Circumcision

[adgal]

I am wondering how many of you are planning on or did have your baby boy's circumcised.  I hadn't even really thought about it until now.  We probably wouldn't be thinking about it, except my nephews weren't done, and the oldest one (he is 5 now) has been having repeat infections.  My sister in law told me that my nephews pediatrician is encouraging them to now have it done believing it will put an end to them.  My sil is an RN and I know she is very on top of things like hygiene, etc. so I know these infections are not due to lack of cleanliness or anything like that.  The poor little guy has had them pretty frequently for the last year and half.  My OB does not encourage circumcision, but of course leaves the decision to us.  What are all of your thoughts?  We are now really on the fence on the issue.  As always, thanks for any info or input.  I appreciate it.

[adgal]

Wow, great information and opinions for both sides of this issue.  All of it was very helpful.  I think we have decided to have it done.  Although it bothers me to put the little guy through pain even for a minute, I hate the idea even more of him potentially needing it done later on in life when it would be far worse.  My preferance would be to have it done in the hospital before we come home.  I have spent a fair amount of time reading up on this whole issue, and there are no medical "cons" to speak of, except in rare cases, complications (such as armywife described) afterwards.  It does seem though that a small percentage of boy's and men wind up having it medically necessary to be done later in life.  And it seems that is much harder on them.  So, I think our decision is made.  Thanks so much for all opinions and information!!

[tatorbug40]

I didn't read all the comments-  I just wanted to add that when I had my DS, I worked for an architect who was married to an infectious disease doc and she encouraged me to have it done, which we were going to do anyway-  our pedi told us we didn't need to medically,  but my bosses wife disagreed.  So I would do it!

[m3lanie]

I work in the nursing field and deal with seniors. The big problem I've found is infections due to the foreskin and it gets red raw and painful. Trying to get down there to place mdicationed cream is a challenge due to the swelling and the screaming and pain  the poor patient has to ensure. It is a very common problem I've found. I dated a guy many  years ago who wasnt circum... It was very smelly and just plain looked nasty because it got infected. If I have a son he will be done for hygiene reasons without question.

[rubyinparadise]

I'm so sorry to know about your son's issues after his circumcision. I have heard that there can be complications from the procedure. Have you thought about having it redone so that the remaining foreskin is also removed? Is that even an option?

I talked to my sister today about this and she told me of a friend in the UK who has had problems his entire life with NOT being circumcised-- foreskin getting stuck and then tearing every time he gets an erection-- ouch! He ended up having a circumcision at 30 years old, at his doctor's recommendation, under anesthesia of course.

I guess there are risks on both sides!

[airforcewife]

My dh and I had our ds circumcised when he was a week old-he was in the NICU the first 8 days and therefore he couldn't have it done earlier.  The actual procedure itself went fine and he was fine...however, we have had nothing but problems since.  Not huge problems, but problems nonetheless.  His penis does not even look circumcised.  I had assumed that he would look just like my dh-but it looks completely different.  Our ped assures us he will grow into it and that the dr who did the procedure was just conservative.  We have had issues with the skin growing back and reattaching, extreme swelling etc.  It has not been pleasant.  He is 19 months old and I would say we are still not out of the woods.  His last episode was about 1 month ago. So 18 months after it was done, we are still dealing with redness and irritation.  I am sure we are an isolated case, but it is very upsetting.  If we have another son, I honestly can't say what we will do.  Good luck with your decision.  

[melimeli]

dh is from south america.. no one gets it done there.. and we wouldn't have done it if I had a boy..    I think it mainly looks different as they are young.. people worry about what they will do around girls.. but by the time they are with are girl... they are usually standing straight and you can't even tell hahaha...   plus any girl that doesn't want to be with our little boys because they aren't isn't worth being with your boy, that is when he is a man.. hahaha