Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Circumcision

Circumcision is one of the most hotly debated topics in infant health in our modern times. If you are expecting a baby boy you have probably been asked what your preference is for your son: circumcised or not circumcised. I was asked this question very early in my pregnancies, before I even knew the genders of my children.

What is Circumcision?

Speaking bluntly, circumcision is cutting off a part of your son's penis. For more detail: the head of the penis, called the glans, is covered by a double layer of skin. This skin is medically known as the prepuce and commonly called the foreskin. Circumcision is the surgical removal of this layer of skin. It leaves the glans exposed completely.

Circumcision is a painful surgery. It has been claimed until recently (and some doctors still claim) that newborn babies cannot feel pain. This is completely and 100% false. Newborn babies do feel pain. The procedure involves the slicing of a piece of skin in one of the most sensitive areas of the body. It is intensely painful to your child.

The procedure is usually performed in the early days of a baby boy's life. If you choose to circumcise your son will be placed on a small board with his legs spread apart. He will be strapped down to prevent movement. Antiseptic solution is applied to your baby. Most doctors today will give your baby pain relief, though it may not be complete.

The foreskin is still attached to the glans of a newborn baby (it remains attached for a few years). During circumcision it is forcibly torn from your baby boy's penis. Then, depending on the procedure your doctor uses, the skin is sliced and cut away from your son's body. The wound will remain raw and open as it heals and requires special care to prevent infection.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Circumcision?

There are no medical boards, advisories, or bodies in the world today that recommend routine circumcision. The American Academy of Pediatrics states "The foreskin protects the glans throughout life."

Some of the risks detailed on NoCirc.org's Circumcision Q&A pamphlet are:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Complications from anesthetics administered
• Surgical mistakes, including loss of glans and loss of entire penis
• Death

Some risks your circumcised son may suffer from as he grows:

• Extensive scarring
• Skin tags and skin bridges
• Tearing and bleeding at the scar
• Curvature of the penis
• Tight, painful erections
• Difficulty ejaculating
• Impotence
• Feelings of having been violated
• Feelings of having been mutilated

In addition, circumcision may affect your nursing relationship with your child. Some baby boys going on a nursing or feeding strike after being circumcised. The shock of the experience is so intense the child withdraws completely. If this occurs with your son I recommend you call a La Leche League leader for guidance.

Some advantages often cited for circumcision are: it helps prevent infection, prevents teasing, prevents sexually transmitted disease and makes the boy look like his father.

Studies have shown that proper care of the intact (non-circumcised) penis is simple. Basic cleaning keeps the intact penis just as healthy and infection-free as the circumcised penis.

All studies claiming that circumcised boys are less likely to get sexually transmitted diseases have been proved to be skewed and inaccurate. The truth is that risky behavior, not an intact penis, leads to sexually transmitted disease.

Most boys throughout the world today are not circumcised. A boy is more likely to encounter teasing in the locker room over other issues. Don't choose genital mutilation to prevent future teasing.

Of course, if your partner is concerned that his son looks just like him this is an issue the two of you will need to work out. I recommend that you and your partner research the information at NoCirc.org and other resources listed farther down this page.

Religious Choices

If you are Christian the New Testament of the Bible has made it clear that circumcision is not required. If you wish to do more research I recommend the article Circumcision and the Christian Parent. Remeber that your son's salvation comes only when he makes a personal choice; you consenting to a medical procedure has no bearing in that choice.

If you are Jewish you should know that there are Jews who are speaking out against circumcision. Please begin your research early in pregnancy. A good place to start is The Jewish Circumcision Resource Center.

If you are Muslim know that many Muslims are becoming vocal about how violent circumcision really is. You, too should research early in pregnancy. You may want to start reading with this pamphlet.

For an amazing amount of information on circumcision I highly recommend that you visit the Circumcision Resource page on Mothering.com's message boards. There is link to a video of a circumcision should you choose to watch it.

Please carefully consider this choice as it will impact your son throughout his entire life.