your child to choose what they want done with their own body is "ridiculous."

I think using that as an argument is silly. Reason being, you're a parent. It's your job to make a decision for your child until they are able to do so for themselves. If you're choosing to not have him circ'd, I really don't care. But, by your argument, no one should vaccinate, either, because it causes pain, there are some possible risks involved, etc.

This is called the "Straw Man Fallacy". There is, at best, arguable medical benefit to circumcision (as well as a number of risks), whereas there is significant medical benefit (despite the risks) of vaccination.

GeekMom · October 2011

I will not be circumcising if I have any boys. I work in an infant daycare and have seen many messed up/half done ones. Out of every 8 boys I would say at least 2 of them have complications from them.

I have got more reasons, that other pps have mentioned , but i think this shows how bad it can actually be!

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