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 :)

To me, circumcision is a cure looking for a reason. If it had all these medical benefits, routine infant circumcision would be recommended by the APA, AAP, or WHO, and guess what...it's not.

I agree. We are not performing these numerous studies on circumcised females (and rightly so, they have been violated by having pieces of themselves forcibly removed without cause, so IMO any discovered benefits would be ill-gotten gains, so to speak and putting the cart before the horse) in order to see what benefits it might have. Such a double standard.

I have been in numerous debates about this issue, and it is so circular. But I have yet to have anyone ever answer my question as to why, in the Western world, female circumcision, and in fact any form of cutting on the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is seen as abuse and a human rights issue. Yes, in the countries in which it is performed, they lack proper instruments and such. But if these people were to come over here and want it done- even a tiny ceremonial cut on their daughter's genitals or removal of only the labia or clitoral hood rather than the privy parts itself- in a proper sterile environment, with good tools, by a trained professional, it would never be allowed. Why are these parents not allowed to make this choice for their daughters, yet the parents of sons are allowed to do as they please?

It boggles the mind.

Specializes in Rehab.

I recently had a pt that we had to bladderscan and frequently straight cath'd for urinary rentention. Well, he was uncut, and I swear to God cathing him was the worst experience of my life. The foreskin was like fused shut at the end so there was only a teeeeeeny tiny hole for urine to pass through. You could barely fit a 14 fr in there, and it was a crap shoot if you would get the urethra or not. It was so uncomfortable for this poor patient. Eventually the tip of his member got infected from all the trauma. The whole thing was a mess. I still don't get why they didn't put in a foley or superpubic. Anyway, I spent my time in the chopping room too during school. I was traumatized. But, to look at what this gent went through (and I understand he is the exception) bothered me even more. I don't know. I think I'll probably go for the "Americanized" look when I have boys.

Specializes in Urgent Care.
I give kudos to any male who has been circumcised.:yeah: I witnessed my very first circumcision this morning. I never gave much thought to the whole procedure until I actually saw one with my own eyes! OUCH!:smackingf I am glad that they don't remember this when they are adults!!!!!!! Thank heavens Im a girl!:w00t:

Wow!! how far this discussion has wandered from the OP. The only opinion she gave was that she was glad to not be a boy!! No judgements at all from her.

What an incredibly devisive issue. I did enjoy the articles a few people posted. With the conflicting medical information I certainly recognize the individual choice this is for a parent.

I am surprised (kind of, not really, maybe) at how judgemental so many nurses are of others personal choices like this. What happened to being open minded and accepting of anothers view even if different than yours? Or, since everyone has to do that at work all day is that the reason why we come here to participate in these polarizing discussions?

I am also surprised at how much faith people put into the "facts" they are stating; "cut men last longer due to desensitivity" and that they suffer from ED more often, etc, etc. I say thats a bunch of second hand, anecdotal hooey if you dont show me the proof!

Specializes in Urgent Care.

I have been in numerous debates about this issue, and it is so circular. But I have yet to have anyone ever answer my question as to why, in the Western world, female circumcision, and in fact any form of cutting on the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is seen as abuse and a human rights issue. Yes, in the countries in which it is performed, they lack proper instruments and such. But if these people were to come over here and want it done- even a tiny ceremonial cut on their daughter's genitals or removal of only the labia or clitoral hood rather than the privy parts itself- in a proper sterile environment, with good tools, by a trained professional, it would never be allowed. Why are these parents not allowed to make this choice for their daughters, yet the parents of sons are allowed to do as they please?

It boggles the mind.

Awesome point, before reading your post I would never have thought of this point of view

Specializes in Accepted...Master's Entry Program, 2008!.

.........

A couple of "proofs". Viagra, Cialis, Levitra.

Because there are large sales of these drugs, it's somehow "proof" of a negative impact on sensitivity, etc. in circ'd men? "Intact" men don't use these drugs? Was there a study showing a distribution of use among these groups?

why, in the Western world, female circumcision, and in fact any form of cutting on the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is seen as abuse and a human rights issue. Yes, in the countries in which it is performed, they lack proper instruments and such. But if these people were to come over here and want it done- even a tiny ceremonial cut on their daughter's genitals or removal of only the labia or clitoral hood rather than the privy parts itself- in a proper sterile environment, with good tools, by a trained professional, it would never be allowed. Why are these parents not allowed to make this choice for their daughters, yet the parents of sons are allowed to do as they please?

It boggles the mind.

In all the articles I've ever read about female circs, they are done under NO anesthesia whatsoever, to older girls. No attempt at anesthesia is even made. After the excision is done what is left of the labia is sewn together, leaving a small hole through which the girls void and menstruate and have intercourse. One of the arguments about male circs is the level of sensation the men feels....not whether or not they feel anything, but how much. With female circs the privy parts is removed and without the privy parts there is no sensation.

Yeah, I'd call it abuse.

I don't think the ones with fissures enjoy it.

Ask a partially restored man if he's more sensitive.

A couple of "proofs". Viagra, Cialis, Levitra.

Uncirc'd men can have ED too. Got nothing to do with sensation.

Specializes in SNF.

wow :uhoh21:

Whoa........I didn't make the comment about the ED meds being used by circ'd men!

It"s Barbaric And Should Be Discontinued !

This is obviously a woman or someone who is not circumcised. The practice is neither barbaric or unnecessary. There are a lot of medical reasons, and social reasons for the practice of circumcision. Uncircumcised men are more likely to develop Penile cancer, STD's and UTI's. The only people opting out for their children are the ignorant and uninformed. I am very happy to say I am a circumcised male.

The practice is neither barbaric or unnecessary. There are a lot of medical reasons, and social reasons for the practice of circumcision. Uncircumcised men are more likely to develop Penile cancer, STD's and UTI's. The only people opting out for their children are the ignorant and uninformed. I am very happy to say I am a circumcised male.

I am pro-circ, but I respect the decision of others to opt out. It is not fair to say that those who opt out are ignorant and uninformed, because they could be saying the same about us. There are beliefs on both sides of the argument, and just because someone doesn't agree with your views, it doesn't make that person's belief wrong.

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