circumsion. To snip or not to snip.

Outi - posted on 04/23/2010

cicumsizion rate has dropped ( depending on where you live) to almost half of what it used to be ( like 90% ten y ago vs like 40-60% now)
I have two boys. I grew up in europe, where routine circumsizion is unheard of. My husband ( although he is american) is not cut so we decided not to have either of our boys done. I feel that if they wish to do it later they can.

Megan - posted on 04/23/2010

We chose to have our son circumsized because my fiance' is. We didn't want him to have questions later on wondering why his father is but he's not? Especially when we would have to show him how to take care of something neither one of us really knows how to do. Besides getting it done at such at early stage in life is best for the baby. They won't remember it being done. And our son has healed and hasn't had a single infection.

Cynthia - posted on 04/23/2010

I just had a baby in september & I had him circumsized. I feel it;s a clean thing & it's better for them in the long run. I am not going to clean my sons foreskin everyday. Even if your child has not had any problems they can come in the long run. Think about when they become teenagers. this can have a lasting effect & you may be hurting them instead of helping.

Rebecca - posted on 04/23/2010

My husband was dead set against circumcising our son. He was actually kind of mad about being circumcised himself. I hadn't really thought about it, it was just what you did, so I had figured we would. But when my husband told me what his thoughts were, I was swayed. I even got in a heated argument with my sister over it. Some of the arguments:
health reasons: studies show that intact boys are more likely to get UTIs. But the likelihood goes up like .1%. Not enough to call for what is essentially minor surgery.
religious: not in my religion.
"It looks better": a) I don't think either looks better than the other, b) infancy is not the time to be considering minor surgery for looks.
"He'll get made fun of for not being like the other boys": When my mom was born, like 75% of boys were circumcised, when my 14 yr old nephew was born like 66% were circumcised. Four years ago, it was like 55%. That's in my area, the South. There are more in the NE and Midwest, and a LOT fewer in the West. So nowadays there's less difference. (percentages are ish, from some graphs I found) Plus, here's how I put it to my sis - if your child has a large nose, he might get made fun of for that, would you get him a nose job? In addition, I happen to know a guy who wasn't circumcised and he was never made fun of. Yes, I actually asked him.
I'm sorry, but "who is going to show him how to retract and clean it" is not a good reason. I will, if need be. I'll find out how and tell him. Or my husband can. Or I'll call my friend if it's the only way. And as for the STD argument, I'll teach my son safe sex, including facts of what increased risks he might have.
Now if there is an active problem, sure I'll have him circumcised. If not, no friggin' way dude. You're not slicing my baby.

Katie - posted on 04/23/2010

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factshe...

Angela - posted on 04/23/2010

About our children not being our property, but our responsibility, that is true, but it is our responsibility to take care of them the best way we can and make decisions for them when they are minors. In my family it is common practice to circumcise our sons, whether or not people agree with my choice is not my concern. But to hear all these people tell me that it is inhumane and cruel is a load of crap. It is MY child and MY choice. Do you women also scream at vegetarians that don't let their children eat red meat?? Or mothers that pierce their infants ears?? It is not the child's choice but the parents. I believe that parents should do what they decide is best for THEIR child. If you don't like it, too bad. You raise your child and I'll raise mine.

Jaelyn - posted on 04/23/2010

I am from the US, and it is very common here. Our son is circumcised and there actually was a complication. The Dr didn't remove enough skin and it had to be repeated when he was 2. So as a mom, I experienced it both ways. For me personally, even with the small amount of extra skin, it was disgusting. While in diapers poop would get trapped inside and he always seemed to have a rash. This was not from lack of cleaning, he was kept very clean, however that small amount of time sitting in a wet/dirty diaper, was enough for a rash. Even though we had to go through it twice, and my poor baby had to suffer through it at age 2 where he was more aware, I am very glad that I did.



