not this cute anymore!Simon is two months old and has yet to be circumcised. We never intended on waiting this long to do it. Our other boys were only hours old when their foreskin was chopped. But Vegas pediatricians want you to wait two weeks for the procedure. Then it took 30 days to get Simon on our insurance.. a bit more effort with a home delivery. When I took him to the doctor at 1 month, they told me that my insurance will only cover the costs of circumcision if it's done in the first 30 days. That would have been nice to know 30 days ago! So now, we have to go to a urologist, but because he's a specialist, we have to wait another month.... talk about getting the run around.
In the past two months, I've been reading a lot about circumcisions and the more I read, the less I want to have it done. With my other kids, I just did it because I thought that's what everyone did. No one wants their child to be the odd one out... {Nightmares of locker room laughter made me do it.} But lo and behold! Not every boy is circumcised. Statistics show that it's 50/50. Say what? It's higher if you consider ethnicity/religion (apparently it's much higher around the bible belt... because a man whose not circumcised will be damned straight to hell.) I've also come to find out that studies are basically inconclusive about hygiene and sexual pleasure. If it doesn't actually benefit the child/man, WHY get it done? Especially if we are going to be paying $500+ out of pocket for the procedure.
Statistics in our home read differently... is not 50%. Do I make Simon be the odd man out? Will I scar him for life if he's different from his brothers? If you do one, you should do them all.. but is that a good reason to make him go under the knife? I am not sure.
Now that he's bigger (a whopping 11 lbs) and more aware of what's going on, I am freaking myself out that it's going to be terrible. I wasn't present when my other boys were circumcised (I basically don't want to have anything to do with it... it's a great daddy/baby bonding moment.) But Aaron is super busy and I think I may have to brave it alone. Am I stressing over nothing? Have any of you witnessed it?
You would think by the FOURTH boy, I would have this sort of thing figured out.. The longer we wait the worse it's gonna be. I would hate to decide it's time to get it done when he's in junior high school.. "Sorry, we waited so long, son. It look us 14 years to make up our mind."
In the past two months, I've been reading a lot about circumcisions and the more I read, the less I want to have it done. With my other kids, I just did it because I thought that's what everyone did. No one wants their child to be the odd one out... {Nightmares of locker room laughter made me do it.} But lo and behold! Not every boy is circumcised. Statistics show that it's 50/50. Say what? It's higher if you consider ethnicity/religion (apparently it's much higher around the bible belt... because a man whose not circumcised will be damned straight to hell.) I've also come to find out that studies are basically inconclusive about hygiene and sexual pleasure. If it doesn't actually benefit the child/man, WHY get it done? Especially if we are going to be paying $500+ out of pocket for the procedure.
Statistics in our home read differently... is not 50%. Do I make Simon be the odd man out? Will I scar him for life if he's different from his brothers? If you do one, you should do them all.. but is that a good reason to make him go under the knife? I am not sure.
Now that he's bigger (a whopping 11 lbs) and more aware of what's going on, I am freaking myself out that it's going to be terrible. I wasn't present when my other boys were circumcised (I basically don't want to have anything to do with it... it's a great daddy/baby bonding moment.) But Aaron is super busy and I think I may have to brave it alone. Am I stressing over nothing? Have any of you witnessed it?
You would think by the FOURTH boy, I would have this sort of thing figured out.. The longer we wait the worse it's gonna be. I would hate to decide it's time to get it done when he's in junior high school.. "Sorry, we waited so long, son. It look us 14 years to make up our mind."
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We planned on doing it to Thatcher (just because everyone did it) then just after he was born we were doing some (not tons but some) research and thought the same thing. If it's not going to really benefit them, then why do it? it's a lot of mula. but we didn't want to base our decision off of money.
anyway we ended up not doing it. In a way I somewhat wish we had, only cause it's a struggle to teach him how to keep himself clean, but then again I don't have any other boys who are circumcised to compare with.
I know a family where some boys are and some aren't. I don't think there was anyone feeling the odd man out.
but I agree with you, I want NO part of it, if it's done, lol.
I just LOVE LOVE LOVE reading your blogs Janet!
Hard choice, I know! Especially the older they get. I think either way you go he will be a happy, sweet and confident little guy, so maybe do what's best for you.
p.s. Is this in your winer label? Sorry, maybe that wasn't funny. :-)
yes. it most definitely needs to be labeled with the other wiener posts. Thanks for the suggestion.
