to circumcise or not to circumcise...

[ulysses]

It looks as if, after having pretty much convinced ourselves that we would probably adopt a girl, we might be bringing home a baby boy very soon. I know there's a lot of controversy over circumcision these days - whadda y'all think?

While we're at it, anyone want to play Name Baby Uly again? I like "Jack Robert", Ms Uly likes "Christopher John" and the birthmom wants some input in the name too.

out to dinner for a while - I'll check back in later. :)

[radwriter0555]

1. don't cut off that poor child's penis. That's a terrible thing to do..

he'll be FINE intact. Men have survived for hundreds of centuries without that nasty mutilation.

[ulysses]

2. !

It's...not cutting off the penis. Just the foreskin.

You probably knew that, but still. I'm going back and forth.

[cprise]

8. It is removing about 1/2 of the nerve endings

...from the most sensitive part of the body.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

58. Amen. It's painful and unnecessary.

Counting down to the obligatory "waah waah waah everybody hates religion we're oppressed by atheist tyranny" response. 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

[Alenne]

3. I like Christopher John

I personally wouldn't circumcise my son but you should do what you are comfortable with.

[PVnRT]

4. Max Power

n/t

[DODI]

5. Whatever you are comfortable with.

They use some form novocaine now, so it isn't too painful, I suspect. We had our son circumcised going with the theory that they should "look like their dad". I don't regret it.

As far as names go our boy was goint to be Marc or Matthew -- depending on, for some reason unknown to me, his hair color. He had lighter hair so he is now Marc. I like both your choices.

Congrats on the addition and enjoy every minute -- it all goes by so fast and it is a lot of fun too.

[yardwork]

6. Very emotional and controversial topic I have learned.

I will just share my own experience. We have two boys, ages twelve and ten, and they are both intact (uncircumcised). Neither has ever had any problems - no urinary tract infections or anything like that.

Neither is self-conscious about their bodies. Some of their peers are circumcised, some not. No big deal either way.

Their father was circumcised. It doesn't seem to bother them a bit that "daddy looks different."

Imo, there is no medical reason to circumcise. Some people have religious or cultural reasons to do so, and that is fine. I respect that. Otherwise, I would say there is no reason to do it and risk the rare complication.

[DrWeird]

7. Well, you can't decircumcise...

so I say just teach him proper hygiene and wait until he's old enough to decide for himself.

[ulysses]

9. LOL

If my 14-year-old ever comes up and tells me he's ready to be circumcised, I'll let you take him to the doc. :D

[ChompySnack]

13. No way

Either do it or don't. My dad had it done later in life (apparently a girlfriend had an effect on his opinion of it) and it was *hell*. Children heal much quicker and it won't leave any scars. We had my son circumcised after much soul searching and he didn't even know about it 30 minutes later. After about 5 days there was no sign of it ever happening.

It is a hard decision with no right answer.

[HalfManHalfBiscuit]

14. I had my foreskin re-attached

It was a bit tight at first, but I used a tennis ball to stretch it out.

Worked out just fine.

[private_ryan]

38. tenis ball? Poor you

I used a soccer ball and it's still tight;). I'm running out of options

[Padraig18]

10. NO to circumcision.

Unless the poor child suffers from phimosis, there is no medically-justifiable reason to chop off his foreskin--none.

[JohnLocke]

82. I'd have to disagree with you on this one.

http://www.circumcisioninfo.com/circ_benefits.html

[populistmom]

11. As the mom of 2 that are and 1 that isn't

I can say that I have had zero problems with the non-circ boy and frequent diapers rashes in my boys that were, but they have no problems now. Ultimately, it's your choice. Or it's his depending on your point of view. It's a tough decision. Good luck. :)

For a non-circ point of view, check out:
http://www.nocirc.org
http://www.mothering.com/10-0-0/html/10-1-0/10-1-circumcision85.shtml
http://www.mothering.com/10-0-0/html/10-1-0/10-1-protectuncircson103.shtml


For some further parent perspectives pro and con, try here:
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppwithforesk
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppnoforeskin
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppnegcirc
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppcirc

[Meatshake]

12. Not

I'm circumcised, and for the most part okay with it. I have a feeling some of the women I've been with would have been a little grossed out if it were circumcised though. Unfortunately that's how a lot of US society feels about it. If I were to have a baby boy, I'd have a hard time making the decision to go through with it. It's not necessary, so I'd suggest not to.