As other moms have said, my original choice was based on cleanliness, aesthetic appearance, "to be like daddy" etc. All applied. On a personal note, I was once intimate with a guy who wasn't and quite frankly it was a huge turnoff that ended the relationship. Everyone has turnoffs that cannot be helped, and that was one of mine. Just the thought of getting close orally made me gag, what if he wasn't very conscious of cleaning? I never took the risk to get close enough to find out. For this reason (in addition to the others) I felt confident that he would choose to snip in the future so I did it for him while he was young and able to heal quickly. I have never heard of females being grossed out by a circumcised penis, while practically every female I know says they would be with an uncircumcised penis, so why limit his relational options?

Marina - posted on 04/23/2010

@ Alexis Fausett- I was also a CNA and saw problems with uncircumcised patients.
And also my sons had it done in their Dr.'s office and bled very little and healed quickly.

Marina - posted on 04/23/2010

Both of my sons are circumsized for several reasons. First being their father is a Muslim, second is that boys- even if you teach them- are not very particular about their hygiene usually and can I just note that the very word for the crud that gets stuck in penis skin even sounds disgusting-Smegma(ew!), third there is a notable higher risk of STD's later on and 4th is that we thought they would be more comfortable looking like other boys in the locker room and looking like their male family members do. I do realize how many nerve endings are there but I have to say- has anyone noticed that cicumcized males have any problem experiencing pleasure??? I think they do just fine with that one for the most part.

Kayla - posted on 04/23/2010

I circumsized my baby in the hospital and my medical card covered it. Also babys with circumsized penises vs uncircumsized is they are less lickly for infection likea yeast infection for example. There are plenty of women who have had their sons circumsized and had no problem!! If you cant trust the doctor then why take your child to him at all??

Alexis - posted on 04/23/2010

It is a great way to keep your child clean and disinfrected... boys who are not circumsised can get bacteria there and then have major issues as adults. I am a Certified Nurses Assistant and have seen alot of men w/o circumsion have countless UTI's and prostate problems! They are numbed and given tlyenol if they have any pain. It is not a risky procedure, the younger you get it done the less painful it is!

Alexis - posted on 04/23/2010

I am so glad I got my son done... and plan to with all my others! If you go to the right places it is not a scary thing... it is very simple where I am from and my son had no problems whatsoever!

Shannen - posted on 04/23/2010

The whole argument of it is more sanitary is a load of BS! Really wake up to your self.

I understand that some women prefer to have it done and thats fine they shouldnt have to argue their point with stupid non sense reasons.

The whole thing of we can teacha boy but it doesnt mean eh will keep it clean when he is older, well the same goes for girls but we dont make a big deal out of that do we?

Shannen - posted on 04/23/2010

I am going to reiterate what i said before.

You do not have to treat a boys uncircumsised penis as different. It does not have to be washed constantly, You do the same thing when changing a girl as you do changing a baby boy Uncircumsised ot not. My son is not bathed every night. Most nights but then occasionally i get lazy and he doesnt have one ( i am currently 8 months pregnant with 2 children under 4). Does NOT mean he is going to get and sti or anything like it.

Can some one explain to me how it is different from teaching a girl to keep herself clean? We don't change a girls body parts why should we change a boys?

And BTW i don't really care either way it was my husbands choice and we would have nly got it done if my hisband had been so that he didnt look different to his daddy.

Leah - posted on 04/23/2010

I got my son done. I am not Jewish I am a christian. I had it done for several reasons. 1 my husband is and he wanted his son to be. 2 the doctors told me it would be easier for him to clean when he got older. and 3 everyone one of the guys in our family is just didnt want him to be diff. I watched when the doctor in the hospital did it and my son didnt even cry. he was 3 days old.

Trina - posted on 04/23/2010

My opinion is that we wouldn't want someone to remove our cliterous because some might think it is unclean. In some other cultures they say female circumcision is cleaner ect, and they use all of these studies to back it up too. I say don't snip, because it is theirs and it is not our foreskin to remove.

Natalie - posted on 04/23/2010

good call on the STD and STI front. There is evidence coming out the wahzoo in either direction and I agree, there is no substitute for educating your children in the practice of safe sex and how to take proper care of thier bodies. STD's and STI's don't care if your boy is circumsized, if they are having unprotected sex or any kind they can still contract whatever there is in the mixing pot.

