To circumcise? Not to not ??? Thoughts??

jessx3perez · July 2015

I'm having a baby boy, so this will be a decision I have to make. To circumcise him or to not ? It seems more today that if I do it's more for cosmetic and social reasons... But honestly I'm stumped!

Any advice ? Does anyone know of any good articles for more information? On both sides as well so I can do pros/cons.

Thoughts?

leah665 · July 2015

Just a heads up because someone will point it out. There was a huge thread about this posted a few months ago. You can search for it on the search bar.

To answer your question. I'm team green however if it is a boy I'm leaning that decision up to my boyfriend.

mrsdhouse89 · July 2015

How does your spouse feel about it? That is someone's opinion that should be taken into consideration when deciding. We circumsized our son, but I did it because my husband said that's what he wanted and I didn't question it. I am not a male and I trust my husbands opinion about what is done with male anatomy. I didn't mind it since I knew he wouldn't remember it and I'd rather do it while he doesn't remember it than waiting for him to be older and that pain being stuck with him. I am not aware of any articles, just my two cents.

twogirlsandagreen · July 2015

Yes as another poster said there is a huge and informative thread. We are not even though DH is circ. it's cosmetic and even the pamphlet from the doctor says there is no medical reason for routine infant circumcision.

saintpaulJess · July 2015

I can't imagine cutting off a part of my baby boy or baby girl. Or having someone else do it.

I don't want to be inflammatory, but I honestly think it's barbaric.

jkarayusuf · July 2015

I am having a boy and my husband and I are not circumcising him. I don't want to have my son endure this barbaric practice. The original purpose was to prevent masterbation in catholic based societies. Needless to say, it didn't work. My son will be perfect the way he is. When he is older, he can make the decision himself.

jenspeake · July 2015

There have a been threads on this topic. Please see a few below for reference. These discussions tend to get a little heated! Hopefully what was posted prior will help you out!

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12533204/circumcision-is-not-for-me-heres-why/p1

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12554956/husband-and-i-dont-agree-on-circumcision/p1

mollypuss1 · July 2015

Please check the threads linked above, this is a very touchy topic and I don't think my poor little brain can go through it all again

amberrmariee20 · July 2015

My first son wasn't done bc he had other issues at birth and it was too much to put him through all at once. This boy will be circumsized !

michellelynn6 · July 2015

I've read the other threads here, and they are very informative. This is a reaaaally touchy subject for people and ultimately, it's a personal decision for everybody. I'm also having a boy, and we are not having him circumcised. My reasons for this are: it's ultimately a cosmetic decision; and if my son decides he wants it later in life, he can always make that choice himself. It's not a choice that can be taken back!

VioletandRose · July 2015

Yes, this is a touchy subject on the boards. To each their own. I talked it over with my fiancée and he feels strongly about wanting to have it done if we have a boy, for various reasons. I for one would rather put my baby through it now, than having him make the decision himself when he is older and more cognizant of what is going on.

komorebi · July 2015

A girlfriend of mine took her son in for his third corrective surgery today for adhesions after going the "let dad decide" route. She's obviously upset and her hubby has decided far too late to educate himself.

We are not circumcising our son. My SO isn't but that has nothing to do with our choice. Mostly we both feel like genital modification surgery on a newborn is not our choice to make. Any research that points to a benefit needs to be taken with a grain of salt since we don't surgically modify any other normal body part on newborns to prevent future, possible issues from arising.

Educating yourself on the function of the foreskin and the history of the procedure is a good start.

gabrielafrnqyepez · July 2015

oboy....

just had to lolzz..but on a serious note as pp have mentioned it is a personal choice, something both you and your SO should be discussing together, also as pointed out we on this board have had many threads on this, they are very informative and should help you make a choice. me I am anti circ i have a 7 yr old never had a prob w health or hygiene, and won't be doing it w l.o .

jessx3perez · July 2015

Thanks so much everyone ! I know it is a touchy subject

I only post on here when I really just need some advice or just some thoughts. This is my first baby and I'm young so I just want to learn as much info as possible before making a decision. I will search for those threads on here as well. Thank you!

ashfen426 · July 2015

I had my twins circumcised and plan to have this one done too.

midge519 · July 2015

My oldest is circumcised and tbh the only reasons are because his dad is and I've never really heard of males not having it done. This one my boyfriend and I've discussed it and we've pretty much for sure decided not to. I genuinely feel bad that I forced my oldest to go through it for no real reason. My boyfriend isn't, although he has thought of having it done since he's been an adult. Both of my step boys are not. My thoughts on it are that it can't be undone and the more research I've done shows there really isn't a medical reason to do it.

princesslockness · July 2015

Both the CDC and AAP have completed studies, and discuss the pros and cons.

princesslockness · July 2015

Both the CDC and AAP have completed studies, and discuss the pros and cons.
I would link, but mobile sucks.

