Dany102

LOL... Try as I might, I couldn't explain it better. Well done Emergent! Dany

Hi OUxPhys, This was a poor choice of words on my part and I do apologize for that. Perhaps I should have said instead that having an intact foreskin makes masturbation more convenient or easier. Dany

cynical-RN, As mentioned before, the Canadian Urology Association no longer recommended the routine circumcision of male infant. You can read their conclusions in their official guidelines here (which was updated in 2017): https://www.cua.org/guidelines?specialty=All&topic=All&type=All&tools=All&keyword=Circumcision+&items_per_page=10 (I do wish to warn anyone thinking of reading this document that is lengthy and contains explicite depictions.) For the sake of expediency, I am reproducing their conclusions here: Summary of results and recommendations The effect of MC has to be analyzed at the individual and societal level. For the individual Canadian neonate, there are definite advantages of a circumcision, but the exact esti­mates of the effect are unknown, the protection provided is not comprehensive, accrue over a lifetime, and can be achieved by other preventive health measures (Table 2). Evidence, therefore, must be analyzed based on its quality and applicability and the GRADE system is an appropriate method to employ when we summarize our results. There are also clear risks associated with this surgical procedure and parents will continue to have to weigh the potential benefits and risks of neonatal circumcision. In an overall societal perspective, given our healthcare system and the socioeconomic and educational status of our population, universal neonatal circumcision is not justified based on the evidence available. This is about as far as I am willing to debate this issue with you. To me it's a no brainer. Dany

Hi again, You're the one who brought up the cheese factory, no me. And while I will concede there are some benefits associated to circumcision, they come with a slew of unnecessary risks as well. Have you ever seen a botched circumcision? I have, and it ain't pretty (this can lead to negative body image issues and low self-esteem). There are also risks of complications as with any surgery. As well, there are definitive downsides to circumcision. Loss of sensations (this is due to something called keratinization; look it up, it's a thing). Oh and let's not forget about the fact that it complicates the act of masturbation. And, if that wasn't enough, there is still the fact that the procedure does not guaranty immunity to STIs. Do you know what works pretty well, thought? Contraceptive measures. Specifically the use of condoms and oral dams. Another thing that works pretty well is vaccination (namely for HPV). You do know that boys can and should have that one too, right? That being said, if you promise not to try to tell me what to do with my member, I promise not to try to tell you what to do with yours. When it comes down to other people's genitals, I believe the only people who should have a say in what to do with them should be themselves. Unless I am mistaken, that was the intent of OP. Dany

Say what, now? I am sorry cynical-RN, but I cannot tell if you are making a joke here or if you are actually serious. Yes, smegma will eventually accumulated under the foreskin if uncleaned but it would take days (note the plural form) for it to show. I'm close to 50 years old and I cannot recall the last time I noticed any myself (I probably was pretty young). And, as it has been said before, good hygiene will take care of it. Even "not so good hygiene" won't be a problem in the short term. To use the better hygiene argument as a justification for rationalizing circumcision is just plain silly. Dany

I was wondering just when circumcision would make its appearance in this tread. I guess it was bound to happen. I understand AN is mostly U. S. - centric and, for reasons beyond me, it is still a common practice. I am from Canada and I can say it isn't as popular. In fact, Health Canada official position on this is that circumcision is no longer recommended. This is backed by the CMA, the CPA, and the CUA. The CUA reviewed their own guidelines to say they see little to no benefit to routine circumcision and what little there is, can be mitigate by other means (vaccination comes to mind). So what it comes down to is cultural bias, religious beliefs and aesthetic reasons. Non of which, in my opinion, makes for particularly strong positions to argue in favour of it. I am not circumcised and I consider the practice as abhorrent as any other form of genital mutilation. I can't get behind opposing genital mutilation without including routine make circumcision as well. Not doing so is simple hypocrisy. Dany

