I just hope he doesn't run into problems about it in the locker room. I have heard that people are not circumsising their boys as often as they used to. Any info or opinions would be appreciated.
2006-12-12 13:31:49 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
you know, my boyfriend said the same thing for our son, but i stood my ground and didn't do it. neither one of my brothers is, and i have an ex who used to brag that he was a "whole" man because he wasn't either. from my research, about half of all boys in this country are and the other half aren't. it isn't like it was when we were kids, when it was a very common (and thought to be more healthy) procedure. nowadays, there are ob's who will try to talk the parents out of it (the on call ob at my son's delivery was one such). tell him it's something to be proud of, since he has his "whole" penis.
2006-12-12 13:37:20 · answer #1 · answered by Mommyof4 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Unless you have a religious backing that would require you to have your son circumcised, there really isn't any reason to do it if you are not comfortable with it. I doubt that your son will have a problem in the locker room. Once he is old enough to bare all in the locker room, most teenage boys can pretty much deal with any attention to their member, probably in a manner that would involve bragging about it in some way or another.
I will add that the matter of hygiene is an issue. A circumcised penis is less likely to become irritated. You will just have to take extra caution in cleaning your son, making sure that the foreskin is pulled back each and every time you clean him, you want to avoid sticking. When my son was circumcised it was done quickly because he was ill and they were preparing him for transportation to a neo-natal unit, the circumcision was not done properly, and I wished they would have just left it alone.
Good Luck with your decision, research the pros and cons and do what you think is best for your son.
2006-12-12 22:27:31 · answer #2 · answered by deanie1962 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have not heard that people are not circumcising their babies. I have two boys and I didn't think twice about it. Unless for religious reasons your son will probably always feel a little uncomfortable. It doesn't hurt them and the healing process is quicker that the healing of the umbilical cord. For your sons well being I would have had him circumcised. I would research the negatives on line and see what the experts say. I don't know what the positives would be in this situation except religion.
2006-12-12 21:39:15 · answer #3 · answered by Maizy * 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Alot of people are choosing to circumcise their sons. Besides the fact of appearance, circumcision is supposedly more healthy than not being circumcised. I have a cousin who wasnt circumcised at birth. When he turned 15 my aunt took him to the hospital and got him circumcised. He hasnt had problems since then.
2006-12-13 07:47:54 · answer #4 · answered by NIA 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Our sons are not circumcised either, we have 3 boys ages almost 11 - 6. Circumcision rates have declined, the last I heard it was about 50/50. And if he ever moves to Europe, he will be in the majority there!
I say good for you for making the decision to not cut off a part of your son's body for no reason. *thumbs up*
2006-12-12 21:50:37 · answer #5 · answered by Capri 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I feel if you are not comfortable getting it done, don't do it. It's you're decision at the parent. I am also having a boy, and I'm not doing it, because I don't feel that it's right. Don't worry what people think or say. There are going to be lots of other boys that are not circumcised as well. He won't be the only one. Just go with how you feel!
2006-12-12 21:42:05 · answer #6 · answered by ~~~Tracy~~~ 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Circumcision rates are INCREASING nowadays, both in the United States and overseas. Many African and South American countries with little circumcision tradition are starting to promote the procedure to help to reduce the AIDS-HIV infection rates.
CIRCUMCISION IS VERY BENEFICIAL, its cleaner and several research bodies have concluded that circumcised men have less risk of contracting STD's such as AIDS-HIV or herpes.
Uncircumcised penises are difficult to keep clean, and more prone to infections and penile cancer, studies have shown.
A circumcised penis is naturally clean and virtually free from urinary infection. You will not have to worry again with careful washing of your penis.
Is it NOT true that the AAP (American Academy of Paediatrics) does not recommend circumcision. They simply say they leave the decision to parents. But recently, and specially after the New Zealand study, the AAP has been discussing if it may be necessary to change their policy and recommend circumcision to all newborns as they used to do, so in the future we may see that the AAP advocates again circumcision.
Have a look at: http://www.baby-health.net/articles/381.html
About STD's:
As I said, several studies carried out by prestigious research bodies have concluded that uncircumcised penises are more prone to infections and contraction of STD's, including AIDS-HIV. Circumcised men have been proved to be up to seven times less likely to be infected than those who are uncircumcised. Have a look at this site: http://icuxbridge.icnetwork.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=14095142&method=full&siteid=53340&headline=-circumcision-protects-against-aids--name_page.html
As for women, studies also show that circumcision also protects female partners from AIDS-HIV and other STD's. Browse this article: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2006/02_08_06.html
About sensitivity of a circumcised penis:
No medical or physiological study has proved that circumcision reduces sensitivity, opposed to common belief. It is completely FALSE that circumcision reduces penis sensitivity. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) confirms this on their web site; have a look at: http://www.aap.org/pubed/zzzjzmemh4c.htm
Circumcision is an easy and nowadays *painless* procedure, which has many benefits, and virtually no risks.
Circumcision is NOT an amputation. Circumcision is NOT comparable at all to female circumcision, which is something completely different.
Finally, this site has a lot of useful and *unbiased* information. Make sure you have a good look: http://www.circinfo.net
2006-12-13 16:12:54 · answer #7 · answered by Scuba 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Didn't have either son circumcised. I just asked my 14 year old if it's been a probem for him and he gave me "the look" and said "uh, no.... why? Is it a problem for you?"
Neither of my sons (14 and 19) have had any medical or cleanliness problems because of being uncircumcised.
My husband is circumcised. We chose not to do it for our boys because it just seemed to be an unnecessary procedure and when we read up on it, there didn't seem to be any compelling reason to do it.
2006-12-12 22:16:31 · answer #8 · answered by Canadian_mom 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Good for you! Circumcision is totally unnecessary and equates to genital mutilation.
It does hurt the baby! And there are many accounts of circumcision disasters - like the Canadian boy who's penis was burnt off!! COMPLETELY!
He wont have problems in the locker room as more & more people are getting smart about this.
2006-12-12 21:53:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anne A 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think it more common now than it used to be.
Honestly, I don't see what is wrong with either kind, but I know boys get made fun of. I heard some boys trashing this boy because he had an uncircumsized penis...which is sad. When I have kids though, just to avoid humilation, as stupid as it is...I'll do what is more popular. They'll have enough trouble in life....no need to add on to it...
2006-12-12 21:54:04 · answer #10 · answered by Tifferkins 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