The Circumcision Discussion

[jmspeach]

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 :)

[GardenDove]

Again, I am asking someone to post links to peer reviewed, published, scientific information to support their statements.

How can we have evidence based practice w/o the EVIDENCE?

Do your own research.

[TazziRN, RN]

Sorry, Dove, I thought your comment was directed at what I said.

[Batman24]

Being a Male I have opinions on this. Go figure a male with opinion on something.

1. I have no problem at all with Circumcision. I'm happy I was

2. I have a SERIOUS problem when no anesthesia is used. I think every doctor that circs a baby without anesthesia should have the EXACT same thing done to him. Already circ'd, I'm sure we can figure out how to do a "mini" on you. It would never be acceptable on an adult to not use anesthetic. I refuse to help any doc that does not use some form of Anesthesia. There was also a study done quite a few years back that showed that little boys who were circ'd with anesthesia tended to have a higher pain tolerance than boys who were not.

3. It does have medical purposes, one being reduced transmission of STD's in particular HIV, you can do all the teaching you want about Condoms, still doesn't mean they are going to listen.

4. Cleanliness, thats all I gotta say

5. What is barbaric to one culture is religious to another circ's are forced on parents, the parents have the right to decide what is to be done to their baby. Be it circ, vaccine, surgery, etc. Who are we to judge, i'm sure we all do things that others would find objectional.

This is what I have always heard from all the men I know. They are all happy they have been circumcised and not one wishes it hadn't been done.

If I have sons I will have them circumcised. The pros outweight the cons from where I sit. I will be sure to have it done by an experienced doctor under proper meds and with a pacifier for their comfort.

This is what would make me most comfortable and give me the biggest sense of peace as a parent. Others have to do what is best for them.

[GardenDove]

Sorry, Dove, I thought your comment was directed at what I said.

That's the trouble with these threads when they get lengthy, it's hard to figure out what is being said to whom, and people tend to lump people together, etc and so forth, you know what I mean.

[GardenDove]

And like I've said before, any subject that discusses memberes seems to be laden with strong emotions as a primal response.

[Atl_John]

I believe someone was wanting some evidence based medicine, obviously these will be FOR circumcision since well...I'm for it.

1. Siegfried N. Muller M. Volmink J. Deeks J. Egger M. Low N. Weiss H. Walker S. Williamson P. Male circumcision for prevention of heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men. [Journal Article, Research, Systematic Review] The Cochrane Library. 2006;(4): (CD003362)

AN: 2009358536.

2. Fergusson DM. Boden JM. Horwood LJ. Circumcision status and risk of sexually transmitted infection in young adult males: an analysis of a longitudinal birth cohort. [Journal Article, Equations & Formulas, Research, Tables/Charts] Pediatrics. 2006 Nov; 118(5): 1971-7. (56 ref)

AN: 2009337765 NLM Unique Identifier: 17079568.

"CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that uncircumcised males are at greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infection than circumcised males. Male circumcision may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition and transmission by up to one half, suggesting substantial benefits accruing from routine neonatal circumcision." from the abstract

3. Richters J. Circumcision and the socially imagined sexual body. [Journal Article, Tables/Charts] Health Sociology Review. 2006 Aug; 15(3): 248-57. (55 ref)

AN: 2009310232.

Does circumcision reduce penile sensitivity? Applying the methods of evidence-based medicine to this question has problems, centrally that of how 'sensitivity' is to be measured.

4.Schoen EJ. Ignoring evidence of circumcision benefits. [Journal Article] Pediatrics. 2006 Jul; 118(1): 385-7. (39 ref)

AN: 2009242676 NLM Unique Identifier: 16818586.

Okey so theres a few for ya.

[lupin]

God I just hope I have girls.

[analee23]

http://www.aidsonline.com/pt/re/aids/abstract.00002030-200010200-00019.htm;jsessionid=FsFdhhmMVnh7MsGfcbYpgrLQDdxcydMB95mRN1hs9LSj7q2dK5Qk!-1412202079!-949856144!8091!-1

Here's an article I found about circumcision.

I'm not saying that circumcision PREVENTS HIV, it absolutely does NOT. It's just interesting that it helps to slow the SPREAD of HIV. Anyhoo. There ya be.

I have no qualms with people who choose to circumsize or not circumsize their sons. Whatever is your preference is fine by me as long as you take care of your kiddos! (I'm a peds nurse... can ya tell?) Anyhoo. Just thought I'd add that and there's the reference for whomever asked.

Analee

[lupin]

Just kidding. I'll take anything healthy. I'll just make up my mind about circs then.

[jax]

I've just been advised to have my almost 6 year old circ'd - the poor little thing has a foreskin that just doesn't move. I have been doing my reading, and my understanding is that I could leave it a bit longer to see it does begin to retract, but the thought of him having to have it done as a preteen is just too terrible. I think if it has to happen its better to do it now. This is something I did not even contemplate having done to him as an infant, now I wish I had had a crystal ball.

[TazziRN, RN]

Jax, it would definitely be better done as a child than a pre-teen or teen. Go back and read my post on page 2 or 3 about my brother. That would not be an issue with small boys.

[jax]

Message received Tazzi - it'll be happening sooner rather than later for my little man.