Explaining circumcision to mom....

Nurses Education

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Ok, so here is the problem: I'm a nurse and when a new mom asks me what is circumcision, what should i say? I mean, ok, go with me on this. I have researched for myself that the AMA, the pediactric association (whatever it names itslef) and many other references all are acutally against the procedure. Of course, for it if hypospadias or a deformity that can be fixed with the foreskin. But, most baby boys are born normal in that aspect. So, I'm a guy, and I have my own thoughts on the matter. However, my thoughts on the matter are the same as the AMA and such, however, probably a little stronger. So, personally I'm against it all the way with the exception of deformities. So, when everything that I have researched bluntly tells us that it is not a medical necessity but merely a cosmetic surgery what do I say.

I was heard once telling my opinion to a mom. Well, she asked for my opinion. I told her that I would never do that to my child and for many reasons. I explained them. They were facts. WEll, I got in trouble for that because that doctor was all about circumcisions. Of course that doctor was middle eastern. So, I was of course angry about that. I don't know about something, I'm from Chicago but live now in a little town in Texas. Do they still do this procedure much in the bigger cities? Am I just so far in the middle of no where or what?

Thanks

I believe if a person can't bring themselves to give unbiased information, they should defer any explanations to the PCP. To do otherwise is an abuse of your position of authority.

VASHTEE, In the current U.S. health care atmosphere, I think it would be virtually impossible for any nurse to provide "unbiased information" about male or female circumcision due to glaring inconsistency that I will hope to get in to later. Like abortion, RU-486, stem cell research and euthanasia, it is way too much of a hot potato. Deferring explanations to a PCP who may have a religious, cultural or financial interest, "while getting you off the hook", is probably not in the patient's or parent's best interest either. As a physician (OB/GYN) and attorney, I think the whole circumcision issue places the true caregivers (nurses) in a vulnerable position.

There are two very similar threads going on right now. This link is excellent and restarted a couple of days ago: https://allnurses.com/ob-gyn-nursing/the-circumcision-discussion-195222-page100.html#post3498869

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There are many healthcare staff members who do a fine job of communicating factual, unbiased information to parents regarding circumcision. Some are for circs, some are against, and many have no stated preference. The one thing they have in common is a willingness to keep their own agendas out of the picture and the ability to resist lobbying for a specific outcome.

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I think it would be virtually impossible for any nurse to provide "unbiased information" about male or female circumcision due to glaring inconsistency that I will hope to get in to later

There are many healthcare staff members who do a fine job of communicating factual, unbiased information to parents regarding circumcision. Some are for circs, some are against, and many have no stated preference. The one thing they have in common is a willingness to keep their own agendas out of the picture and the ability to resist lobbying for a specific outcome.

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Specializes in DOU.
VASHTEE, In the current U.S. health care atmosphere, I think it would be virtually impossible for any nurse to provide "unbiased information" about male or female circumcision due to glaring inconsistency that I will hope to get in to later.

Oh, bull. I don't have any problem at all.

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you answer her question and thats that. and explain that you are not allowed to give opinions only facts, provide some literature or a brochure, anything but your opinion.

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No need to walk on eggshells about this or any other medical topic with your patient. My point earlier on this thread was that it can be difficult for a nurse to give "just the facts" when the physician or managers at the facility they work in have a very strong opinion one way or another.

Take me for example. Early in my career I was terminated from my job because I did not try to convince parents to circumsise their children. It was all good in the end because they somehow forgot I was an attorney, I filed suite and well, the rest is history...;)

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
I told her that I would never do that to my child and for many reasons. I explained them. They were facts. WEll, I got in trouble for that because that doctor was all about circumcisions. Of course that doctor was middle eastern.

Your crossed the line...big time.

