To Circumcise or Not? - Wilmington,DE

We had a little boy two months ago and decided not to circumcise. I feel that if they are born this way, this is the way they are supposed to be. Also, I feel it is very unfair to make a decision to alter a babies genitals without them being able to consent. My husband is not circumcised and has never had a problem with infections. Also, I believe there is research out there now that says that the frequency or infrequency of infections is not related to whether or not you are circumcised.

-L.

First let me say this. My husband is not circumcised, that really helped me make my decisions. I have 2 boys and both are. The stuff they have to go through when they are not circumsized out weighs any fears I had. First, if they don't clean it several times a day, it gets this smell from the build up of bacteria trapped in between the skin and under it. When uncircumsized men have sex,yes it's good, but there is an added worry on the woman side and the men due to both getting an infection if they man is not properly cleaned. At times you may think that you are but may have missed a spot. Plus, not to be too bold, it looks better without all that skin on it. To circumsize or not to circumsize????? CIRCUMSIZE.

My husband and i decided not to. friends who have seen me change his diaper always ask "so you decided not to circumcise him?" and "why?" america is the only country that does it pretty much, and i find that people are usually worried about when they are older. i think you should just do what you think is best and not worry about what people think..not that you are! I am having to get over people asking me why. anyways..i know that doesn't answer anything, just wanted you to know we didn't! guess we just didn't think it was neccesary! whatever you decide to do is best!!

We decided against it for our son. My husband is, but we decided that it wasn't really that big of a deal socially. We had had discussions with friends that have experienced life themselves uncircumsized and they said it really wasn't a big deal in the locker rooms and such as the reality is they aren't sitting around looking at each other. My son has seen my husband using the bathroom and showering and has not yet questioned being different. He clearing identifies himself as "matching" my husband. Other mutual friends that were also expecting a boy were in the conversation and also decided against it for their son.

After reading a variety of informations and speaking with our ped and ob/gyn, it seemed like cleaning was relatively simple and chance of infection wasn't really that big of a risk. We had also spoken with a ped urologist as they spotted some dilation outside my little guy's kidney during the routine 20 week ultrasound. They followed it during the remainder of the pregnancy and diagnosed him with renal reflux after tests when he was 17 days old. (Basically some pee goes back toward his one kidney every time he pees.) He also said it's really just a personal preference/religious thing and that the risk of infection for isn't really a compelling reason to circumsize. The reflux puts my son at higher risk for uti's, but he hasn't had any problems and nearly potty trained himself before 2. (He was and then regressed after having cath procedure for the reflux issue when he was 2 - procedure caused pain to pee.)

In general my husband and I prefer to minimize medical interventions unless there is a real reason for them. We just felt like there wasn't in this situation. We also proceded conservatively with my son's reflux and were thrilled that new research surfaced during the time my son was being diagnosed/treated for the renal reflux that suggested surgery was not necessary in his situation either.

Hi,

We chose not to circumsize our son. There is no medical reason for the procedure and we couldn't justify an unnecessary surgery. Here is an article that I found in mothering magazine that may help you to decide. <http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/circumcision/a...;

Congrats on your baby-to-be.

J.
A Mother's Boutique
Maternity & Breastfeeding clothing, Nursing Bras, Breast Pumps, Slings and Accessories.
MamaSource members save 10% off their first order (excluding breastpumps) with coupon MAMASOURCE
http://www.mothersboutique.com

I'd read about the pros and cons. We chose to circumcise our boys. The main reason was so that they looked like their dad down there (easier to explain when potty training). The other reasons were that it is easier to clean in the long run and less infections (although both were very slight differences).

When it comes down to it, it has to be your decision. If you are not ready to have it done or really feel hesitant, then don't do it. It is not something you can take back. It is, however, something he can have done later in life if he decides he wants it.

Anyhow, I hope this helps. Good luck with your little guy.

I heard research supporting both to circumcise or not was equal. I was thinking of the pain I imagined my baby would have to undergo (whether true or false) that I would be subjecting him to go through. When I asked my husband what did he preferred, he didn't want him circumcised. He wanted him to be just like him. I breathed a sigh of relief. And when baby boy #2 came, he too like daddy and big brother are not circumcised.
Good luck with your decision!

