circumcision?

[Seity]

Our first was a boy. We looked at all the research. I saw all the OMG mutilation propaganda. At the end of the day, I didn't think there was enough evidence to make either way right or wrong. I told my OH that since he's got the same part he could have the final decision. He decided we should circumcise our son and I'm quite content with that decision. If this one is a boy, we won't even discuss it. He'll be circumcised. If it's a girl, then the point is moot.

 

[Grace1954]

We'll be doing it. My husband is and it is the right choice for us. I do not believe I am cruel for doing it.

My thought is if he doesn't know what it's like to have it, he won't miss it..but if we didn't do it, he could later wish we had or experience issues with it in the future, at which point it would be more stressful for him to get it done later. My husband says he doesn't wish his parents hadn't.. So like I said its just the right decision for us

 

[mamawananotha]

We are in the US. We had our son circumcised. My husband is, and to be frank, I have never seen an uncircumcised penis in person other than friend's babies (and I admittedly have seen more penises than I really should be sharing about with you ladies). I left the decision to my husband. We both understand the arguments both for and against. He had no idea it was even an issue here in the US and assumed that most other men were circumcised.

I will say that whatever you decide to do, it is very important to understand the proper care of the penis and foreskin. If you choose to not circumcise here in the US, you might come across some medical professionals who are not as educated as they should be about how to care for the foreskin/penis in the younger years. I have heard stories from many mamas in our city with intact sons who have issues with nurses or doctors not knowing the correct way to treat different issues when they have come up (when to retract or not, for example). If you choose to circumcise, be sure you understand how to help the penis heal correctly and prevent adhesions (which also can occur with intact foreskins).

 

[ttc_lolly]

Do you know how circumcision came about in the Western world!? Quite interesting actually!

Modern, non-religious circumcision began in the Victorian era as a means of deliberately desensitising and denuding the penis in order to discourage masturbation, which doctors then believed was the cause of insanity, epilepsy, hysteria, tuberculosis, short-sightedness, and death.

I do believe it's one of those old fashioned things that have no relevance in modern society, but I suppose things do stick. Unfortunately!

 

[bexxc]

I have never seen an uncircumcised penis in person

i haven't either. i actually had to google it to see what one looked like!

 

[patch2006uk]

we're team yellow, so i don't even know if we're going to have to worry about this choice with this baby, but i've got a lot of mixed feelings about circumcision if our lil sprout does happen to be a boy. usually i'm so set in and sure about my decisions, so my inability to decide is making me very anxious. just looking for some good, sound, sensible opinions either for or against circumcision.

(no judgments or criticisms on the statements or choices of others in this thread, please.)

This is just food for thought. One of my nephews lived in an area where ticks and all kinds of other critters live. Once a tick managed to get under the foreskin and start feeding on him while he was outside playing. His grandmother had to pull the foreskin back when he was 8 or 9 to properly get the tick out and care for the bite. I also had a foster child who was not circumsized and he had a bout with diarrhea and kept getting under the foreskin. I had to pull the foreskin back because it was getting irritated. Granted this was akward because of the strict fostercare rules but it was needed to prevent further infection. I circumsized my son for 2 reasons. The first was because my husband/his daddy is and also for the cleanliness factor. Once they are older they can handle it themselves but younger it falls on you and sometime the foreskin is tight and does not like to pull back easily. I guess it depends on the person.

You think ticks and diarrhoea are good reasons to chop off bits of a baby boy?

I got a blister once on my big toe. If it had been cut off at birth, it wouldn't have got blistered.

This isn't food for thought, it's nonsense.

Oh, and you should never retract the foreskin. When the child is old enough to do it himself is the first time it should be pulled back. It's fused to the glans at birth, and retracting it before it's ready can cause pain, scarring and adhesions.

 

[bexxc]

we're team yellow, so i don't even know if we're going to have to worry about this choice with this baby, but i've got a lot of mixed feelings about circumcision if our lil sprout does happen to be a boy. usually i'm so set in and sure about my decisions, so my inability to decide is making me very anxious. just looking for some good, sound, sensible opinions either for or against circumcision.

(no judgments or criticisms on the statements or choices of others in this thread, please.)

