circumsicion...pros and cons?

Question

having a baby boy in June and wondering if we could get some input from men who either have had it done or have not had it done.

Answer 1

As a preface, I'm uncircumcised and I've never had any problems with my foreskin, and I like it this way. About 80% of the world's male population is uncircumcised. Some people think the foreskin is hard to take care of and maintain, but it's actually really really easy. It's not a hassel or annoying, much less so than say, brushing one's teeth. See link 1 for info on foreskin care.

What you should realize is that circumcision is painful, and topical anesthetic creams usually don't suffice. The pain is enough to cause a traumatic experience for a normal and healthy infant (see link 2 for more info on this).

Furthermore, there are risks and there can be complications. Yes, the complication rates are low (usually cited between 2-10%), but these complications can be anything from infection and excessive bleeding (which CAN be quite common) to death (which is very very rare). See link 3 for more info and examples. Also, around 95% of uncircumcised men will never develop any serious problems due to their foreskins; of the 5% that do, only a small fraction is severe enough to warrant circumcision. Thus the probability of developing a problem concerning the foreskin and the probability of suffering a complication from circumcision procedure are nearly equal.

There are recent studies demonstrating that there is a correlation between being circumcised and getting HIV. These studies should be read with care (see link 4, it's biased against circumcision, but it has some good points). Another recent study has been quietly "brushed under the carpet" that says good hygiene essentially negates the benefits circumcision might have concerning HIV (see link 5).

If there is a medical necessity for circumcision, then it probably should be done. If not, the issue gets sticky. In all this back and forth, pro vs. con, realize that there isn't a good reason to pre-emptively circumcision an infant. The probability of it causing harm is almost the same as the probability of the foreskin developing problems anyway. See the last link, it's an article where people say more about what they think of the whole thing.

My opinion is this: it's not your body, and the possibility for harm and benefit are the same. It should be his decision (unless medically warranted otherwise). If he's circumcised, he might not care, he might thank you, or he might resent you. If he's not circumcised and he's unhappy with it, he can always get it done later. Just leave it up to him.

Answer 2

Since I haven't seen any response from any UN-cut men. I guess I must step up in defense. There are no real reasons to mutilate a child's penis in such a manner. If your child is taught to bathe properly. For the most part when erect they look the same it harms nothing. With the foreskin intact the tip is protected from friction when walking around hence it will be a little more sensitive during intercourse adding to his pleasure. I believe that circumcision is a form of condoned or accepted child abuse. Think about this; how would you like it if without your permission someone decided they wanted to cut off your excess skin.

Answer 3

enable's see now. What did he incredibly do? Did he create the rigidity? Did he authorize the education? Did he plan the logistics? Did he authorize the investment? Did he plan the operation? i will supply Obama credit while he stands in front of a microphone and says, "the defense force merits each and all of the credit for this. All I did substitute into supply them the ok". Obama supplies the orders to take out some pirates and he's conserving us risk-free? Bush supplies the orders to take out Saddam Hussein and his sons and the place have been you?

Answer 4

I'm uncircumcised and if you were to search the medical literature there is an increased risk of hiv simply because the foreskin contains cells that combat infection there and hiv has an easier time invading through those cells. but if you teach your child the values of safe sex, he will not have any more risk that that of a circumcised male. As far as cleanliness goes, my mother taught me how to clean myself so that is also a non issue. I have many friends who are circumcised and they are actually angry that their parents made the decision for them and took something from their body that was natural and part of them. the foreskin is there for a reason and it is through human intervention that it gets removed. Why remove something that is designed to be there, by God or simply by nature (depending on your religious beliefs)

Answer 5

Well I didn't get my son circumcized coz we live in Australia where now 90% are NOT circed. We're letting him decide but sometimes I wonder.....

I grew up in the 70's & 80's where 90% where circumcized & I wasn't. I got stirred once or twice in the locker room but not as much as a couple of other boys who were not circed. We would've got our boy circed 100% had we lived in the U.S, Asia, Canada or the middle east. If my boy gets more infections or just wants it done in future we will suport him 100%.

I got circumcized at age 28 as an adult for medical reasons only. I must admit I was reluctant as was my ex girlfriend as all the guys in both familes all had their foreskins. I am glad I didn't listen to the anti circ rubbish on the net.

Not for one day have I ever regretted it. So all these anti - circ guys get a life. You ain't mutilated and just enjoy your penis circumcized and all.

The benefits are

No smegma

No smell {I used to smell only 1/2 an hr after washing}

No pubes between the foreskin

I have more intense orgasms

I can pee straight coz there is no foreskin in the way.

I enjoy both oral & handjobs more coz my penis head was so sensitive it used to be sore now I love both oral & hand coz my penis isn't as sensitive but in a great way.

My ex thought my penis felt bigger but we reasoned this was coz there was less movement of skin -

My ex said after seeing what I'd gone through she'd get her boy circumcized if she has one. All her friend's preferred circumcized to uncircumcized.

My only regret's was not getting it done sooner & tighter but in saying that if there had've been nothing wrong done there I would've been happy with my uncircumcized penis and all it's problems as smell, smegma & pubes inbetween the foreskin.

glad I can now pee straight.

I also know of a few other guys who got it done as an adult & each enjoys being circumcized and all wished they got circed earlier in life.

Whatever you decide I am sure you've your child at heart - good luck & god bless

Answer 6

I'm a guy and CelebrateMeHome and cuban friend said it perfectly. I'm circumsized myself but I know a few people that are uncut that are ashamed of their penis. Why I dont know? I suppose it's kind of a natural thing to have done nowadays in the US. It sure is a lot easier to take care of. And the cancer thing is true.

Answer 7

Please dont do it. I am cut and I can honestly tell you I am very upset that I was mutilated. There is absolutely no reason to cut your child. Doing so will only cause him trauma later in life. An uncut penis has more sensitivity during sex and is thusly better. Hygeine is not a problem, it is the same cut or uncut. In school or such where other guys might see him they will not care, or if the do they will be jealous that he is whole and not chopped up like some of them. There is a risk of the cut going bad as well, not to mention the intense pain you cause your child. It would be like cutting off your clit without anesthetics. 85%+ of the world does not cut, only the U.S. do they even make it an option to mutilate boys My wife and I have discussed this for when we have children and agree that it is stupid. So I beg of you, please dont do it.

Answer 8

I've been circumsized, but it's not important either way

The extra skin does need to be kept clean, compared to the cut one that just gets washed as easily as any other body part.

But the uncircumsized certainly looks more natural and most who are "un" say they are thankful that they are.

Answer 9

I'm not a man, so I'm not sure if you'd want my input however I'll give it anyway just in case.

Personally, it needs to be done. There are tons of benefits. His chance of getting an infection is slim to none if he is circumcised, not to mention he has a very low chance of getting STD's and/or spreading them. It also practically eliminates his chance of getting cancer of the penis.

And also he won't have to go through the ridicule in junior high when the other boys see the "christmas tree" between his legs.

I'd seriously have it done if I were you. If you're worried about the pain, they have creams that they put on it now and he won't feel a thing. Even if it was painful, I'd rather put him through a few minutes of pain rather than a lifetime of unnecessary hygiene and embarrassment.

Answer 10

There has been a big push for circumcision recently by Bill Gates and Bono (well, on behalf of their charities) and such because it reduces HIV transmissivity.