We chose to circumcise our son. The healing was fine, we just did as we were instructed to do as far as keeping it clean and lubricated. It healed very quickly. Also, yes, you can get circumcised later in life, but it is much more painful. My uncle had it done at 15 years old, so it required stiches! He said it was horrible until it healed. Good luck with whatever you do. At least you will be making a very informed decision. :)

Hi!
I have three sons ages 20,17 and 15 and none of them are circumsised. I grew up in Europe where they don't circumcise, so to me this custom seemed really cruel and unusual. I have wondered if the propensity for violence in this society may be the result of so many males having suffered such unthinkable brutality (similar in my mind to cliterectomies done in some African tribes). My main concern was that my boys would be different, even from their father, their role model. As for the "hygene" issue -- do we live in the desert? They have not had any problems.
Good luck with your baby!
N

Had both our sons circumcized which is unlike their dad. He actually wanted it for them, as it easier to clean and less smell.

Both as newborns and sailed through it no problems.

Best to do it right away if your gonna do it.

Hi EB,
My husband and I debated for some time about what to do for our boy, and in the end, we decided to cirumcise him for health reasons. My husband had known several young boys who had to be circumcized while in elementary school and it was a terrible experience for them. A nephew of a friend also had to be circumcised as a teenager and I can't begin to imagine how painful and embarrasing it was for him to deal with. But above and beyond these examples, I now know significant research has demonstrated that circumcision reduces the likelihood of HIV infection by 50-60%. Please see the Webmd article excerpted below:

Circumcision: New Weapon Against AIDS?
Circumcision Gives Men up to 60% HIV Protection; WHO, UNAIDS Urge Adult Surgery
By Daniel J. DeNoon
WebMD Health NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDMarch 29, 2007 --Circumcised men are up to 60% less likely to get HIV, and now the World Health Organization and the UNAIDS program recommend adult surgery to slow the AIDS pandemic.

The recommendation comes only weeks after the WHO and UNAIDS officials asked an expert panel for advice. The advice is based on three clinical trials suggesting that circumcised men are 50% to 60% less likely than uncircumcised men to get HIV during heterosexual sex.

I hope you find this information helpful!

I, too, tried to read as much as possible before our sons were born. There is information supporting both sides, so it really isn't a medical decision. What convinced me that circumcision was the right way to go were a couple of pleas from grown men - they had gotten circumcised later in life and it was very painful for them. I realized that a day of pain as a newborn (and not even that long for some little guys, since they heal so quickly) was better than weeks of it when they were older. Most importantly: remember that there is no WRONG decision here, just what is best for you and your husband . . .

Hi,
we chose not to have our little guy circumcised for many reasons: non-circumcision is on the steady steady rise in the USA (albeit concentrated at the moment out west), the AAP no longer recommends either way, we are the only industrialized nation to circumcise (excepting Muslim and Jewish nations), sanitary issues are just not a big deal (clean it, for goodness' sake), and I read some studies that indicated that bonding and feeding was affected in newborn circumcised boys. I also just didn't want to put my baby through that pain -- birth is traumatic enough! There were two things that concerned me. Firstly, would it affect his love-life later on? Well, my experience is that once a guy is... ahem... ready to go, you can't tell the difference. And secondly, would he get laughed at in the locker room? This is the big risk, I think. On the other hand, if more and more boys are not getting circumcised, then he won't be the odd man out. Also, I don't think you are supposed to be looking at other guys' penises in the locker room... Anyway, I hope that helps! And, congratulations!

Absolutely have him circumsized, for infection/cleanliness reasons and for peer issues down the road when he is in locker rooms with friends and classmates. Also, it is much less traumatic to have it done when they are days old rather than years older!

I wish you luck.

I'm going through the same thing with my husband. We are expecting a boy in 7 weeks. We've decided to circumcise because we want our son to "look normal" (with women, in locker rooms, etc). My husband is worried that if we dont circumcise, girls/women will think he's a freak. Sad but true, its purely aestetic for us and to save our son from any ridicule or self esteem issues. Just my opinion though and I can definitely see why someone would opt against it.