Natalie - posted on 04/23/2010

What a great comment. I can honestly say that I never thought of it that way. What right do we have as parents to physically alter our children like that, they can't speak for themselves or even fathom that it may be desirable to do so. Thank you for a good insight on this issue.I posted my views on the subject to see what kind or resoponces and arguments there were for and against, I know its a hot button topic and its easy to take one side or the other. Its not really something you can stay on the fence about without being labeled as a good or bad parents, and whether you see me as good or bad I don't mind. What other dialogue can we get going :)

Elizabeth - posted on 04/23/2010

For me i would say i will have it done. No i'm not jewish but in a case where you rushing or you leave your baby with someone who doesn't know how to clean them properly then you as the parent is stuck in the hospital or doctor's office trying to explain what happened. Personally with having to look after four kids and then having my own on the way i don't want to take the chance of someone hurting my baby boy and i'm left in the dark till later.

Jenna - posted on 04/23/2010

Ok, I feel I need to adress the STD issue. First of all, it is not true that circumcision reduces the risk of STDs.. it -MAY- reduce the risk of STIs (there is no definitive proof that this is fact, despite all of the so-called "research". And this "research" is based on statistics. As we all know, statistics aren't always correct). There is a huge difference between sexually transmitted infections and diseases. Second, as I said before, it's our responsibility as parents to educate our children. This includes the practice of safe sex. If your child is old enough to have sex and contract and STI, he is old enough to assume the responsibility of his actions. Unprotected sex is unprotected sex, with foreskin or without. We cannot compensate the lack of educating our children by altering their body parts.

Nicole - posted on 04/23/2010

We have all girls so I never had to make that decision but, if I did I would def. get my son circumcised..It is more sanitary..less likely to have STDs! Most Pediatricians are now able to do this procedure right after birth

Caitlyn - posted on 04/23/2010

I don't have a son, but if I did it would be no one's business whether he was circumsised or not. It actually disturbs me how overly concerned some people are with what other mothers do concerning their children's genitals. P.S. it's penile not penial

Jenna - posted on 04/23/2010

My opinion is that it isn't up to the parent at all. Yes we give birth to our children, but they are not our "property"; they are a responsibility. Our children are their own individuals. It's not OUR body that we are altering if we choose to circumcise, it is his. Foreskin is something that can be removed at any time during a man's life, and there are no medical reasons for foreskin to be removed as an infant. It's not something that is reversable. As far as people using hygiene as an excuse, it is our responsibility to teach our children how to keep themselves clean, and to keep them clean until they are able to understand the concept. My son is not circumcised he does not have cleanliness issues. When he is old enough to make the decision to remove his foreskin, he can. It is his body, and I don't believe I have the right to permanantly alter it.



(For the sake of region argument, I am American, but I married a Canadian and live in Canada)

Lizzy - posted on 04/23/2010

I think circumcision is a very American thing to do. Doctors don't come over and ask if we want it done to our sons in England, well, they didn't to me anyway.

And i hate that people find it disgusting if men/boys dont get it done, and that its better without, shouldn't you love a man for their mind, and not their penis?



I also don't understand how it will reduce the chances of STD's... You still have to have unprotected sex to get it, with or without a foreskin?



Its horrible that mothers think their little boys will get teased for it and do it for that reason. Maybe people should teach their children that we are all different? Instead of making them look all the same, to save the greif. If thats the case, would you enhance/reduce your childs penis size so he doesnt get teased? No.



I think if you teach boys how to clean themselves properly, all will be fine. A lot of men survive without having it done, so why the big fuss about doing something so un-natural?



Shaena, well said, i would have to totally agree with you.



Forskins are there for a reason.

Terri - posted on 04/23/2010

I stayed out of the decision making all together and had my husband decide. I figured, I don't have that body part so why should I decided for my son what gets done to it. Sure, before my son was born I thought if we had the procedure done, would it hurt him, changing his diapers would be a nightmare, but in the end we had the procedure done. My husband was for it 100% from even before we knew boy or girl. It killed me to see him in pain when we did change my little ones diaper but I stand by the decision my husband made. Before we knew it, he was healed and as my husband says, "looking like his daddy."