Not to start a circ thread, but your personal opinion about the procedure is not up for discussion...your job is to explain the facts:

The facts are:

1. It is not medically necessary (and I'm pro circ...and even I can admit that).

2. Mothers do it for a variety of reasons...cosmetic, sanitation, religious, deformity, etc.

3. There is a risk of infection, there is a risk of something going wrong with the procedure (as with ALL procedures).

4. That some research shows that the risk of HPV, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is decreased (this information is currently in my nursing textbooks), however, other research shows that it is debatable.

5. You ask Mom if she has discussed the procedure with the physician and the method of pain control (if any), would be used...this is where you are a patient advocate.

That's it....if Mom asked for your personal opinion, you should have went back to the blanket, "Unfortunately, it would not be appropriate for me to interject that because it's not my child....however, I will be happy to answer any questions or have the Pediatrician explain the procedure in detail.

If you cannot objectively educate Mom...then you should have sent in another nurse to explain it.

The physician had every right to be furious...Middle Eastern or not.

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Specializes in Derm/Wound Care/OP Surgery/LTC.

"I was heard once telling my opinion to a mom. Well, she asked for my opinion. I told her that I would never do that to my child and for many reasons. I explained them. They were facts. WEll, I got in trouble for that because that doctor was all about circumcisions. Of course that doctor was middle eastern. "

Try this. "I don't have an opinion one way or the other, Mrs. so and so. Both have pros and cons. Why don't I get you some literature so you can make an informed decision?"

And the middle eastern thing? My husband is from the middle east. Israel to be exact. As a Jew, we circumsize for religious/traditional reasons. However, his relatives in Syria do not. In Palestine, they do NOT circumsize usually due to religious beliefs as well.

I don't think it has to do with the doc being Middle Eastern.

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When i told my pediatrician that I would not have my son circumcised, (and this was before i was a nurse) He said to me: "Well at least we have ONE informed parent in the world!" This surprised me quite a bit, especially since this doc tends to be condescending. I originally left the choice to my husband, and i believe it should always be the father's choice. If the father isn't around or if there are questions, I would try to give basic info about it, giving three reasons for and three reasons against. I would refrain from giving an outright opinion. This is too easy to label as medical advice from a doctor.

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Specializes in Step-Down.

I do not want to offend anyone, but I personally think that an uncircumcised memberes are very gross. Sorry thats what I think. They look slimey, eww not nice. I guess I am prejudice about it b/c I am circumcised. I have a feeling that even if I wasnt I wouldnt like it. Anyway recent studies indicate that circumcision is both good and maybe unneeded. My close friend who has been an RN in urology for over 7 years had seen SO many men get recurring infections and have to be circumcised at the age of 30-40 which is horrifyingly painful. They do this procedure more often than I would have thought about 10-20 and month and this is needed not cosmetic. For hundreds if not thousands of years it has been much more safer for the child to be circumcised so that the chance for infections be decreased so why stop now? Also I have met many girls who have been with men who were not circumcised and said it's gross.

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I do not want to offend anyone, but I personally think that an uncircumcised memberes are very gross. Sorry thats what I think. They look slimey, eww not nice. I guess I am prejudice about it b/c I am circumcised. I have a feeling that even if I wasnt I wouldnt like it. Anyway recent studies indicate that circumcision is both good and maybe unneeded. My close friend who has been an RN in urology for over 7 years had seen SO many men get recurring infections and have to be circumcised at the age of 30-40 which is horrifyingly painful. They do this procedure more often than I would have thought about 10-20 and month and this is needed not cosmetic. For hundreds if not thousands of years it has been much more safer for the child to be circumcised so that the chance for infections be decreased so why stop now? Also I have met many girls who have been with men who were not circumcised and said it's gross.

good hygiene protects against infection, and being intact.....

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Specializes in Step-Down.

Good hygiene is important (common sense), but many of my friends patients were very diligent about their hygiene and they still got recurring infections. If they were circumcised as an infant they would have no recollection what so ever an a healing time of a week. As adults they have horrifying pain and a healing time of a month or two. Plus ans increased risk of STD

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