By not circumcising, you’ll give your son a gentle beginning, help get breastfeeding off to a good start, protect him from unnecessary pain and surgical risk, and reduce your own stress in the postpartum period. Your son will grow up to know that you respected his wholeness and saved him from a damaging cultural practice.
Should I circumcise my Baby?
Do not make the decision to circumcise your baby because you think there are some medical benefits. A review by the American Academy of Pediatrics looked at all the data from the past decades to see if there truly were any medical benefits. Their conclusion – NO. There are no significant medical benefits that make circumcision worth doing.
What are the benefits of circumcision in children?
Some of the researched benefits of circumcision include: Decreased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in the first year of a child’s life. Severe or recurrent UTIs can lead to kidney damage or even sepsis (a bloodstream infection).
What are the risks of circumcision for babies?
The AAP reports that circumcised boys have a lower chance of getting a potentially serious urinary tract infection during their first year than uncircumcised boys do. Left untreated, UTIs could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, possibly leading to kidney damage.
What are the pros and cons of circumcising your baby?
Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised: Pros and Cons of Baby CircumcisionA lower risk of urinary tract infections; a circumcised infant has a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life vs. ... A much lower risk of acquiring HIV.A lower risk of getting other STDs, including herpes, HPV and syphilis.More items...
What are the benefits of no circumcision?
Key takeaways:From a medical health perspective, the benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks. ... Circumcision in infancy can lead to lower rates of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and cancer of the penis.Circumcision comes with a risk for bleeding, infection, and injury to the penis.More items...•
Is it healthier to circumcise your baby?
Studies have concluded that circumcised infants have a slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections, although these are not common in boys and occur less often in circumcised boys mostly in the first year of life. Neonatal circumcision also provides some protection from penile cancer, a very rare condition.
Is having no foreskin better?
Which is better? Either way is normal and healthy — there is no “better” or “worse” option. The foreskin is the retractable tube of skin that covers and protects the head (glans) of the penis. All healthy boys are born with a foreskin.
Is not being circumcised OK?
A circumcised boy has about one in 1,000 chance of getting a UTI in the first year of life. A baby who is not circumcised has a one in 100 chance of getting a UTI in the first year of life. A slightly lower risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. A lower risk of cancer of the penis.
Why should I not circumcise my son?
FACT: Circumcision destroys the protective and sexual functions of the foreskin. Many men experience emotional harms later in life. Surgical complications are numerous, including bleeding, infection, meatal stenosis, and adhesions, ranging from minor to severe. Many circumcised boys will need a repeat surgery.
Should we circumcise our son?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not make a recommendation for or against circumcision in newborn boys, but they do say that health benefits outweigh the risks of the procedure.
What are 2 reasons parents may circumcise?
Of the reasons that parents gave for supporting circumcision of their children, hygiene (61.9%, 112 of 181), prevention of infection or cancer (44.8%, 81 of 181), and the father being circumcised (40.9%, 74 of 181) were the most often cited reasons (Table 1).
Why shouldn't you circumcise a baby boy?
10 Reasons NOT to Circumcise Your Baby Boy. 1. Because there is no medical reason for “routine” circumcision of baby boys. No professional medical association in the United States or the rest of the world recommends routine neonatal circumcision. The American Medical Association calls it “non-therapeutic.”.
Why is circumcision painful?
Because your baby does not want to be circumcised. Circumcision painfully and permanently alters a baby boy’s genitals, removing healthy, protective, functional tissue from the penis and exposing the child to unnecessary pain and medical risks – all for no medical benefit.
What are the complications of circumcision?
As with any surgery, complications – even including death – can and do occur with circumcision. Infection and abnormal bleeding are the most common complications. Other complications include removal of too much skin, loss of part or all of the penis, life-threatening infection, and urinary problems.
Do babies have pain control?
Babies are sensitive to pain, just like older children and adults. Many circumcisions in the United States are performed with no pain control at all. But even when pain control is employed, the analgesics used for circumcision can only decrease pain; they do not eliminate it.
Is circumcision a decision?
The “circumcision decision” is really no decision at all. Circumcision is a painful and risky surgery that deprives over a million boys each year of healthy, functional tissue, while wasting health care dollars that could be spent on medically necessary services. Read these “Ten reasons NOT to circumcise your baby” courtesy of Intact America, ...
Can you circumcise a baby girl?
Because you wouldn’t circumcise your baby girl. In the United States, girls of all ages are protected by federal and state laws from genital surgery to which they do not consent, whether practiced in medical or non-medical settings, and regardless of the religious or cultural preferences of their parents.