Amanda - posted on 04/23/2010

You're right I wouldn't pull my sons teeth if they didn't brush properly, but teeth are replaceable. Our decision had nothing to do with whether or not it looked better, we just felt it would be cleaner, and were also told that it could reduce chances of STDs etc...



Also I would prefer my son get it done now when he won't remember rather than when he was say 13 if complications happened to arise.



The specialist we used actually DID use an anestetic, a local one.

Laura - posted on 04/23/2010

I decided not to have my now 15mth old son circumsized. I felt there was no medically necessary need to have it done, no religious reason. My husband and I also decided that if we found there was a medical neccessitiy to have it done later that it would be done. I didn't want to take the choice away from him. He has had no trouble what so ever with any type of infection at all. Why put your child in any form of pain (reguardless of if they will remember it or not) they do not use an anistetic for this! While in the nursery in the hospital getting my son, I herd a baby have one done...They did not even wait for me to be out of the nursery!

I chose not to have a curcumsion done, and would make the same choice again if I have another son!

(also I apologize for any gramatical errors in this, as I have severe pregnancy brain right now!)

Shaena - posted on 04/23/2010

We don't have a son yet but my husband and I have discussed this. His main argument to have it done is so our son looks like all the other boys and doesn't teased or feel weird to look different. I say that's not a good enough reason to perform a medically unnecessary procedure on an infant (esp since it would just be cosmetic). And no one has been able to tell me how exactly it differs from female genital mutilation, other than our society endorses it.

I have no idea whether it's "harder" to keep an uncircumcised penis clean or not because I've heard both, but really, why is that an issue? You teach your child how to properly wash his hands, brush his teeth, clean his ears - why isn't teaching him how to clean his penis acceptable? Why are we sexualizing it in children? To them it's just another body part. Yes he'll learn what it's "for" but it's not like teaching them how to clean their penises is like showing them how to masturbate.

As far as women "not wanting him" - I certainly hope we'd instill enough self confidence in him so he's not too put off by a woman who can't bring herself to look past his penis not looking like what she may be used to or expect.

In response to boys not cleaning themselves properly even if you show them how, making them more at risk for infection (which hasn't really been shown to be the case in uncircumcised penises anyway) - you wouldn't preemptively pull his teeth out just in case he decides he doesn't want to brush properly and you want to save him the pain of a cavity or root canal, would you?

Amanda - posted on 04/23/2010

We got our son circumsized for a few reasons.
1. I knew a man who had the same issue as Jodie mentioned her son had..only he was 27 when he had to have his done in an emergency procedure..
2. Our son will be outdoors a lot because we live very close to a lake and spend the bulk of the summer camping and on the beach.
3. We researched it thoroughly before making our decision and while the chances of urinary tract infections/STDs/Cancer are slim..we still felt that the fact the circumsion will lower the odds even farther was worth it.

I also just want to note that most boys are shown how to properly bathe, wash their hands etc...but how many actually do just because they know how?

Ashley - posted on 04/23/2010

I just didn't want to cause him any unnesscary pain... And really it's my son why would i NOT show him how to clean himself? I had to fight his father the whole way about it but I didn't do it and i'm glad I didn't.

Lizzy - posted on 04/23/2010

If the foreskin wasnt meant to be there, it wouldn't be there in the first place, simple as!



I am very much against it. Things to do with babies bodies should be their choice when they are older, or if it medically needs to be done.

It does actually make me angry when people go ahead and do it when they don't need to. The child didnt ask for it, i just don't understand!



- Just to add aswell, that i respect all religious views, and understand why people do it for that, and im not against that.

Alisha - posted on 04/23/2010

I had my son circumsized. I am all for it and did not need 3 reasons why the doctor just asked if I wanted it done and my fiance and I both said yes. And no problems he is a happy 7 month old. I think cleaning and socially were 2 main reasons for us. I don't think people should criticize either way it is a choice!!! everyone is different and has their own opinions. We are all moms and know what is best for our little ones!

