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 :)

I have learned so much about both sides of this in the last couple days. I don't argue that it's inappropriate or unnecessary pain for an infant, in fact, I agree.

There was a post earlier where someone said "Looks, circumcised looks better," and as terrible as that sounds, I don't think that she seriously meant that is why SHE agrees with it, but I think there was a post that said something about "why do people still do this," and sadly enough, people still do it becuase #1 it's been done for so long and #2 because some may think it "looks better." Not that either one of those excuses are GOOD reasons and are actually pretty appaling, but that's the harsh reality. I commend those of you that are trying to do something about it other than just debating on a blog (this is general and not directed at anyone, for clarification). If it weren't a parent's choice this wouldn't be an argument... however it is, I just don't think we should make parent's feel like they are terrible parent's for doing it when it is still an available option. In the mean time keep on trying to have your voices heard!

I have learned so much about both sides of this in the last couple days. I don't argue that it's inappropriate or unnecessary pain for an infant, in fact, I agree.

Thanks. :) It's hard to see it otherwise.

There was a post earlier where someone said "Looks, circumcised looks better," and as terrible as that sounds, I don't think that she seriously meant that is why SHE agrees with it, but I think there was a post that said something about "why do people still do this," and sadly enough, people still do it becuase #1 it's been done for so long and #2 because some may think it "looks better." Not that either one of those excuses are GOOD reasons and are actually pretty appaling, but that's the harsh reality.

And you've nailed it. Circumcision is a pernicious practice that is difficult to pry out of a society. It somehow prevents people from thinking rationally.

I commend those of you that are trying to do something about it other than just debating on a blog (this is general and not directed at anyone, for clarification). If it weren't a parent's choice this wouldn't be an argument... however it is, I just don't think we should make parent's feel like they are terrible parent's for doing it when it is still an available option. In the mean time keep on trying to have your voices heard!

You could be one of those people. You've already taken the biggest step. You will soon be a nurse and in a position to educate parents. There are many other ways too. For example, in addition to the above, I write my state Medicaid offices to encourage them to discontinue funding. I donate money to groups working on education and elimination of circumcision. I don't think it's necessary or desirable to make parents feel bad but I can't dismiss parents who are educated and still do it. I just can't. And I think that people in the medical field should always know better and just simply not offer or perform it.

Looks, circumcised looks better.

... Would you have your daughters labia removed? Some find that smaller or almost nonexistant labia "look better".

Specializes in Aged care.
... Would you have your daughters labia removed? Some find that smaller or almost nonexistant labia "look better".

I agree, and I find it quite disturbing that women feel they have to look like they have been airbrushed like pictures in men's mags rather than looking like a normal woman. Apparently these procedures are becoming more common. Are we really that shallow or insecure?

Specializes in NICU.

Why does this topic seemingly remove rationality? You don't surgically remove healthy, functional tissue for no reason. It's so simple.

Why does this topic seemingly remove rationality? You don't surgically remove healthy, functional tissue for no reason. It's so simple.

You have summed it all up in this succinct and logical statement.

Why does this topic seemingly remove rationality? You don't surgically remove healthy, functional tissue for no reason. It's so simple.

How is the foreskin functionally necessary?

IMO, if people could easily and reasonably have their tonsils & adenoids, gall bladder, and appendix removed at birth I'd opt for that too... saving potential issues in the longrun. ;)

Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.
How is the foreskin functionally necessary?

IMO, if people could easily and reasonably have their tonsils & adenoids, gall bladder, and appendix removed at birth I'd opt for that too... saving potential issues in the longrun. ;)

Earlobes aren't functionally necessary, but they are healthy tissue... should we chop them off at birth? When I was younger I had infections in my earlobes due to my ear piercing holes... should my parents have just lopped off my lobes to keep me from getting my ears pierced?

At least a foreskin protects an extremely sensitive part of the male sex organ.... what "purpose" do male nipples serve? Should we remove those at birth, because a guy might get his nipples pierced later in life, causing an infection?

There's a difference between "healthy tissue" and "functionally necessary". Amputees function in society while missing whole limbs, but I don't see anyone arguing the point that we should remove a kid's arm or leg for no reason, either. People can "function" without a colon or without a stomach, too.

Specializes in NICU.
How is the foreskin functionally necessary?

IMO, if people could easily and reasonably have their tonsils & adenoids, gall bladder, and appendix removed at birth I'd opt for that too... saving potential issues in the longrun. ;)

Wow. Are you serious? That terrifies me.

Me too, are you kidding?

How is the foreskin functionally necessary?

IMO, if people could easily and reasonably have their tonsils & adenoids, gall bladder, and appendix removed at birth I'd opt for that too... saving potential issues in the longrun. ;)

The foreskin is about as functionally necessary as the clitoral hood. So let's recap. If you were to give birth to a baby you would remove it's tonsils, adenoids, gall bladder and appendix. For a boy the foreskin would be removed. For a girl, is it correct to assume the clitoral hood would be removed as well?

"Originally Posted by VizslaMom

How is the foreskin functionally necessary?

IMO, if people could easily and reasonably have their tonsils & adenoids, gall bladder, and appendix removed at birth I'd opt for that too... saving potential issues in the longrun."

You are a NURSE???? Shouldn't you UNDERSTAND human ANATOMY???? That TERRIFIES me as well!!!!! I think you need to go read up and study the function....the foreskin has MANY functions!

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