Circumcise or not circumcise??? What do you think?

United States
November 11, 2006 10:45am CST
I chose not to. I was told that there was no medical reason for circumcision. My son is 5 years old now. I only hope that there is no social stigma he'll have to deal with for being "different" Although I was told that one out of ten baby boys in America are not being circumcised now.
1 person likes this
12 responses
@helper1 (765)
• Canada
11 Nov 06
My son had it done at birth, because my husband wanted it. I would not go in the room, I did not want my son to put pain and my face in one vision.
@amsharma (1860)
• United States
11 Nov 06
Your kids are in pain when they get shots. We dont choose not to get them because they cause them pain. My son didnt even cry during his circumcision.
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@amsharma (1860)
• United States
11 Nov 06
I totally understand what youre saying. Kids dont come with instruction booklets, and we all make mistakes at some point or another as parents. We just live and learn.:)
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• United States
11 Nov 06
I can certainly understand that. Tough job being a parent, huh? Someone once told me if love is your intent and your desire, our choices are blessed and purified by that, and our children will benefit from the love. I know I've made some unhealthy choices in the past, but I'm comforted by that outlook, and it makes sense to me. I'm learning and growing too, and I only want what's best for my children although my actions may not always reflect that. Know what I mean?
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• United States
11 Nov 06
Circumcision for sure. It is healthier. But, should be done when they are just born within a week. It's painful now.
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• United States
11 Nov 06
I'm hearing a lot of people saying it's healthier. That's not the information I've read and been told by doctors. I'm positive there's a lot I don't know, just wondering who told you it was healthier? Thanks
• United States
11 Nov 06
YEAh! gOSH i certainly wouldn't encourage anyone to do anything cuz that's what I believed. There's no right or wrong. Just exploring the issue. lots of good insight. Thanks
• Iceland
11 Nov 06
Don't believe what you read here over what your doctor tells you or what you read from respactable studies. I believe you made the right decicion.
@vipul20044 (5793)
• India
11 Nov 06
I read an article online the other day citing new research that says that circumcision does reduce the risk of STDs. In the study group (which was followed for 35 years), the rate of STDs among the circumcised boys was much lower, and the researchers predicted that the rate of STDs among the uncircumcised boys could have been cut by 48% if they had been circumcised as infants. It is really difficult to stand the idea of inflicting pain on their brand new baby, but if it can prevent bigger problems later it may be worth it. DH is firm on wanting circumcision. The research is really conflicting on the subject but I think many probably will do it because if it can reduce the risk of pain and disease later it seems worth it. I know that is not a very popular view point anymore though. I know it's "unnatural" but there are a lot of things we do medically that aren't natural, but they improve our quality of life.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Nov 06
I didn't know that. Thanks for the info and response. You make a good point.
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• United States
11 Nov 06
STD;s are transmitted through haveing s## . why would it make any differnce wither you were circumcised or not?
@nancygibson (3736)
• France
11 Nov 06
In the UK circumcision is rare, mostly only ever done for religious reasons. Personally I see no reason for it if a boy is taught to wash properly
• United States
11 Nov 06
boys ,like girls ,have those areas that are some what hard for them to clean,,so they must be tought how .
• United States
11 Nov 06
Really. That is a relief to hear. Sometimes I worry that Ethan will be more prone to infection, but then I think about how silly it is to think that somehow we can improve upon God's design. Thanks for the response!
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Nov 06
Thanks for your input dad1444. At the risk of getting really controversial here, it almost seems to me like this is a decision best left to males since they are the ones who have to live with the results. Not a well thought out theory, just throwin it out there.
@amsharma (1860)
• United States
11 Nov 06
My husband comes from a culture that does not circumsise. I chose to circumcise my son, but he is from a previous relationship. If him and I had a boy together, he would have had a fit if I had him circumcised. Thank goodness, we had a girl together. lol
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• United States
11 Nov 06
Wow! Lots of great feedback. Thanks everyone. Very helpful.
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@chance00 (3331)
• United States
11 Nov 06
I like to circumcise.I was told it was a little better for the male child.
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• United States
11 Nov 06
There seem to be some different opinions on that. You can only do what you feel is best. The Internet has a lot of good information on it if you want more information. Thanks for your response!
• United States
12 Nov 06
I'm snipped....So is my Son...
11 Nov 06
i would say not to theres no real need to do it is there when you think about it iam sure its the ones who are being cucumsised who have to deal with being different
• United States
11 Nov 06
I never thought about it that way. Thanks for the male perspective. i think you're the first.
@donglory (677)
• Ghana
11 Nov 06
it is biblical so do that or...............
• United States
11 Nov 06
circumcise
@Iceland (98)
• Iceland
11 Nov 06
I'm glad the Americans are finally realising that it is not necessary to circumcies boys. I'm lucky that I was born in Iceland and very few Icelandic men are circumciced. It's only done in a very few instances where there is some medical reason for it. Your boy is lucky!
• United States
11 Nov 06
Yeah, slowly but surely. Honestly it's still not a very popular opinion, but I sure appreciate your input and kind words. Thanks!
@rash219 (808)
• United States
24 Nov 06
well i had, as a kid/infant i had no option neither did my parents frm gettin it done.....simply bcoz i was born in middle east (UAE)where it is by law tat the new born should be circumcised....nyways they say it was for the beter of me