Just going by a discussion with the ONE boy I've ever talked about this with who didn't have it done... He hated not being circumcised. He went on about what a pain it is hygienically, and other things. I think he was planning on getting it done soon, but who knows? I don't talk to him anymore.
I'm afraid that's the only advice I have to give! I had both my boys done right after delivery strictly because I never even considered another option. And both times their pediatrician swore they never even made a peep of distress. I'm sure it's a massive decision once you've started to compare. Good luck!!
When we had our son, the subject didn't even come up for discussion. Hubby decided that it was important to him and I didn't really care either way (does that make me a bad mom?)
Good luck with the decision.
I was in the room with Jack when he had it done and I won't lie it was HARD! I actually had to go sit in the corner and cry, while Trent stood by him holding his little hands. If I had another son, I think I would do it again, but I wouldn't want to be in the room. My husband is the only one that is circumcised out of his brothers, he has 3 other brothers, and Trent never heard them say whether they cared or not. Good Luck Janet, it's a tough decision!!
My grandfather and father are both not circumcised, but the wish they were. Ten years ago, my grandpa got an infection down below because of it, and ended up having to be circumcised at 80+ years old. He was not a happy man needless to say. He confronted my dad about it and apologized for not having him done as a child and that hopefully he never has to go through this agony.
My dad on several occasions, while considering the circumcision of my 3 boys, has told me, that if he was given the choice, he would do it, so as not to question what could possibly happen and because he wishes his parents had made that decision for him when he was a baby.
Just some thoughts for you...
Shannon Ipson
Miles got done about 2 weeks ago, and I actually watched. (seriously) It was interesting, and after the numbing shot he didn't cry at all...just looked around!! Me Dr. did tell me (I asked a lot of questions about the whole thing) that it is rather difficult to keep clean if not done and most boys just want to look like dad in that department. Good luck with your choice!
My brother got it done as an adult. He could not walk for two weeks. Get it done. I mean, it's your decision, but get it done.
To be honest, it really makes no difference if he is or not. I have a nephew who is and another who isn't. My husband is not and when I have a son, he won't be either.
I have nothing to add to the discussion but Good Luck! We're circumcisers here...I was there with Max and it wasn't the happest time so I'm not sure if I'll go with Everett?
Every time I click on your blog (I found you through blog surfing) it never fails that you make me smile-if not laugh out loud! You have a talent when it comes to writing-er posting. Whatever you want to call it!!
You're AMAZING Janet!
And now that I'm getting use to this blogging stuff I'll comment more!
Thanks for all the smiles, laughs and making my days brighter with your blog and talent. What a beautiful family you have!!
BLOG ON MY FRIEND! BLOG ON!!
Cheers,
Ann
Oh-and Good Luck with the circumcision decision. I'll pray for you that you make the right choice. :) Someone once told me that they should follow their Dad's lead in that department if you know what I mean...if the Dad is-so should all his boys! Do what you want with that! :)
We had both of our sons circumsized and I would do it again. I was in the room with my first son and it was not so bad. It is so quick and they forget about it pretty quick too. Good Luck
I would do it. It is one less thing a little boy can fiddle with.
But in all seriousness Simon will notice he is different along with other boys. Boys can be mean!
I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!
Janet... Garrett was born with hypospadius so we did not get him circumsized until he was six months old.. NO BIG DEAL! If you are worried about his recovery, don't be... he won't even know what happened. Garrett went into surgery and he was the same exact kid within 3 hours of coming home. Good luck with your decision.
if you want people to talk, bring up wienies! I love your wiener label.
It's a controversial subject. I think you should do it because his brothers are. They will have enough reason to pick on him because hes the youngest. You don't want him "different" too. Although your boys don't tease. Good luck!
I love reading other comments of people who love your blog. You are a fantastic writer, Jan. You bring out the best in life and make us all laugh-- even when your life sucks. sorry it sucks :)
For what it's worth, my younger brother had a bad infection when he was 7. the doctors said it was hygiene issues. He probably wouldn't have had the infection if he was circumcized as a baby. (he got it done during his hospital stay and is the only male in our family without skin :)
I know the stats my not show it, but here's at least one case that says it's cleaner. I hear it only gets worse as you age.
A man is commenting. staying anonymous because I am getting personal.
I am not circumcised and I never thought it was a big deal. I didn't get teased and no one in the locker room ever laugh, to my knowledge.
With that said, I work in a nursing home and have to care for the elderly men. Those that are circumcised are much easier to clean than the men who are not. There's a lot more skin when you get older. It makes me think twice about my physical care if I make it to my 80's.