We had no reasons to circumcise, yet we did opt to have it done. As a mother I thought it would be to much cleaning for my son as he grew, plus we didn't want any locker room issues. He's almost 9 now so it wasn't really a consideration then. But now pregnant with my 3rd and not know the sex I find myself with the same question. I feel that I will opt to have a boy circumcised again. Just for sanitary reasons and hopefully warding off future boy issues.
Good luck with everything.

We have all 4 of our sons circumsized. My cousin did not circ her son's at birth - due to infections and some issues both of her boys had to be done at the ages of 3 & 4 instead.
There is less risk of infection. My one son did not recieve a "full" circ, still has some overhang and we have to make sure it gets pushed back and cleaned.
Do your research though...each person is different and each child is also. Do what you and your husband are most comfortable with.

We didn't circumcise our son. My husband wasn't circumcised 34 years ago. It's about 50-50 amongst our friends for and against, so there will be sufficient diversity in the locker room. I don't have any regrets and don't expect to... The arguments for circumcision were unconvincing for us.

Hello E B, I have a very healthy son soon to be 10. I can remember so well, that I was going to have him circumcised as soon as he was born because a couple of members in my fam waited very late in life to have it done, and said they wish they would've had it done while babies. But I was also concerned about having to keeping it clean with the extra skin during changings. The day before we would leave the hospital they asked if I wanted it done, and knowing the pain that the older people went through, I knew I did not want to cause my beautiful baby any pain. But did not want him to go through it later on in life either so I gave the okay. On the same day we were to leave the hospital, the nurse came to my room to get him and I wanted so much to say never mind but she reassured me that he will be just fine. They felt it would be best if I stayed in the room, but as you will know once your baby comes you just can't stay away. I walked down the hall to see him and they were done. He did not even cry that long it was me the big baby. Oh one other thing is that as long as you keep it clean and medicated with vaseline it will heal very quickly. I am so sorry that I went on and on but yes I think its good to have them circumcised when they are babies. Wishing you a safe and very happy delivery!

We decided to have our son circumsized. It seems to be largely a regional thing. It's completely your choice. Having a son, I can't help but notice that most of his friends are circumsized but I think the infection issue is blown out of proportion. Talk to your OBGYN about it as it will be done by them, not the pediatrician (or at least that was our case).

You have received lots of great responses,infection is not an issue either way,I have 2 boys,14 and 6,neither are circumcised,and have never had an infection or a problem with cleaning or smell.Where I am ,it is 50/50,so not an issue of being different in the locker room.Personally,I can't imagine putting a newborn through the pain of it,unless you absolutely feel it is necessary.

What a difficult decision to make - NOT circumcising my son was the best decision i have ever made. A new statistics came out in either parenting or parent magazine that states 50% of boys now a days are NOT circumcised. So, if the issue of the locker room becomes an issue for you - think about this - no one is the same. You will have to instill this in your little ones mind from the beginning. We are all different in shape, size and color. I have several family members that are not circumcised and they grew up to be outstanding men, whom have families and have not been scared. If you educate your boy from the beginning then he will be able to handle what comes at him later in life.

There are tons of articles online about not performing this and mothering magazine is a great resource. Actually pick up a recent magazine and you will see the topic is all about circumcision - great timing aeh?

http://www.mothering.com/sections/current_issue/current_i...

http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/circumcision/a...

You son is about to make an amazing journey into life - do not add more stress to his overall being by altering his body - when it is not necessary.

Congratulations and best of luck.
J.

I had my son circumcised. I read about the possibility for infection if the flap is not cleaned properly. This is the main reason I decided to have it done.

Good luck with your decision.

I have to agree with most of the other moms. I really feel a big issue is the locker rooms and women later in life. I think it would help him to feel "normal".

Did you ever see one without being circumcised? On a more serious note for health reasons your son should be circumcised because it is easier to keep cleanand germ free.
Believe your son will thank you in the end.

