My Baby My World

Circumcision decision

The subject of circumcision often takes unsuspecting parents by surprise. Chances are, you haven’t given much thought to what to do “down there” when the time comes. After all, it has been a few years since you were (or were not) circumcised.

To begin, you should know that circumcision is a controversial topic. This article will fill you in on some of the things you should consider about making the cut. If you are having a boy, or want to prepare for that eventuality, you should address the issue before junior is born. More often than not, men want their sons to be like them.

So, if you’re cut, you might decide to have junior cut (and vice versa). You’ll also probably want to make sure that you explain to him why his is kept intact or why his is cut before he sees other boys’ penises. Fortunately, you’ll have a couple years before you have to engage in this awkward conversation with your son.

Circumcision Defined

The “prepuce” of the foreskin, which is the piece of skin that covers the tip of the penis, is removed through a surgical procedure that involves placing a ring made of steel or plastic around the penis. If using the steel version, you may wish to ask for a local anesthetic to be applied to the area to numb the pain. It is painful (since it immediately severs the foreskin) and takes a few days to recover. Sometimes doctors will give the infant a baby Tylenol and a small candy nipple to suck on.

Unlike the steel ring, the plastic ring stays on for a few days. With this procedure, surgical thread is tied around the head of the penis and covered by the plastic ring. Together, the thread and the ring force the foreskin onto a groove that cuts it off over time. The plastic eventually falls off without the need for further medical attention.

Doctors usually perform the procedure a day or two after birth while the baby is still in the hospital. In Judaism, circumcision is performed on the eighth day after birth.

A Brief History

Circumcision originates from religious practice in both the Jewish and Muslim faith, and is based on a desire for cleanliness. Many English-speaking countries later adopted the practice as a way to keep males from masturbating and falling victim to alcoholism. No joke. In present day, the majority of newborn boys in the United States and Canada are circumcised whereas in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, circumcision is rarely performed.

Today, the alleged health benefits of circumcision are still based on a desire for cleanliness. Many continue to believe that a circumcised penis is cleaner than an uncircumcised penis. This is because the cleaning of an uncut penis requires a bit more attention: The foreskin has to be retracted in order to clean under the covered area of the penis. That said, a circumcised penis is very low maintenance and easy to keep clean – one simply washes it. No solvents are necessary in either procedure!