Good luck and know that some men like to read your blog.
I have only girls, but my husband says if we ever have a son he will not be circumcised even though he is himself. He says it's unneccesary and not religiously required anymore. I don't know how I feel about it because I've never had to make the choice. But my BIL had to get it re-done about a year after his marriage because of scar tissue from the first time. I say just make it a matter of prayer and go from there!
It wasn't as bad as I thought it might be with my first two boys. Do you know what the doctor will use? A bell or a ring? (I think those are the options I was given.) My third boy had a minor complication (some skin that fused itself to the ring), but it was taken care of quickly during a routine visit (I do worry about future scar tissue.) I watched all of these procedures, and it was only the numbing shot that worried me and my sons. We CHOSE circumsition and haven't regretted it.
I would do it so he's not different from your other boys and dad. Because YOU KNOW they will sit around in a room and compare one day. That's just the way boys are. Good Luck!
I think either way you go he'll be fine.. I am a mother of two circumsized boys and sat through it with both of them, holding their hands and watching the whole thing. Sure there was some blood and the tool is a little barbaric, but its quick and they are numb and over-all not a tear jerking experience. I think the healing part for the week after is much worse. Good luck!!
Janet! Loved this post! With Paxton being in the NICU for a whopping 11 days that felt like a year, we weren't able to get it done right away because funny enough in the Childrens hopsital we were at the didn't know how to do it, well they told us that they could but you would probably not want anyone here to do it, which is just wierd, but anyway...so we had to go to my OB, have you called an OB there. I called around a lot and it seems like the OB's are the ones that do the majority of them in the hospitals anyway. We went and I was pertrified to go in because I heard the stories from Andy with our three previous boys. When we got there they actually took him into a room and would not let me even go in which I was thankful for. The doc told me he would cry but it would not last long at all. Sad thing is they didn't even localize it or anything. I remember sitting across from Andy in his office and I saw tears in Andys eyes when he heard him cry. So sweet. He let out a cry for about 2 minutes then they brought him out to me and it was all over. He healed really quick and it wasn't nearly as a big deal as I made it out to be. Anyway, good luck with what you decide and I am sure it will all go well. I like the take the father as a lead comment.
i can't believe you even thought for a second about NOT doing it.
it MUST be done.
(you just needed a good blog topic didn't you ;)
you certainly don't need my comment on this subject with all those other comments... nice hot topic! BUT... I actually have similar issues..
Before we had our first this was a HUGE discussion at our place... Now that we've had 4 boys the run down is as follows. 1st was done. Next 2 not done.. 4th has hypospadius and will have corrective surgery next month and may or may not come out of that with it done, depending on the outcome of the surgery.
Being different hasn't been anymore of an issue than their eye color being different, the hygiene thing hasn't been an issue and the less trauma the better! My new little guy has to have general anesthesia as it is so I'm not looking forward to putting him through anything more!
yes, Val... I really have been going back and forth about it. I am not trying to get attention here. "Hm.. I wonder if I write about WIENIES people will comment." I have enough wienie comments in my day to day life.
and Nova, it sounds like you ARE conducting an experiment of your own.. results: it doesn't make a difference. That's exactly why I started this discussion in the first place. If it really doesn't matter-- why put my sweet baby under the knife AND pay out of pocket for it?
Cole had to be circumcised after he was 1 because it wasn't done very well after he was born. He had to be able to go under general anesthetic so he was a little over 1. It was sad, but 2 months wouldn't be a big deal at all. Just make sure it gets done right the FIRST time and there won't be any problems :) I think it'd be best to have Simon go under the knife if his 3 brothers have...it's funny how teeny little things like that can really affect a kid. They compare themselves with everyONE about everyTHING. Especially when you're running around naked with your brothers and you're the "different one".
I say chop it.
LOVE THIS conversation- something that I know NOTHING about!
http://circumcisiondecisionmaker.com/
Ironic timing to find this website off one of my online groups, eh?
It's an interesting topic, once you really start researching it, isn't it? I found it fascinating when it was time for us to decide for our son.
Basically, according to the reasons you've given, this website says it's not a good enough reason to have your son go through surgery. They say it's simply a matter of explaining to your other sons if they wonder about it.
I told you how only 1 of my 7 brothers is not circumcised and the rest are. They know about it, but it's not an issue. Period.