How many complications are there with circumcision?
If the circumcision is performed by an experienced physician in a sterile environment, though, the risk of complications should be low. One to 3 percent of circumcisions will result in minor complications, such as extra bleeding or infection, which topical antibiotics can clear up.
What are the complications of botched circumcision?
A Botched Circumcision. Serious complications include removal of too much skin or other damage to the penis. A follow-up circumcision or reconstructive surgery may be needed. However, these complications are estimated to occur in less than 1 percent of circumcisions.
What percentage of boys were circumcised in 2010?
Yet there are risks, and the percentage of American families choosing to circumcise has actually decreased in recent years. In fact, 58.3 percent of boys were circumcised in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) —and this is a 10 percent decrease from circumcision rates in 1979.
Can a circumcised boy get a urinary tract infection?
The AAP reports that circumcised boys have a lower chance of getting a potentially serious urinary tract infection during their first year than uncircumcised boys do. Left untreated, UTIs could introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, possibly leading to kidney damage.
Does circumcision reduce herpes?
Circumcising your baby can eliminate these two risk factors. What’s more, a 2009 study in the New England Journal of Medicine linked male circumcision to a reduced risk of penile human papillomavirus infection (HPV) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
Is circumcision effective for HIV?
But the results of three randomized clinical trials of adult men in Africa were sufficient for the World Health Organization to endorse male circumcision as an effective way to reduce the risk for HIV acquired through heterosexual sex in regions with heterosexual epidemics, high HIV rates, and few circumcised men.
Is circumcision better afterward?
However, Douglas Diekema, M.D., a member of the AAP's circumcision task force, notes that the few studies done with African men who were circumcised as adults show that some find intercourse better afterward, some describe it as worse, and the vast majority say it is pretty much the same as before.
Pros Of Circumcision Your Baby
According to studies, Circumcision has some health benefits. So, let’s look at what those benefits are.
Cons Of Circumcision Your Baby
Circumcision does have some risks, just like any surgical procedure. However, problems after circumcision are very low. The most common problems are bleeding and infection in the circumcised area. Your doctor can treat both of these.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have covered both the pros and cons of circumcising your baby. I hope you understand all the pros and cons before deciding whether to circumcise your baby.
FAQs
Generally, a newborn boy gets circumcised in the first few days after birth, and at most one week after birth. Some babies may be delayed circumcised if they have a medical problem or if an immediate circumcision can affect their health.
Is circumcision a form of mutilation?
Circumcision is often viewed as a form of cruel and unnecessary mutilation to the male body. Arguably, medical experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics, don’t deem circumcision imperative for the health of your child so many parents question why they would put a child through the potential trauma and pain.
Does circumcision reduce HIV?
Studies show that circumcised males have a lower incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. In certain cases, circumcision may reduce HIV transmission by offering an additional line of defense against STD contraction.
Why do we circumcise our sons?
For some of us, the decision to circumcise our sons is easy. We do it for religious beliefs or because it’s what has always been done in our family. But for those of us wavering as we weigh the pros and cons of circumcision, including the risks, benefits and current cultural worth, it helps to be informed.
What are the benefits of circumcision?
The AAP recognizes these benefits of circumcision: A lower risk of urinary tract infections; a circumcised infant has a 1 in 1,000 chance of developing an UTI in the first year of life vs. the 1 in 100 chance if he’s not. A lower risk of penile cancer, although this type of cancer is very rare.
How long does it take to circumcise a baby?
The circumcision procedure is generally quick; it takes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on which technique is used. First, the doctor—either your ob-gyn or the pediatric hospitalist—will strap baby onto a board, securing his legs.
When was the baby circumcision published?
By Maggie Overfelt. Published. April 17, 2020. Of the many things we do for our kids that are painful, baby circumcision—the surgical removal of a newborn boy’s foreskin—is one of the most controversial and vexing.
Is circumcision good for babies?
Many parents today question whether the pain of infant circumcision is worth its medical advantages, which are relatively minor given that it protects against conditions that don’t commonly occur.
Is circumcision obligatory in Jewish culture?
Certain sects view it as obligatory, while others do not.
Is bump a medical advice?
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
How long does it take for a baby to be circumcised?
Most circumcisions are performed 24–72 hours after birth if performed in a hospital by a pediatrician or obstetrician. You may also take your little one to the pediatrician’s office within the first 10 days of life to have the circumcision performed there.
What are the risks of circumcision?