NicoleAndDerrick · July 2015

Luckily I'm having a girl! But my nephews weren't circumcised. The only thing I caution against for those that don't is that on a hygienic note you have to really clean it constantly. It's easy when you are changing their diapers and bathing them since like all good parents, you meticulously clean your little ones, however, my nephews now being careless young boys, have had a time or two where they didn't clean themselves good enough. Other than that I completely agree that it is absolutely a personal choice.

momma=z · July 2015

We are not circumcisizing our son. My husband is not and has never had an infection or hygiene issues as I've read. My father was European and my mom Mexican so none of the men in my family were circumcised since it was not the norm in either culture. I've read that parents don't want their sons to stand out but I live in California and it's quite common here to not be circumcised. To each their own. I don't think either decision is wrong. Whatever works for your family.

cgummie · July 2015

DH is, and would like his son to be, too. Pretty much cosmetic, but he said he would like his son to look like him and doesn't feel that having it done as an infant had any lasting effects.

That being said, I dated a guy a few years ago who had it done as an adult, due to a medical issue, and said that he wished his parents had done it when he was born (he was originally from the USSR). I've never met another non-circ guy who felt that way, but it left a lasting impression on me and my view on it.

DeeGreer · July 2015

I'm not going to do it. There's no need for it and I feel like it's a horrible way to welcome my son to the world. Sure, he won't remember it but he will FEEL IT. I'm very much against circumcision but if you and your partner feel it's right, do that. I personally hope it becomes a thing of the past.

MamaOwl15 · July 2015

jkarayusuf said:
I am having a boy and my husband and I are not circumcising him. I don't want to have my son endure this barbaric practice. The original purpose was to prevent masterbation in catholic based societies. Needless to say, it didn't work. My son will be perfect the way he is. When he is older, he can make the decision himself.

While I think you may be right that circumcision became such a thing in Western culture due to the Catholic Church, circumcision was practiced far before the Catholic Church came into existence. The ancient Hebrews believed they'd been commanded by God to have their sons circumcised, which is why many modern-day Jewish boys are circumcised. There are also some tribal cultures that still practice circumcision as a rite of passage into manhood.

I believe it was also thought to be more hygienic, though I think on more recent times, circumcision was done just because that's what we did.

All this is not to defend the practice though . . .

twogirlsandagreen · July 2015

MamaOwl15 said:

jkarayusuf said:
I am having a boy and my husband and I are not circumcising him. I don't want to have my son endure this barbaric practice. The original purpose was to prevent masterbation in catholic based societies. Needless to say, it didn't work. My son will be perfect the way he is. When he is older, he can make the decision himself.
While I think you may be right that circumcision became such a thing in Western culture due to the Catholic Church, circumcision was practiced far before the Catholic Church came into existence. The ancient Hebrews believed they'd been commanded by God to have their sons circumcised, which is why many modern-day Jewish boys are circumcised. There are also some tribal cultures that still practice circumcision as a rite of passage into manhood.

I believe it was also thought to be more hygienic, though I think on more recent times, circumcision was done just because that's what we did.

All this is not to defend the practice though . . .

Jewish circumcision stared with literally snipping off the very tip of the foreskin, not the entire foreskin like it has become common practice today. The foreskin has so many beneficial functions that unless for religious reasons, people should educate themselves. Circumcised males are also much more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction later in life too.

Males should have a choice about their bodies being permanently altered, ethically. It would be quite like forcing breast implants on a female because her mother has big breasts and she doesn't but mommy wants daughter to look like her

MamaOwl15 · July 2015

My son is circumcised, because when he was born, I asked my husband, who said that's what he wanted. I regret that decision because I know it's irreversible, and while my son may never question "why?" I can't give him back his foreskin. My husband was one of the many boys born in the 80s who were circumcised because that's what they did . . . I don't think he's ever given it much thought, though he did express that he felt it would be more hygienic. I do wonder, though, given his reaction when I suggested him getting a vasectomy as an option for birth control, if he'd feel the same way if he actually saw a circumcision being performed.

I believe people who circ for religious reasons have the right to do so, but if it's purely cosmetic? Why? It's not necessary and, in our day, with modern medicine, as long as boys are taught how to clean themselves properly and practice safe sex, it doesn't really give them any advantage.

Actually, the religious aspect of circumcision is one reason I regret having my son circ'd. My church (Presbyterian) practices infant baptism because we believe it takes the place (in terms of ritual significance) of circumcision. I know I mentioned this in the baptism thread, but my comment got deleted. Anyway, my son will be baptized when my daughter is, since he wasn't baptized as an infant. But that's a whole other discussion. :-)

OP, I agree with previous commenters that you'd benefit from reading the other threads on this topic. There have been some links shared to actual research studies and other sources of information, beyond just opinion, that might help you finalize your decision. Ultimately this is something you have to decide for yourself.

amberrmariee20 · July 2015

Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !

twogirlsandagreen · July 2015

amberrmariee20 said:
Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !

Ouch! How does that happen?! I dated an uncircumcised guy for 5 years and I never hurt his goods

row905 · July 2015

We are not circumsizing, I wouldn't go so far as to call it barbaric but it feels unnecessary. We did our research and don't believe the benefits outweigh the fact we are cutting off a piece of him.