Everyone and their dog is going to have a different opinion, heard different stories, have different experiences and research into this topic. Bottom line, do what feels best for you and your son. Then don't worry about what anyone else thinks (I know that won't be an issue for you, you stick behind your decisions!). Good luck, Janet!
wow, nat. This website is probably the only thing that would make me change my mind about circumcising. How come we haven't discussed it before now? We'll have to talk tomorrow....
Janet,
Having personally performed circumcisions on newborns and I have also given general anesthesia to probably about 50 older males having it done, my two cents is to go ahead and get it done sooner rather than later.
There is some studies which show a higher transmission rate of STD's in uncircumcised males, but obviously your sons will not have any problems with that cuz you guys teach them so well.
Having seen the horrible complications of the rare but nasty infections that can occur in older or elderly males who are uncircumcised and have difficulties keeping the area clean...get it done.
Not to be too crass but I see "these areas" every day in the patients I take care of, both old and young. There is no way the ratio is 50/50...more like 95/5, in the population of patients I see.
Also, I am working in the OR with a urologist today, someone who has been in practice forever and almost ready to retire...he recommends it for hygiene/STD risk.
The locker room issue is always a possibility, but I wouldn't necessarily use that as your decision point.
CUT HIM! :)
Jason P
You know I can't resist commenting about something medical related.
So, I have seen many circumcisions. The first one I watched seemed barbaric. But the baby was numb and he didn't even cry. So I figure that it couldn't be that bad. I would agree with Jason that the majority of patients I see are circumumcised.
I get my boys circumcised. I would do it now rather than later.
My boys aren't. I'm sure you're just dying to know THAT weren't ya ;)
Just a random reader with 2 cents to add--
My siser-in-law got married a year ago to a man who is not circumcized. After getting married and having sex for the first time in their lives... she started coming down with horrible UTI after horrible UTI. She has had a history of getting UTIs rather easily her whole life, but never had she experienced so many in such a short amount of time. They just wouldn't stop coming. After visiting with a doctor about it, she was told that her hubby's un-cut penis could be a large contributor to the problem.
She is now taking special supplements and taking measures to clean herself really well after every love-fest, but she still gets them more often than usual, and it's a burden they will bare for the rest of their lives.
Because of this, my husband and I are now 100% sure that any boys we have will be circ'd. (We used to be 99% sure.) Does Aaron have an opinion on the matter?
Jason-- I am so glad you commented. I was hoping you would give your medical advice (without charging me!)
I want to know how many boys/men come back in for correction surgeries?
And there is NO WAY the stats are 95/5. Maybe in Zion-- where Mormons think it's doctrine. I have really done my research and it's becoming less and less popular.
How is it possible that people do it for RELIGIOUS reasons? Why would God create little boys with skin around their penis only to have it chopped off as soon as they are born. That is crazy business. And if we're created in God's image, really want to know if He himself is circumcised. I will add that question to my prayer list.
Hygiene reasons aren't cutting it (no pun intended.) We put our infants under the knife because they MIGHT get an infection later on? Why don't we remove their appendixes while we're at it.. that thing is a ticking time bomb-- it might infect them someday. The more I research, the more I don't want to do it.
I have lots more to say.. but it might have to be a new post. This is serious business people.
Aaron wants it done. I respect him and what he thinks. (and I basically have to do what he says anyway.) Vanity is our reasoning now-- so he can feel like he fits in with his brothers.. and I don't see that as being a big issue. Right now, I don't think vanity is a good enough reason.
So, last's night conversation we were on opposite sides. I told him if he wants it done, he can make the appointments and be there when it's done. I will support him and take care of the baby after it happens, but I would not feel at peace knowing I was responsible for chopping off his skin. I honestly don't feel good about it.
I told Jeff the same thing! I told him if he wanted it done (which he did) he could make the appt. So pretty much the only reason my boys aren't is because my hubby's lazy... I mean busy.
Do it. If not, he'll end up like my grandfather-in-law and have it done when he is 60. And it's way worse when they can whine about it.
My boys are not. Just open it up every time they bathe and teach them to clean it themselves as they get older. Opening it up every bath is important not only for hygiene but also to make sure the skin can go all the way back. That was an issue with one of my boys, but not anymore.
I'm sure either way he'll be fine. Do what feels right for you and your family and then don't look back.
I was just thinking, this whole "do it while a baby so they can't complain about it" kind of bugs me. If it's a bad experience for the old men with infections to have it done, why is it not a bad experience for a baby? Because they can't verbalize it? Are we saying that babies are tougher than grown men? Just because they don't remember it doesn't mean it hurts any less than the rare occasion when a grown man has it done. And if its not a big deal for a baby, why is it a big deal for a grown man? Things to think about...