To reassure you, circumcision is a very common procedure and complications are rare. But the risks may include: 1 bleeding at the time of the procedure 2 infection 3 pain 4 damage or deformity to the penis, which may appear later in development
Why is my baby's penis red?
If your baby’s penis becomes extremely red or starts oozing thick yellow fluid, he may have developed an infection at the circumcision site. A fever may also be a sign of infection. Any fever in a newborn requires a trip to the doctor right away.
What is circumcision surgery?
Circumcision is a minor surgical procedure to remove the skin covering the tip of the penis. It’s been performed on male newborns for many years, and is considered generally safe.
What to do if your baby isn't having wet diapers?
It’s best to call your baby’s doctor if you notice any of these signs in the days following a circumcision. Also call your baby’s doctor right away if you notice that your baby isn’t having wet diapers, is having fewer wet diapers, or seems to cry when he pees.
Can you circumcise a baby?
(In some cultures, or for certain medical reasons, circumcision may be performed on older boys or adult men.) You’re not medically or legally required to circumcise your baby.
Where is circumcision most common?
of boys born in the United States are circumcised. Worldwide, circumcision is most common in the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Australia, and Africa. Circumcision is much less common in Asia, Europe, and South America.
Why do people oppose circumcision?
There are groups of people worldwide, including medical societies, that oppose routine circumcision because they feel it is unethical for a parent to decide to alter the penis of their child without the child’s consent. Parents who are making the decision to circumcise their son or not may wish to consider the impact this may have in ...
Why do people circumcise?
The only reason to circumcise is religious or personal reasons – as discussed above. That is all. There really is no good reason to circumcise other that personal preference and religious reasons.
What is the decision to circumcise?
Making the decision to circumcise is one that many parents face. There are many misconceptions and out-of-date information that parents may read. Here is a summary of the pertinent issues that you should consider when making this decision.
When do you pull back your foreskin?
Well, the truth is, you are not even supposed to pull back the foreskin until it naturally comes back on its own between age 3 and adolescence. So there really isn’t anything to even take care of until then.
Can you get irritated foreskin?
Avoiding Infections in the Foreskin. It is true, occasionally intact foreskins get irritated. This is easily treated with warms soaks and washing. Rarely, the irritated foreskin becomes infected. This requires antibiotics to clear up, but is easily treatable. Even if this does happen once or twice in a person’s life, ...
When is circumcision done?
Circumcision is usually performed on the first or second day after birth. (Among the Jewish population, circumcision is done on the eighth day.) The procedure becomes more complicated and riskier in older babies, children, and men. Circumcision Surgery: What to Expect.
Can a boy swim after a syringe?
Don’t take more than one pain medicationunless the doctor says it’s OK. Boys shouldn’t swim or take a bath for at least a week after the procedure.
Should parents talk to their doctor about circumcision?
Parents should talk with their doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure before deciding whether to circumcise a male child. Other factors, such as your culture, religion, and personal preference, will also be involved in your decision. Circumcision Benefits.
Is circumcision a medical issue?
The use of circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that continues to be debated. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that the health benefits of newbornmale circumcision outweigh the risks, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend universal newborn circumcision.
When should I circumcise my baby?
Should I Circumcise my Baby? Until recently, pediatricians recommended removing the foreskin quickly and at one time, when a baby is around three to four months old. Some would refer children to a urologist to perform this procedure. With a little local anesthesia, the doctor moves the foreskin.
When should I have my foreskin lowered?
If the foreskin has not lowered by age five or six, you may need to result to surgery. Depending on how severe it is, you can even wait until they older for circumcision. Don’t make drastic decisions to circumcise if they are not needed. It might interest you... Read it in Step To Health.
When should you detach your foreskin?
If your pediatrician recommends that you detach the foreskin as soon as they are old enough , you should remember that this is a painful procedure for your baby and has questionable benefits. You may be interested in reading: How to Treat Constipation in Children.
Can a baby's foreskin be removed?
With a little local anesthesia, the doctor moves the foreskin. This can still be painful for the baby and cause a lot of bleeding. In addition, an abrupt removal of the foreskin can also cause difficulty with healing.
Can a mother have a circumcision?
For mothers, this is a serious question. They can choose to resolve it at birth with circumcision or they may decide to wait for it to occur naturally. For any mother, however, this is a topic that causes a lot of concern thanks to the many differences of opinion between mothers and doctors.
Should I circumcise my foreskin?
Pediatricians don ’t always agree: there are those who think it’s necessary to circumcise the foreskin with a single medical procedure. However, there are also those who believe that you should wait to let it fall off naturally and simply leave it be. For mothers, this is a serious question.