Hello,
io am a Mom of 2 boys (now grown, 19 and 22) I had my 1st son circumcised because his Dad decided he wanted our son to look like him. When our 2nd son was born 2.5 years later I learned that circumcising cuts off the most sensitive part of a male's organ (for later sexual gradification)and causes great pain. I did not want to get it done the second time, but my husband insisted especialy becaue our other son had it done. There was some concern of being able to keep the area clean. But as a child care provider I have had to change many diapers of boys who were not circumcised and it's not that difficult. In the end it is a personial decision that you have to make, no matter what others say.
Good Luck
C.

Hey! Sorry for the late response on this! i was in the same boat-I didn't know what to do! I figured we would just do it-since most boys do-only to find out later that lots of boys don't! A few of my close friends didn't circumcise their boys. So much for my theory that he would feel weird in the future if he was the only uncircumcised boy! I left it up to my husband, who felt he would be happier being circumcised. We did it, and he's very easy to clean!
My point is-whatever you choose will be OK culturally. There is the TINY risk attached to any procedure, but it's tiny. Good luck deciding and congratulations!

I have 2 sons and my doctor told me there was a greater risk of infection if they were not circumsised. It is quick and rather painless. I could here my boys screaming down the hall when they did it but by the time they brought them back to the room (within minutes) they were no longer crying. Good luck with your decision.

For my son we chose to do it. Initially I did it for what I felt were religious reasons. Thinking back to it now I don't think that I would have. I am not really concerned about sexual reasons as I feel that it not the most important reasons not to. What I think that broke my heart was the afterwards. He was numbed by the physician, they did an excellent job, BUT the thing that really did me in was the pain that he felt afterwards. I thought to myself why did I do this to my son, when he did nothing to me? I had pain inflicted upon him for really no good reason. It was very hard those first few days for me. You could tell that his cry was definitely one of pain when he would pee in his diaper. So that being said, is the only reason I would never do it again.

Hi. I have not circumsized my boys. They are 7 and 2. My decision was based on my belief that they were born that way for a reason and I'm not going to change that. I also didn't want to give them painkillers at such a young age for asthetics. You just have to make sure you clean the area well and as they get bigger teach them how to do that.
Anyway, whatever decision you make will be the right one for you and your family. Good luck.

I chose to circumcise my son because of health issues related to not . It is far more likely for men to suffer prostrate problems when uncircumcised. Many other health issues are a big reason to also. More so when your son grows up, but why put him through the misery.

We did not have our, now almost 3, son circumcised. We opted not to get shots or vaccines at the hospital. One of the normal shots they get is the vitamin K shot to help with blood clotting, so we did not want to do anything that would cause him to bleed more than normal. We also felt like it is sort of presumptuous for us to make a decision that is irreversable for him. He can get it done as an adult if he feels strongly about it, or decides to live a lifestyle that high risk for HIV (which is one of the only arguements that I have heard that seems really convincing on the pro side.) There really haven't been any problems and bathing him as a newborn was super easy!
Good luck and congratulations!

I have a healthy, 5 year old, uncircumcised son. We just couldn't be convinced it was medically necessary, too many times the final outcome is loss of sensation, nerve damage or worse. I couldn't ruin my perfect little man just because it's popular, if the results weren't perfect I certainly wouldn't want to put him through reconstructive surgery. I hate to be negative but for us it just wasn't worth the risk. Good Luck.. whatever your decision. Congradulations, boys are so much fun :)

Our decision came to the very last second! I have two nephews who were not circumcised and wish they were. The other 17 other nephews who are circumcised are glad they are. I happened to be in the hospital for 3wks up tot he premature birth of our son, and I heard from many nurses - both pro and con circ. The cons were from their days spent with elderly men who were not circ and had terrible infections, complications, other issues (I think, mainly because most nurses weren't around un-circ'd and not the best at cleaning the areas????).

Good luck with your decision - its a toughie!!

We're delivering our third son on Monday and will be circumcising him. I think it's just easier to keep them clean with less skin to deal with. I think it's not that big of a deal other than that. I don't know if it's true that it keeps infections and stuff away for their future wives, but I have read that a lot over the years.