Kelsey - posted on 04/23/2010

My son never even cried when he got his done. My ob/gyn is the one who did it and could tell I was nervous so she asked if we would like to come along and wait outside the nursery, just so I would be less nervous. It was done in a matter of 5 minutes and I never even heard a cry or a sound come from him.

We (my finacee and I) chose to have are son done cause his father is as well as all the other boy cousins are as well. Its a personal decision made by the parents of the child. I also know of some friends who didn't have their sons circumsized and they have had some bad infections, so I was worried about that. I understand some not wanting to do that to their child and thats fine. We all have to make hard decision on what is best for our children and have to hope its the right ones for them.

Jamie - posted on 04/23/2010

@ Christi... Please do not go around telling people that Jews do not circumcise their boys, they DO. It was a commandment from GOD in order to mark themselves as His Chosen People. It is done by a rabbi in a ceremony called a Briss

Noun 1. Briss- the Jewish rite of circumcision performed on a male child on the eighth day of his life
Berit, Berith, Bris, Brith
circumcision - the act of circumcising performed on males eight days after birth as a Jewish and Muslim religious rite

The bible even talks about Jesus' circumcision, he was done because he was Jewish. Please do not go around spreading such gross misinformation. Any practicing Jew will have their son circumcised.

Honestly, i don't have an opinion either way on whether or not parents choose to get their own children circumcised. We decided that it was religiously and culturally unnecessary to circumcise our son, and if you're interested... We're both conservative libertarians. Hardly tree hugging flower children, so you can keep your inane insults to yourself. Thanks.

Leatonya - posted on 04/23/2010

I totally agree with that! I've seen alot of threads on her with mommies downing other mommies for there choices and it not right!we are entitled to our opinions and are not entitled to make others feel like they are wrong for the way they chose to raise there children!

Angela - posted on 04/23/2010

I have to comment on some of the statements about the pain, a circumsion doesn't hurt a baby because they use a topical anesthetic to numb them. As for it hurting when it is done as adults, I don't know why but some procedures are harder on adults then children and this is one of them. My cousin had to have it done when he was 19 because of some infection or something and it was very painful and took a long time to heal. My son had his done when he was born with no pain and little healing time. There are obviously very different views and opinions on the subject and I say let the parents make the choice. It's their child, they are the ones who have to deal with it either way. As for people attacking eachother for their opinions, aren't we adult enough to say I understand your point of view, this is mine and leave it at that?

Natalie - posted on 04/23/2010

yes it is all in how you keep it clean but for me i had it done with no problems but i personally think that the penis looks better circumsized. i didnt want my son to be self conscious about his penis and ask why doesnt my pee pee look like my dads. but for me it just looks better i know that seems very selfish or snobby but my opinion i have seen both and i think it is better circumsized

Lara - posted on 04/23/2010

Im in the USA and I did not have my son circumsized. Mainly for cultural reasons. His father is from El Salvador and is not circumsized and I am half Icelandic and men are not traditionally circumcized there either. I have had no problems with my little one not being circumcized and no regrets.

Erika - posted on 04/23/2010

i have 3 boys and they are not circumsized.the first two's dad wasnt and my husband now isnt either. i couldnt do it even if their dads wanted it! but for me its a turn on to not be done i love it and my husband loves it!! and i live in the united states! and alot of my friends are opting not to!

Leatonya - posted on 04/23/2010

My ob/gyn and my boys pediatrician recommended it.So i had my boys done.My personal opinion is that its cleaner and when my oldest was learning to was himself he didnt do a very good job so I'm glad i had it done.My ex-sister-in law didn't have her youngest boy done because the Missouri medicaid didn't cover that procedure any longer,and her youngest is now 6 and has several infections.My husband and my boys has never had any.I also think its your decision whether or not to have it done.~Thanks for the good topic.Have a great day mommies!

Jessi - posted on 04/23/2010

my son's father isn't circumsized but i did get my son circumsized the following morning after his birth. i have heard horror stories about not getting it done & i knew there were risks about getting it done but being in a hospital i felt comfortable having it done. besides, even though you (not specifically you but in general) take care of your child's uncircumsized penis when he's a baby doesn't mean he will take care of it on his own when he gets older.