My dog's tail was docked (before I knew he existed). I'm still mad about that, and he's my dog...

komorebi · July 2015

twogirlsandagreen said:

amberrmariee20 said:
Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !
Ouch! How does that happen?! I dated an uncircumcised guy for 5 years and I never hurt his goods

That happened to my SO. but it's still not reason enough for me. I've had tears and abrasions from sex, but wouldn't give up my labia because of it. Lol.

komorebi · July 2015

Wrong quote, damn this app. I was quoting amberrmariee20's comment. Although my SO didn't require surgery. Just a couple weeks off.

mollypuss1 · July 2015

amberrmariee20 said:
Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !

I know a guy who ripped his banjo string (dunno if you call it that in the US/Canada) during some vigorous sex (not with me haha) but he didn't need surgery, it healed itself in a couple of days. Dare I ask but what were you doing to his foreskin to rip it to the point of surgery???

jenn2132 · July 2015

Neither of my boys are circumcised nor is my husband and all are good in that area. I watched a video on it once long after my kids were born and it scared the crap out of me! It was seriously very difficult to watch. I will say though that I don't judge if people choose to circumcise, however for my family it's not something we are ok with doing.

amberrmariee20 · July 2015

twogirlsandagreen said:

amberrmariee20 said:
Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !
Ouch! How does that happen?! I dated an uncircumcised guy for 5 years and I never hurt his goods

It happens quite frequently, and talk about the amount of blood ! I didn't know what was going on !! It traumatized me..

amberrmariee20 · July 2015

mollypuss1 said:

amberrmariee20 said:
Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !
I know a guy who ripped his banjo string (dunno if you call it that in the US/Canada) during some vigorous sex (not with me haha) but he didn't need surgery, it healed itself in a couple of days. Dare I ask but what were you doing to his foreskin to rip it to the point of surgery???

I was 16, he was 18.. We had a few drinks and it got wild. He ended up calling his mother who is a nurse and he told her "his banana got peeled" I was mortified !!!!!

princesslockness · July 2015

amberrmariee20 said:

twogirlsandagreen said:

amberrmariee20 said:
Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !
Ouch! How does that happen?! I dated an uncircumcised guy for 5 years and I never hurt his goods
It happens quite frequently, and talk about the amount of blood ! I didn't know what was going on !! It traumatized me..

It happened to H and I on our wedding night. He was super excited (read large), and I was super tight as a virgin. We ended up ripping about 3/4 of the foreskin off in that first thrust. He had to have it removed while on our honeymoon. Sucked ass, and is the reason all of our boys will be circumcised.
There was no reason why it should have happened to H yet it did, and also happens to his dad we found out after the fact.

mollypuss1 · July 2015

Kate08Young said:

amberrmariee20 said:

twogirlsandagreen said:

amberrmariee20 said:
Ever rip a guys foreskin ? I accidentally did when I was 16, he had to have surgery on it to fix it ! Sounds so painful !!! My boyfriend now Is the only guy I know who is circumsized !
Ouch! How does that happen?! I dated an uncircumcised guy for 5 years and I never hurt his goods
It happens quite frequently, and talk about the amount of blood ! I didn't know what was going on !! It traumatized me..
It happened to H and I on our wedding night. He was super excited (read large), and I was super tight as a virgin. We ended up ripping about 3/4 of the foreskin off in that first thrust. He had to have it removed while on our honeymoon. Sucked ass, and is the reason all of our boys will be circumcised.
There was no reason why it should have happened to H yet it did, and also happens to his dad we found out after the fact.

Sounds like it could be a genetic problem?

DeeGreer · July 2015

One of my exes ripped his foreskin...but because he got it pierced. DUMMY!!! as far as aesthetics for circumcision, it doesn't bother me one way or the other if a guy is or not...I think the penis is the least attractive part of a man's body. I have read from multiple sources circumcision can cause erectile dysfunction though.

Blinkbaby · July 2015

I'll be honest, until I joined this group I never knew this was such a debated topic. I've read the pros & cons and understand both sides.

So far I think we're going to do it. DH wants it done, and the only guy I know who wasn't circumsized wishes he had been. He felt really uncomfortable about himself for years and was nervous approaching women even into early adulthood because of it.

Sure, there are a lot of things that can make someone self conscious but i just wonder who our little guy would talk to about it if that were the case. DH & all the other men in both of our families had it done so they wouldn't be in the same boat.

And i know it can be done as an adult....but it's much different to do as an adult.

I dunno. This one really is a hard one. I don't condemn anyone making either decision. I think it's just a guess and hoping your son agrees with your decision later on life.

lginnan · July 2015

Definitely having him circumcised.

MariahOBrien · July 2015

*~Confession Corner~*

I've seriously never seen a circumcised penis IRL. All my dudes have been uncut, including DH.

That being said, we're choosing not to circumcise. We do not personally agree with the practice.

Edited for spelling error.

DeeGreer · July 2015

@MariahOBrien same here. I think I was 22-23 when I saw my first circumcised penis lol

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