A friend of mine said that her son had noticed that he looks different from his friends (they didn't circumcise) he wasn't too happy about it. This was back when he was a preschooler, so I don't know if he still even thinks about it.

I am due with my second son in September and he as is my first will be circumcised. Infection: it can happen either way, seems to be slightly higher risk if uncircumcised and having a toddler boy now who goes potty by himself, why take the chance... But really my main reasons were so that they are the same as their father and so that they won't be noticed as different in locker rooms. Little boys and even teenage boys are horribly cruel to one another when they notice someone is "different." If you do choose to have your son circumcised do 2 things, if you know anyone who has used your OBGYN and has a little boy ask them if they thought the obgyn did a good job. That can help your decision. Also, tell your OBGYN that you want an anestetic to be used. Not all hospitals/obgyns routinely apply the topical anesteic and only do so if the mother asks. Why, who the heck knows but just make sure you tell them to do it for his obvious benefit.

My husband felt strongly about the locker room issue as well. He felt it would be better for our son to be like everyone else. Not that conformity is a good reason for any decision, but he felt strongly about it.

I have an adult friend who had a circumcision in his late 30's and he was in agony for a long time afterward. He wished his parents had done it when he was a baby.

Unfortunately, there's no way to know when he is older if he will be embarrassed if he is uncircumcised. Besides the locker room issue, he will have to face additional issues initially when he is with a sexual partner if he is not circumcised. Supposedly there is much greater sensation for uncircumcised men during sex because they have more nerve endings. Not the thing you want to be thinking about your precious little one, but it is a lifetime decision for him.

Whatever you decide, best wishes and congrats on your little one! If you do go through with infant circumcision, it doesn't take that long to heal, which is a good thing for both baby and parents!

I had both of my boys done, because there father was done later at age and he didn't have it done till he had many infections in that area do to the extra skin. When they are young they don't remember anything about it and the healing time is so quick. They only main concern is the cleaning. Make sure that if it is not done that you pull down on the extra skin to clean it. Which might get harder when the little one getts older. My one son had to wait till he grew a little more. He had a bend in his and the docotrs didn;t want to cut to much and they where not sure if there was any damage. But the hartest point at the age of 18mnth is keeping them off ceratian toys due to the procdure,

When it comes to the sexuly part of the whole thing, like other ladies have said before. I really don't want to think of my boys having it in any way or what thier wife might think. If your husband is done then take his and have the extra skin pulled up over the head. That is what it usaly looks like.

Think long term when decideing to have it done. Best of luck!

It upsets me when I read that it is "quick and painless". How many mothers actually SAW your son being circumcised. There is a reason they do not let us see it. I saw video of this recently and was horrified of what I did to my son 5 years ago. I questioned it back then and my husband told me that he should get to make the decision so I caved. I regret it. Don't say it is painless when it is in fact VERY painful for an infant boy. The pain subsides and they do not remember it. But don't say it wasn't painful. Any time you remove tissue with a sharp blade, there will be pain. Especially to a sensitive area.

I am in same situation as you are I am having a boy in sept. I read that it is better to have em circumsized less chance of infections later on. I dunno if that'll help or not but that why we are getting our son circumsized

Hi I am a mom of a 2 year old boy. I did not have him circumcise. I asked all my doctors what their opinion was on this and they said that it would be fine not to do this. They were saying there could be complications after having this done and that it is very tough to change their diapers because you have to watch out for the wound and clean it and make it more painful for them. My son is fine with not having this done to him. I feel that if he was suppose to have this done to him it needed to be done before he was born.

I am a first time mom with a son who will be 2 in September. I do not know if this will help you in your decision, but we also had no religious requirements/obligations like yourselves. My boyfriend (of almost 9 years) and I decided based on the fact my boyfriend was circumsized. This doesn't justify why we did it, but in my mind, we were doing what was "normal". I believe that like alot of the decisions you make concerning your children, most are a matter of your own personal opinion(s).....

Hi E B,

My son is almost 8 years old and we chose not to have him circumsized.