HERE, HERE Allison. I read earlier this week that boys who are circumcised are 6 times more afraid of pain (shots, dentist, etc) than boys who are NOT circumcised. I will have to find the source to quote it exactly, but who says they don't feel it and recover easily?
The procedure when they are a kiddo is much quicker and easier to perform than when they are older...
At intermountain medical center there are probably 3/week done as a rough estimate and looking at previous OR schedules to check that seems about right.
To me it has NOTHING to do with religion...maybe it is more of a western US kind of thing....but that's why I said it was 95/5 "of the patients I see"...although sunday school would be a lot more interesting if we could get away from "charity is the pure love of Christ" and focus on topics like "Foreskins and the men who love or hate them." :)
As far as whether or not Jesus was circumcised....he was...Jewish law. I'll let you get deeper on your own as to whether or not God was too. That is waaaay past Article of Faith 4 :)
I'd love a reference to the "six times more afraid" article....I doubt VERY highly that was something published in a peer reviewed journal. What about all the kids who are born premature and spend months with IV after IV, breathing tubes, lab draws, etc.? If babies were really that fragile I think all of us would be absolute wrecks as adults...all of us experienced pain as kids, at least as much as a little injection of lidocaine for a penile block.
I agree with the Wallace family....having seen many older males have this procedure done....it is MUCH more painful when they are older....it has to do with the surgical technique...
-Jason
P.S. I like discussions like this much more than ones about how President Obama is going to ruin healthcare in this country, which he is going to do. :)
Okay, I found the source to that stat earlier, and I miss quoted it. Apparently the study was done with infants who were circumcised without local anaesthetic. And they only tested the subjects 4-6 months after surgery.. so the babies react more to pain, but only for a few months after. and I made up the 6 times more likely.. I guess I miss read the "6 months after surgery" part. My bad.
Anyway, the in-depth article can be found here: http://www.cirp.org/library/history/dunsmuir1/
This article was written in 1999 and I found it really interesting-- It gives a historical background on WHY it was done back in the day... and why we continue to do it (for completely different reasons.)
It's so fascinating that ancient Egyptians circumcised their SLAVES as a mark of defilement... basically they were mutilated and marked for life.. their sons were also circumcised, generations of humiliation.
The religious background is also outlined.. basically it was an outward symbol of your duty to God. That's some serious covenant making...
Last night during my discussion with Aaron, he was getting frustrated and said, "Jesus was circumcised, isn't that enough?" I responded that Jesus was a great example and I hope our boys can learn to be like him, but that doesn't mean they need to grow a beard and sacrifice themselves on a cross. Some things he did so WE wouldn't have to do them ourselves.
If Jesus is circumcised, then I am sure God is. I will ask that question in Sunday school next week. Or make Ben ask his primary teacher....
You can see why I just need to do another post. My comments are waaay too long.
I would like to discuss the current "tradition" of female circumcision going on in Africa and Asia. It's unbelievable and so sad.. They are removing parts or ALL of the female genitalia for NO REASON!! (they state its for cultural, religious and other non-therapeutic reasons... whatever.) Basically, I think we're doing the same thing to our boys. It's crazy.. yes, we've found medical reasons to justify it.. but "hygiene reasoning" became the excuse when modern surgery was on the rise. It sounds like a lot of doctors are making a bunch of money to chop wienies....
phew. that's it for now. No comment on Obama's healthcare plan.
to read more about female circumcision, go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Female_genital_cutting
obviously, it's a lot more treacherous that the procedure we do on our babies (they are performing these female circ's on girls ages 4-8) It makes me sick... what are people possibly thinking? Humans are messed up.
I am really surprised that Mormons aren't outraged by circumcisions.. if a person alters their body with a TATTOO, then they are damned, but you can alter your sons body forever (without their consent) and it's okay? only ONE pair of earrings people.... we can't destruct the perfect bodies God gave us.
I have really, really enjoyed this topic. My view on circumcision has drastically changed since I first read your post. I have been talking a lot about it with my husband and neither of us knew WHY we circ'ed our boys. It came down to the fact that he was, so we should. When my parents-in-law were over for dinner last night (YA! You've got everyone talking about WIENEES!) It came out that my husband's brothers aren't and either is his father. My husband didn't even know that until today. So all this talk about doing what your dad did and his brothers would make fun of him is a bunch of crap! If we have another boy, I will definitely think twice about having it done.
