The Circumcision Discussion

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

I know this can be a HUGE debate, and I'm not looking to start any arguments. I was just wondering as you are OB nurses. I'm expecting a boy in July and not sure if we should circ. or not. My husband says yes, it's better medically in the long run. My gpa who just turned 70 had to have a circ. due to endless complications lately.

As nurses in this area, is the medication that they use good? And what are some questions to ask my Dr. about it. I already know that my hospital i'll be at uses a med. when they perform it, I"m just wondering what you all think.

Thanks

Jen :)

Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I was talking to one of the residents this past weekend while she was doing circs (our OBs do them) and mentioned how much I hate them. She said, "If you think this is bad, you should see a lady partsl c/section" (meaning a 4th degree lac). I told her "My issue is not the blood & guts. My issue is the unnecessary-procedure-on-a-nonconsenting-baby". She shut up.

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.
I was talking to one of the residents this past weekend while she was doing circs (our OBs do them) and mentioned how much I hate them. She said, "If you think this is bad, you should see a lady partsl c/section" (meaning a 4th degree lac). I told her "My issue is not the blood & guts. My issue is the unnecessary-procedure-on-a-nonconsenting-baby". She shut up.

:yelclap::yelclap::yelclap:

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
:yelclap::yelclap::yelclap:

Just callin' it like I see it, ma'am. :)

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Specializes in L/D, antepartum, postpartum, nursery.

Where i work, we usually use emla and apply it one hour before circ time. We squeeze the emla into a red (preemie) bottle nipple and remove the plastic ring from the nipple....then place the nipple onto the member and secure the diaper. It fits perfectly. We also use pacifiers or gloved fingers and sweet ease (sucrose solution) for pain control. Most of our babies hardly cry!!;)

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Specializes in Pediatric, Obstetrics, Public Health.
I brought little doobie home from the hospital today and I couldn't put him through it. His little weenie will be just fine like it is, I figure.

Awww! Congratulations on your little son and congrats for leaving him intact!

I also am a nurse and couldn't see circumcising my son for cosmetic reasons. I've also witnessed my fair share of botched circ jobs, all at the hands of "experienced" physicians. I figure years of design by God/Mother Nature will work just fine!

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Specializes in Nurse Educator; Family Nursing.

The circumcision rate in the United States has dropped since the 1970's (HURRAH), see

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/06/18/us_circumcision_rate_drops/

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Specializes in telemetry, ICU.

I did not circ my son, he is 6 months old. So, far we have had no problems. I did research before he was born, as well as my husband did not want it to be done. The american cancer society states that they do not endorse circ for cancer preventative as well as the CDC does not support circ for prevention of hiv or any other sexually transmitted disease. according to the websites.

Why do we support circ of males and not of females they are equally barbaric, and so far I see no evidence to support the practice other than religious, and " my husband is"

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Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

Can you provide a link to that information from the CDC? I looked but could not find anything like that.

Thanks

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I am also glad that there is a movement within the Jewish faith to not routinely circumcise boys. They are still in the minority as far as I know, but it does exist. They still have the ceremony as a way to welcome baby into the community but without the circ.

www.jewsagainstcircumcision.org

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When I was in nursing school when I did my OB rotation I remember them doing a circumcision. They brought the poor little baby in the nursery and I remember them taking out this board and strapping the little guy to it. I couldn't watch but I remember the screaming.

This happens to be the hospital where I will deliver. I think my husband wants the baby to be circumcised but he is concerned about the pain as well.

Do they generally use anesthetic? Do most people opt out of circumcision anymore, at least at the hospital?

Motorcycle mama,

I work in labor and delivery and some nursery. Our pediatricians will use a topical anesthetic prior to circumcision by parents request. I suggest you talk with your pediatrician prior to your delivery date.

Knightcow2000

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Specializes in Cardiac surgery ICU.

Don't know why all the anti against circumcision. It is practised by Jews at the age of 8 days, though they must be at least 2 kgs by weight, and have a normal bilirubin. Mostly done by "Mohalim" who are trained to do it, or by surgeons. "Mohalim" usually give a few drops of wine to the baby to suck so he doesn't have pain, surgeon do local anaesthesia. Both my sons had it done, didn't cry and slept the night through.

Have seen memberes without circumcision on patients mainly new immigrants from Russia, most of them were filthy.

Moslems also get circumcised, but at a later age, and they suffer, also traumatic, and done with no anaesthesia as far as I know.

Also, I remember reading there is less sexually transmitted disease in the circumcised and less cervical cancer among Jewish women. Don't remember which medical journal so can't give reference.

So there must be some good in it.

As for the one who wrote about Jews against circumcision, never heard of them, must be Reform Jews, who are known to to practise many of the Jewish laws.

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