This is just food for thought. One of my nephews lived in an area where ticks and all kinds of other critters live. Once a tick managed to get under the foreskin and start feeding on him while he was outside playing. His grandmother had to pull the foreskin back when he was 8 or 9 to properly get the tick out and care for the bite. I also had a foster child who was not circumsized and he had a bout with diarrhea and kept getting under the foreskin. I had to pull the foreskin back because it was getting irritated. Granted this was akward because of the strict fostercare rules but it was needed to prevent further infection. I circumsized my son for 2 reasons. The first was because my husband/his daddy is and also for the cleanliness factor. Once they are older they can handle it themselves but younger it falls on you and sometime the foreskin is tight and does not like to pull back easily. I guess it depends on the person.

You think ticks and diarrhoea are good reasons to chop off bits of a baby boy?

I got a blister once on my big toe. If it had been cut off at birth, it wouldn't have got blistered.

This isn't food for thought, it's nonsense.

(no judgments or criticisms on the statements or choices of others in this thread, please.)

please, let's keep this civil. people have their own personal reasons for their beliefs and opinions. we are all perfectly capable of gauging the validity and sensibility of people's statements on our own.

 

[caggimedicine]

First link... (about HIV)
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=circumcision-penis-microbiome-hiv-infection

Just a quote from the very first paragraph: "...there was little evidence explaining how circumcision might reduce a man's risk of acquiring HIV"

Abstract for study about UTI prevention:
https://adc.bmj.com/content/90/8/853.abstract

UTI's aren't very common in men generally - and this has nothing to do with whether they are circumcised or not - it is because their urine tract is far longer than in girls.
The cause of UTIs are varied, but again - nothing to do with whether you have a foreskin or not.



STDs are spread via unprotected sex and has NOTHING to do with foreskin.

 

[patch2006uk]

we're team yellow, so i don't even know if we're going to have to worry about this choice with this baby, but i've got a lot of mixed feelings about circumcision if our lil sprout does happen to be a boy. usually i'm so set in and sure about my decisions, so my inability to decide is making me very anxious. just looking for some good, sound, sensible opinions either for or against circumcision.

(no judgments or criticisms on the statements or choices of others in this thread, please.)

This is just food for thought. One of my nephews lived in an area where ticks and all kinds of other critters live. Once a tick managed to get under the foreskin and start feeding on him while he was outside playing. His grandmother had to pull the foreskin back when he was 8 or 9 to properly get the tick out and care for the bite. I also had a foster child who was not circumsized and he had a bout with diarrhea and kept getting under the foreskin. I had to pull the foreskin back because it was getting irritated. Granted this was akward because of the strict fostercare rules but it was needed to prevent further infection. I circumsized my son for 2 reasons. The first was because my husband/his daddy is and also for the cleanliness factor. Once they are older they can handle it themselves but younger it falls on you and sometime the foreskin is tight and does not like to pull back easily. I guess it depends on the person.

You think ticks and diarrhoea are good reasons to chop off bits of a baby boy?

I got a blister once on my big toe. If it had been cut off at birth, it wouldn't have got blistered.

This isn't food for thought, it's nonsense.

(no judgments or criticisms on the statements or choices of others in this thread, please.)

please, let's keep this civil. people have their own personal reasons for their beliefs and opinions.

Sorry, but the reasons the PP gave in favour of circumcision are ridiculous.

All kids get diarrhea - sometimes it goes into a girl's vagina, sometimes it might get up the urethra, sometimes it might get under the foreskin. But those aren't reasons to sew up the vaginal opening, have a catheter or be circumcised.

I'll accept that there are valid reasons for circumcision - foreskin too tight (although this really can't be diagnosed until the onset of puberty - foreskins are supposed to be glued down at first), maybe it's developed wrong. But on the off chance of getting a tick stuck under it (getting a tick anywhere is a pain - how about one in any of a child's many folds of skin) is a bit too much of a leap for me.

It's just not something that's even remotely routine over here. It really baffles me. If the tradition was to remove the ear lobes or tip of a finger, would you do it just so everyone looks the same?