Hello Satori77, I don't think the issue is whether men deserve modesty or not. Many men are modest, despite what you or anyone else may have observed (and those who say they aren't are likely lying). But, social conditioning makes them believe that this is a weakness. Being embarrassed is a perceived weakness and that is not "manly". A more "manly" response is to pretend it doesn't bother you. Better yet, just to make sure people know you aren't bothered, turn it into some sexual innuendo. Better this than to admit you're scared, ashamed or embarrassed. What you have is false bravado. An poor attempt at appearing to be "in control." (That being said, I'm not ruling out plain jerks and idiots. I just don't believe it's the root cause. Or that it is that prevalent.) Then you have homophobia which, sadly, seems to be rampant still. Again, this is a poor attempt at trying to convey "manliness." I don't think it is helpful to draw comparisons. One doesn't explain the other. Nor does it justifies it. Man are modest and deserve to have their modesty respected when they ask for it. Just like women. Thing is though... We don't get it as often as you do. That, I believe, is the real issue. Dany

This is only a wild guess but, if it's something you've heard - rather than read - could you have misheard it? "Mieux" is very similar sounding to "milieu" (if spoken rapidly). And "milieu de vie" makes more sense in job interview. This would refer to where you live, or the kind of environment you live in. Then again, I could be wrong. Dany

carti, Being embarrassed because a health professional is of a different gender is not bogus. It is human nature. Trust is not based on logic and rational choices, but rather on gut instincts. Comfort level is definitely a deciding factor. That is why people will "shop around" (as much as they can) for a provider they feel comfortable with. Why shouldn't hospital care be any different? Yes, current staffing ratio certainly penalize male patients but, again, my dense brain tells me increasing the number of male nurses would fix that dilemma. Dany

I am sorry hherrn but I disagree with your first paragraph there. It would seems to me that you are promoting a gender bias. If it is "reality" for a woman to no be comfortable with a man involved in her gynecologic exam (and presumably able to ensure it doesn't happen without too much hassle), why shouldn't be the same for a man not comfortable with a woman involved in a testicular exam or a catheter insertion? Call me dense but seems to me that more men in nursing might just be the solution to that problem. Dany

Hello trytounderstand, I certainly commend your courage in voicing your concerns here. However, brace yourself for some heavy-duty backlash. You are certainly going against the grain and your comments, however well meant, will not be well received. Because you know, they're professional after all. As for versed, I see you did your homework. I only wish many more patients would before consenting to that. That drug is viewed as the holy grail in many hospitals, mostly because it's a legal way to circumvent consent. A patient is a little reluctant, skittish, or simply doesn't want to play ball, they will offer a "calmant" to help you relax. In goes a shot of vitamin 'V' as it is called and bablamo instant compliance ensue. And, as an added bonus, the patient won't be able to remember a thing. Wonderful thing, versed. You have my support (for what it's worth) and I wish you good luck. Dany

Thank you Jeastridge, for your article. It is well worth mentioning that what we think is best isn't always what's best for someone else. Dany

The advices given by NotReady4PrimeTime are pretty good. But don't underestimate the usefulness of a TFSA. Any extra income should first go into it, then RRSP. Dany

Hello jive turkey, I'm glad to see some nurses are thinking of the patients in that regard. Too bad you seem to be the only one doing it in this thread so far. For what it's worth, thank you. Dany

Hello JWFeell, No, you were not being overly sensitive at all as far as I know. Privacy is expected (except in some circumstances) when one uses the toilet. Even as a patient. And while I can see the impetus for your nurse(s) wanting to check on you, I wonder why they felt they had a right to walk in on you. Unless the facility you were in had soundproofed toilets, a simple knock and a "doing okay in there, Mr. JWFeell?" would have been sufficient. Of course, a lack of response would be justification enough to walk in. But not until then. This is borderline harassment. I take it this happened to you more than once? You must be more polite than me because I would have put a stop to this real quick. Hopefully this did not sour your stay at this facility too much. Dany