He has never had any infections. I would definitely not base your decision on possible infection because they have come to realize that neither way causes more infections than the other.

We decided this way because we feel that we should not make that decision for him. When he gets older if he chooses to have it done then that is fine. I have seen a couple of documentaries on this subject and has seen one about a guy that was not circumsized at birth then later decided to get it done as an adult only to realize that many things are better with that extra skin.

It is definitely a regional thing. When I was pregnant with him, my OBGYN had told me that down south they rarely get it done. He had practiced in the south for a few years and he only ever performed 2 the whole time he was there.

The main difference between the two, is the way they look and the fact that they have to pull the skin back to clean it and go to the bathroom. As long as you feel comfortable pulling the skin back until he is old enough to do it himself (to clean it properly) then there shouldn't be any problms.

I hope this info helped!!!

L.

Well to be totally honest my Husband is not circumcised and my son is and the reasoning our son is is because my husband says its very hard to keep yourself from virus and keep the area clean under the skin. I think either chose you choose will be a nice one and it will be your own choice and no one elses.good luck in your desicion

Ya know something, at least you guys are talking about this with your doctor, We didn't even think about it until after he was born and they came in ready to do the procedure. Dumb huh? well don't fret, most are like me. As you read through the other reponses...you will see the obvious reasons as to the pros and cons of this.
For "health" reason such as santiary reason, we opt to curcumcise and second, to be like his dad. My own father was not (which I learned later on as an adult) and my brother was curcumcised. Curcumcism, I believe is only done here in the US and the majority 95% are not curcumcised in other countries.

Best of luck with your decision.
Mom of 4.

Mostly a personal choice, but keep in mind, boys tend to be dirty. I have to be all over my six year old to make sure he is cleaning properly, and he is circumcized. Also, I don't know one person who hasn't circumsized their son. Think about your son being in the showers at gym class and being the different one. What would you want if you were him?

PLEASE don't do this to your beautiful baby boy!! It is a totally unnecessary surgery (words from us AND our pediatrician). This surgery is done while baby is fully awake, aware with arms and legs strapped to a table - this is not something I would ever dream of putting my babies through!

We have two boys and they will be taught that they are "normal" because their bodies are the way they are supposed to be!

My one son did have a yeast infection, but it was cleared up in a day and was nothing that would ever make me regret my decision.

Good luck with your decision and your new baby boy!

My hubby and I went back and forth on this one as well! Tough decision since it is an elective surgery. We deciced to circumcise for one reason - junior high locker room. My husband and I were both late bloomers, had body issues (who doesn't) and felt self conscious at that age. We decided that we could prevent at least one ogling and whispering incident by opting to circumcise. However, we did wait eight days after birth (Jewish tradition, not ours) and used vitamin K drops as directed before and after birth. This allows for the body's natural clotting agent to be in place before surgery. Through much prayer, our little guy came away unscathed!! Make sure you leave the room when the procedure is done of you decide!!!!!!
Best wishes
M.

Dear E.B.,
Ultimately it comes down to a personal choice, but for sanitary purposes I would choose circumcision. My Husband and I chose this route for all of our sons. It was not only easier to keep the area cleaner, but the boys never had infections.
I hope this helps !!
R.B.

We had our son in August 2006. We had him circumcised for several reasons.

1. He would look like daddy
2. It's more hygeinic - and helps prevent STD's
3. Less painful than doing it later in life
4. There isn't a lot of research that shows that sexual performance is affected

It's a personal and private decision, so I wish you much luck.

Well, I knew someone who had to have it done later in life because they kept getting infections. It was VERY painful and an experience they won't soon forget. I figured it was easier to have it done right away so he doesn't remember it!

It was important for me that our son looked like Daddy and Brother. There are several studies that say circumcision is healthier.

I'm not promoting either way, but think about these two things when making your decision.

1. It is much easier to have it done as a newborn since any pain will be quickly forgotten. If your son should decide to get it done when he is older than any pain won't be forgotten and he will live with that.