 

[bexxc]

we're team yellow, so i don't even know if we're going to have to worry about this choice with this baby, but i've got a lot of mixed feelings about circumcision if our lil sprout does happen to be a boy. usually i'm so set in and sure about my decisions, so my inability to decide is making me very anxious. just looking for some good, sound, sensible opinions either for or against circumcision.

(no judgments or criticisms on the statements or choices of others in this thread, please.)

This is just food for thought. One of my nephews lived in an area where ticks and all kinds of other critters live. Once a tick managed to get under the foreskin and start feeding on him while he was outside playing. His grandmother had to pull the foreskin back when he was 8 or 9 to properly get the tick out and care for the bite. I also had a foster child who was not circumsized and he had a bout with diarrhea and kept getting under the foreskin. I had to pull the foreskin back because it was getting irritated. Granted this was akward because of the strict fostercare rules but it was needed to prevent further infection. I circumsized my son for 2 reasons. The first was because my husband/his daddy is and also for the cleanliness factor. Once they are older they can handle it themselves but younger it falls on you and sometime the foreskin is tight and does not like to pull back easily. I guess it depends on the person.

You think ticks and diarrhoea are good reasons to chop off bits of a baby boy?

I got a blister once on my big toe. If it had been cut off at birth, it wouldn't have got blistered.

This isn't food for thought, it's nonsense.

(no judgments or criticisms on the statements or choices of others in this thread, please.)

please, let's keep this civil. people have their own personal reasons for their beliefs and opinions.

Sorry, but the reasons the PP gave in favour of circumcision are ridiculous.

All kids get diarrhea - sometimes it goes into a girl's vagina, sometimes it might get up the urethra, sometimes it might get under the foreskin. But those aren't reasons to sew up the vaginal opening, have a catheter or be circumcised.

I'll accept that there are valid reasons for circumcision - foreskin too tight (although this really can't be diagnosed until the onset of puberty - foreskins are supposed to be glued down at first), maybe it's developed wrong. But on the off chance of getting a tick stuck under it (getting a tick anywhere is a pain - how about one in any of a child's many folds of skin) is a bit too much of a leap for me.

It's just not something that's even remotely routine over here. It really baffles me. If the tradition was to remove the ear lobes or tip of a finger, would you do it just so everyone looks the same?

and if someone makes a statement that i don't agree with or do not see the validity in i am perfectly capable of discarding that information on my own. i appreciate any input you have on the subject as long as it is not a personal attack on one of the other posters' statments. this is an opinion thread and anyone is free to share their beliefs here without judgement.

 

[Seity]

I recall reading a feedback poll from men who'd been circumcised later in life when I was doing my research. There were a lot of reasons why they did it. Medical, religious, etc. The poll asked their age, why they had it done, sensitivity before and after, and do they regret having it done.
Some claimed less sensitivity, but not a significant amount. Others claimed no change (again this is all subjective, so you would expect variation).
The biggest thing that struck me was that not one single guy regretted that it was done, even the ones who were forced to do it for a medical reason.
These were guys from all over the world, so from countries where it's both common and uncommon.

 

[sjbenefield]

@mamawananotha & @bexxc

<-- sorry i just had to say they are quite goofy looking to me BUT they are so much better behind closed doors if you catch my drift ( ) ..

In fact if we ever had a son im sure he wouldnt be for the simple fact his dad isnt and its all just a matter of proper care uncircumcised needs more care and "upkeep" vs circumcised. and really its just a matter of personal opinion and belief unless the drs say there is something medically requiring or preventing it of course

 

[ttc_lolly]

I recall reading a feedback poll from men who'd been circumcised later in life when I was doing my research. There were a lot of reasons why they did it. Medical, religious, etc. The poll asked their age, why they had it done, sensitivity before and after, and do they regret having it done.
Some claimed less sensitivity, but not a significant amount. Others claimed no change (again this is all subjective, so you would expect variation).
The biggest thing that struck me was that not one single guy regretted that it was done, even the ones who were forced to do it for a medical reason.
These were guys from all over the world, so from countries where it's both common and uncommon.

On the flip side of this, I've read many statements where men have regretted getting it done and others just miffed that their parents took the choice away from them.