Christina - posted on 04/23/2010

All of the men in my family have been done, as well as my husband. We decided to go ahead and have both of our son's done too. We do feel that it is cleaner, and nicer looking. I have several male friends that are circumsized, and some that aren't. I have NEVER heard any of my friends say: : I wish my parents hadn't had me circumsized." I HAVE, however, heard MANY COMPLAINTS from the boys who weren't. "I wish that my parents would have got it done when I was born." It is true that you can choose to have it done when you're older, but there are many additional problems at that age, as well as increased pain and a longer healing process... or so I've heard. The ones that aren't done have complained of sexual problems and cleanliness issues. This was enough to convince me to have my boys done.

Katie - posted on 04/23/2010

My fiance wasn't circumsized and later on it caused him a lot of problems so he had to go in and get it done. He was in pain for weeks after the procedure and he always tells me he wished his parents would have done it when he was a baby. I am all for it because I had to watch what my fiance went through because he wasn't. Its a lot more painful when they're older, I think there are just as many risks if you don't have it done when they're a baby. Thats just me though.

Nicole - posted on 04/23/2010

We had our sons done. His dad is done so we thought it best to have him done. We didn't want the questions later of why he was so different from his dad. I didn't have any problem with it after he had it snipped. In fact the doctor told me he didn't even cry at all when he had it done. Like everyone else is saying though, it is all up to the parent and what they think is best for their child.

Chloe - posted on 04/23/2010

Clearly there are some people on here that feel they didnt make the right decision either way. Oh so defensive girls.
2 Words. personal preference
My son isnt done and i am so so glad i didnt get it done after some of the horror stories i have heard.

Alecia - posted on 04/23/2010

and i live in america

Alecia - posted on 04/23/2010

If my next is a boy i dont think i will get him circumsized. my husband isnt and he hasnt had any problems. and its not as weird as some women think. he's the only guy ive been with that wasnt, but i prefer it that way.

C. - posted on 04/23/2010

My husband wasn't able to be there for most of my pregnancy OR for the birth of our son (military), so HE had the say as to whether our son would be circumcised or not and we went through with the procedure. It's what my husband wanted and since he had to miss so much, so that's what we did. It was the least I could do b/c he wasn't really able to have a say in much of anything during the pregnancy.

And who are you to judge? If someone wants to get their son circumcised, they should be able to. It STEMS from religious beliefs, it doesn't mean you, yourself have to necessarily be religious, but if those beliefs are important to you, then why shouldn't they be allowed to? It's a personal preference. You don't want to get yours "snipped"? Then don't! I'm pretty sure there aren't very many men who have been "desensitized" by it.. I surely don't hear anyone complaining "Aww, I wish my parents never got me circumcised..".. Yeah.. Personal preference.. If you don't want to do it, then don't. But good grief, why start up yet ANOTHER thread about circumcision and say the same things that have been said before? It's not like the ones that DID get their son's circed are able to go find that piece of skin and sew it back on just b/c some people are starting to come out and say it's wrong! Just saying..

Shannen - posted on 04/23/2010

Oh and btw my son palys in the dirt naked and yes gets covered in it. But so did my daughter so bad she actually pushed dirt in places that it should never get to. And neither of my children have issues cause as their mother its up to us to teach them to clean themselves and if they dont then we havent done the job right!

Shannen - posted on 04/23/2010

Does any one realise that you dont have to pull the foreskin back? And in actual fact a boys foreskin wont come back until he is at least 6 or 7 sometimes as late as 12? And therfore is protecting itself from infections. As long as your children are bathed regualrly and have good hygene then there should be no problems. I come from a family of all circumsized men but my husband isn't he has never had any issues and as far as i'm concerned it was his choice.

And the whole thing of it not being painful....if it hurts when men are older then why the hell would it not hurt a baby?

A foreskin is there to protect why remove something that is useful?

Christi just because our boys aren't done why does that make us flower children?

And what are you going to do when he showers with other boys his age and they are not done? Would he not be picked on then... Doesnt it work both ways?

I say to each their own.