2. As he gets older, he may be in a situation in gym class or other situations where he changes/showers in front of others his age. He may be ridiculed for being different than than others.

These are just things to think about when making your decision. The decision is ultimately yours and yours alone and you should consider any and everything that may occur in the future on both sides of the issue. I would definitely ask the pediatrician if there is any health risk either way and if so, what is it?

we decided not to circ our 5 year old son despite my husbands initial reaction that it would just be more convenient that our son looked like dad. the truth is that circ rate has been falling rapidly in the west for years now, so there is no longer the "locker room" argument that your son will be the only guy to look "like that."

but more important to us was the idea that nature did not give us an imperfect child. we don't chop off other parts of the body just because we believe they contribute nothing. we don't ax out the appendix just in case one day it might get infected. our sons were born as nature (or god if you prefer) intended!!

furthermore, i can not understand anyone who would not be sympathetic to the pain it would cause the child!! i mean, if the baby was hurt a few days after coming home the parents would be upset about the pain, but some seem to think that level of pain is acceptable right after birth. i can't fathom that one.

our pediatricians said they rarely circ. anymore, and they were glad about it since parents' ideas were catching up with the science of it really being pointless. they just recommended being sure to educate him about keeping it really clean.

in the end, if ds wants to circ later in life i would completely stand behind his decision, but it should be his decision made by weighing all the evidence himself.

oh, and that african circ study frequently quoted is rather silly. the non circ benefit of decreased hiv infection is very tiny. it should make no impact in the fact that condoms are the best way to prevent infection. my fear is that people will justify going "hatless" by saying that being circed conveys good enough protection. ridiculous.

I had my sin circumcized because of the cleanliness aspects, but also because a friend of mine recently had his done (he's in his 20's) and it was very painful, he had lots of infections, etc. I didn't want my boy to ever have to go through that. Once they get older, it's not a very simple procedure!

i have a three month old son. my husband and i talked it over and we decided to have our son circumcised. my main reason is that you have to pull the skin down and make sure to clean constantly or else the baby could develop an infection. i have also heard that that is the case as they grow. i have heard that uncircumcised boys,men, are more susceptible to infection and stds.

first i want to say make the dicision on what works for you and your family. I have 2 boys of my own, I was also torn between the decision, my husband and i decided no circumcision, we felt that the choice should not be ours to make God created his body and it is not in or place to change that. After i found how the do the circumcision i could not bear the thought of my poor little boy being held down on a table screaming while they cut him, I have not had problums with my sons because of this decision, they are tought to clean themselves and we haven t had any infections.
this website helped me to make a decision www.nocirc.org
good luck with your decision and dont worry too much you will do what is best for you and your family enjoy these last few weeks of your preg.

Hi- I feel that our bodies were designed to work as they are and that circumcision is really genital mutilation. You wouldn't cut off part of your daughter's genitals, so why your son's? The rate of circumcision in America is dropping and at this time over 60% of boys are not circumcised. (google this, you will see that it is true) Worldwide, circumcision rates are even lower. Your baby boy will arrive perfectly whole with all the parts he needs and none that he doesn't! Good luck with this, and all the other big decisions you will make.
K.- mom to uncircumcised Caleb, 21 mths. old.

Congrats (in advance!) I have an 8 month old son...my first. And we had him circumcised right before he left the hospital. I worked at a daycare and there were some children there who were not circumcised. And honestly, there was much more care needed for those children. It was very hard to clean, and some of the boys even had an odor (probably because it was not always properly cleaned.) If you are worried about your son being in pain from it, I can tell you that my son was more upset about his legs being held down than the actual circumcision. Also, it stopped bleeding within a couple hours, and started healing nicely the next day. We still had to keep vasaline on it for about a week, but it was not a problem at all and it did not bother him at all. (I am not trying to be biased here, I just want you to know that he was not affected by it in any way.) Good luck with your decision.

Just to let you know, we have 3 boys all of whom are not circumcised. My husband was not either as a little boy, so that was our primary reason, but other than that there really is not medical necessity for it and did not want to put them through something that is really not "necessary". If they want to do it later in life, that will be their decision. Hope this helps.