This is one statement that I just read on our NHS website under the page for circumcision info;

Creelmga said on 28 May 2012
I was circumcised at the age of 3 . I can remember as a child having a sensitive penis not being able to get into a hot bath etc. I am now 36 and have never had any sort of sex life because of my circumcision. Over time that sensitivity wore off as there was nothing to protect my penis and it has in effect become useless. I have never been able to maintain an erection during sex as I can't feel anything.and get frustrated and angry at the same time. My current girlfriend has been very patient but we have not had any sort intimacy for 4 years now and she has started to get upset by this. But she cannot understand the mental issues that go with it and think tablets will sort it out. Unfortunately nothing will ever sort it out. The writing is on the wall again for my relationship so anybody who is thinking of getting circumcised or god forbid circumcising your son please think twice before doing. Seek an alternative as there will be one. Once this has been done there is no going back I only wish I had been given a choice when I was at an age I could have expressed a choice.

 

[oh_so_blessed]

First link... (about HIV)
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=circumcision-penis-microbiome-hiv-infection

Just a quote from the very first paragraph: "...there was little evidence explaining how circumcision might reduce a man's risk of acquiring HIV"

Abstract for study about UTI prevention:
https://adc.bmj.com/content/90/8/853.abstract

UTI's aren't very common in men generally - and this has nothing to do with whether they are circumcised or not - it is because their urine tract is far longer than in girls.
The cause of UTIs are varied, but again - nothing to do with whether you have a foreskin or not.



STDs are spread via unprotected sex and has NOTHING to do with foreskin.

Yes, STDs are passed by unprotected sex, but as to whether having a foreskin makes it more likely to contract them THAT is debatable. You cannot make the statement, definitively, that it has NOTHING to do with it. Please, look for research, the link was just the first I've found. It is not my duty to do the research for you. You are the one that is making the DEFINITIVE statements. I have simply stated that there is reason to do research on it. If you're going to make definitive statements, back them up. Of course, in this case, you cannot because even current research is conflicted, so simply stop making them.

 

[kayyheyy]

Its apparently just a cultural difference...in the US we do a lot of things like baby showers that aren't as common in the UK and this just happens to be another. It's a decision that should always be up to the parents and their care provider

 

[Sparrow85]

I think it's a totally pointless discussion, especially on forums where users are from different countries/cultures.

It's one of those things that people have strong opinions on either way because of what is the 'norm' to them.

 

[MrsBurton09]

We are for circumcision based on our belief. My DH is circumcized and he has no complaints. I think it's a choice you have to make like any other parenting choice. There are pros and cons to every choice we make as parents.

 

[patch2006uk]

Its apparently just a cultural difference...in the US we do a lot of things like baby showers that aren't as common in the UK and this just happens to be another. It's a decision that should always be up to the parents and their care provider

Shouldn't it be the choice of the person whose penis is being cut?

I don't think a baby shower is comparable in terms of traditions. It's more akin to ear piercing at birth. And even that isn't a perfect comparison, as you can always take earrings out if you don't like them when you're older. You can't reattach a foreskin if you decide you'd like it back.

To the OP - google circumcision. There are comparison pictures of circ'd and intact penises, information on how to care for an intact penis (basically don't touch it!), and some other bits.

Apparently only 40% of American baby boys are now being circumcised, down from about 80% in the 1980s. It's not a majority anymore, and the number is falling every year.

 

[patch2006uk]

I think it's a totally pointless discussion, especially on forums where users are from different countries/cultures.

It's one of those things that people have strong opinions on either way because of what is the 'norm' to them.

But by that logic, we shouldn't try to improve breastfeeding rates, or stop people smoking.

 

[oh_so_blessed]

I agree that this is not on the same vein as a preference such as having a baby shower. It isn't something that should be taken so lightly. I think that parents need to do their homework before making any decision that could potentially adversely affect the health of their baby. Surgery, vaccinations, etc... to just go with the flow is a little irresponsible. Now, all that said, part of our reasons were religious and I am not all that keen on doing things for religious reasons myself, but OH's family will flip if the baby isn't circumcised. If I were staunchly against the practice, though, I would intervene. But, I think it is controversial for a reason, because there are pros and cons. And, after weighing them myself, and after having experience with men who have this both ways, and also balancing OH's beliefs, I am making the call to do it. But it wasn't without doing some homework.