I am going anonymous, but I emailed you earlier, so I think you know who I am. :)
LOVE this. so glad you are writing about it (with such a sense of humor on a serious subject)
I really liked that article about the history of circumsizion. it is crazy what we do and WHY we think it needs to be done. I think Mormons are very traditional people and pass things down (quite strictly) from generation to generation. We do a lot of things without really thinking about it= because that's what we were taught to do or that's what our parents did. We don't ask questions or look into it as much as we should.
Anyway, keep it going. I might look at the female circumsizion article, but I am afraid. I would rather not know what's going on if it's bad.............
I wanted to address the point Kristy B brought up about UTIs and NO circumcision. Since I was a little girl, I have been getting bladder infections. When I got married to my husband who IS circumcised, I spent my entire honeymoon with the worse UTI of my life. It was most definitely sex that made them worse (and I still deal with them often) but I think some people just are cursed with them and sex can make it worse... circumcised or not.
With that said, I think you should do it :) Even if you do it for no reason, I don't think you will regret it. and if you don't, you might. then it will be too late.
I stumbled onto your site, and circ is a passionate subject of mine being a cbe and all. I've always looked at it this way....if there were studies out there saying that a girl was more hygienic and had less infections if she were circumcised, would you do so to your daughters? The answer is always a resounding no. And I've got news for you, there are studies that say taht exact thing, and some countries who value female circumcisions for the same reasons we value male circ. It looks better, it's more hygienic, less to fiddle with (as one of the comments said), easier to clean when you are older and in a nursing home, to match the mom or sisters, yet our society would call you a child abuser for circing a female. Genital integrity is genital integrity, whether it's a boy or girl. I understand that this topic is highly emotional but it's full of a lot of false traditions from our fathers. God didn't make a mistake by giving women and men foreskins, we are supposed to have them, they serve a healthy purpose, spiritually and physically. And to point to the bible as proof that is an expendable appendage is misunderstood too. Bris' (or Jewish circ) is FAR different and takes off only the tip of the foreskin (which has over 20,000 nerve endings) and looks nothing like what the peds circ does. Anyway, off my soap box from a complete stranger. Good luck.
Thanks Amy for your thoughts. That was exactly what I was trying to say about female circumcision. It's appalling. The only reason why we aren't as upset about male circumcision is because "everybody's doing it"... or at least half of everybody.
Janet, it makes the decision a whole lot easier when you look at it logically, eh? Now post about vaccinations and see the responses you get LOL. Vaccines and circumcision, sure to cause a lot of buzz!
And to the comment before mine:
"With that said, I think you should do it :) Even if you do it for no reason, I don't think you will regret it. and if you don't, you might. then it will be too late."
It's never to late. Doctor's are happy to cut foreskins no matter your age, for any reason. It's a great way to make some extra $. Convince the entirety of a population (and yourself) that they don't need certain body parts, and in fact they are ticking time bombs (foreskins, appendices, gallbladders, uteri, thyroids, colons, breasts even) and you've got yourself some good revolving income. Slice it, dice it, reconstruct it, either way we get rich off of God's "mistakes" and should take it off or out, you know...just in case the belief that you are broken eventually manifests in cancer and illness because of your poor lifestyle choices. What was He thinking putting that there in the first place?
As to the UTI's, they are an external manifestation of internal imbalance. Foreskins cause no more infections than do spoons make you fat. That infection was lingering inside of you to begin with (sorry, I'm a health junkie, too LOL).
Thanks for letting me blogstalk, Janet.
Cleaning an intact infant penis is far easier than cut. With my cut boys, every diaper change you have to touch the penis and move the skin to ensure the skin is clean and that there is nothing under it to cause irritation. Even with good care there were often rashes on the tip of the penis.
An intact penis only has to be wiped clean. No crevices to check. No special care, just let the boy bathe.
Once the foreskin retracts naturally, some time between toddlerhood and adulthood, all that is required is a quick pullback and rinse in the shower and after sex.
Even into potty training age the exposed skin caused rashes. If small amounts of urine dripped onto underwear, that dried urine would irritate the head.
Another type of rash not experienced with an uncut or even with my son who had a "loose circ" (just the tip cut).
I totally HATE the circumcision thing. It is a ridiculous and unnecessary tradition. That being said, both my boys are circumcised. I just trusted my husband to make the call. I have seen it done before (not to my baby...i was in the room when another baby was getting it done.. Mack was getting a bilirubin test)
I really love boys and would love to have more of them, but for the circumcision thing alone, I hope I have girls. It is just lame to cut off apart of your baby's penis.
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