Congrats on the baby.

[phrenzy]

16. Grossed Out?

Which would the be grossed out at again? It wasn't clear in your post.

Grr.. I still don't know what I'll do if i have a boy...

Obviously, I'll choose circumcision if I have a girl.. that's easy...

..
.
.
.
.
.just kidding(!)

[Meatshake]

20. Sorry

Grossed out if it was circumcised. I have no idea what the percentages of American men are circumcised, but I'm sure it's pretty high. Any images that you see, tend to be with the penis circumcised, so I think some women get a little grossed out when they see one. That's just my conversations with people, I could be way off base. I'd personally would like to see the practice go away, but that's just my opinion.

[proud patriot]

15. It a very personal choice

I choose to have my son circumsized .

So he'd be like his dad , more or less that's
what it boiled down to .

It was painful for all involved mostly my son.

However he seems to of forgotten all about it .

[newsguyatl]

17. absolutely

do NOT circumsise. this is genital mutilation.

you'd be hard pressed to find a SINGLE doctor who can tell you of "benefits" to circumcision -- there ARE none.

leave the child's penis intact. it's that way for a purpose. mother nature knows what she's doing.

[Kamika]

18. Circumsize!!!

We like it.. seriously

[Cuban_Liberal]

19. Woodsman, spare that..... foreskin!

I'm not circumcised, nor is my father or my brothers. We were taught proper hygeine, and have never had a problem.

Let the kid decide if he wants to be circumcised at some later date, absent some religious or medically-neccessary reason...

[cally]

21. Huge congratulations on the hopeful adoption!

You will both be great parents.

I am opposed to circumcision. I can see no medical reason for it. If you are Jewish, then maybe. Only maybe. If you keep the penis clean, then there is no reason for the procedure. I had girls, but we had decided against circumcision before we knew. We had debated the just like Dad issue but a child's penis does not look like a man's penis. We figured that once he hit puberty, that we could explain the issue.

On edit: I decided this was not the time to be circumspect.

I had never seen a child's penis until I had children and watched my friends boys. I had seen adult male penises (Obviously). They are very different. I was almost ready to support the just like Dad's view before I knew more. The child's penis is not the same. If you circumsize or not, you will still have some explaining to do. I opt for not circumsizing.

[matcom]

22. think of the LOCKER ROOM man!!!

you don't want all the other kids talking about the 'hooded wonder' do you?

no, seriously, do it. for oh so MANY sane reasons

hell, i don't even REMEMBER mine! :D

[Cuban_Liberal]

23. Aside from religion and phimosis...

there ARE no good reasons, bubba! :)

[matcom]

24. don't believe in religion and...

have NO IDEA what 'phimosis' is so.....

i'll just say its what all the future Porn Stars are doin' today :D

[GBD4]

25. without a doubt!

it's not even a question. definitely circumcise.

[populistmom]

30. I think the rate in the US is just over 50% now

No locker room weirdness anymore.

[Dookus]

26. There's no good reason

to mutilate your son's genitals. Please don't.

And congratulations.

[Beaker]

27. absolutely NOT!

circumcision leads to a desensitized penis tip, as a result of the nerve endings being constantly rubbing against the cloth of clothing, rather than being protectively encased in the foreskin.

[private_ryan]

40. that does make sense

eventually you loose the feeling, just like some contruction worker's hands.

[private_ryan]

42. US Circumcision Rate Falling

Infant circumcisions in the US decreased 11 percent in just five years. Between 1993 and 1998, the number of babies circumcised in US hospitals fell from 1.3 million to 1.1 million. The rate is now about 60 percent. These figures come from Health Care Investment Analysts (HCIA), which maintains the healthcare industry's largest database from a variety of sources, including hospitals, managed care and insurance companies, federal and state governments, clinics, physicians' offices, and patients themselves. According to HCIA representative Beth Waibel, "Because there has not been a matching decrease in the number of male births, we know the change in practice pattern is real."


http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0838/2000_July-August/76614514/p1/article.jhtml

about 65% do it now.
http://www.courtchallenge.com/refs/rate1-US.html

[CanuckAmok]

50. Wrong. False information. See post 49.

n/t

[KG]

28. yes. do it.

speaking from my own personal experience, it's a good thing.

[C_eh_N_eh_D_eh]

29. Think of the kid's future...

I don't know how much you like webcomics, but this one happens to be one of my favorites.

http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp10102003.shtml
http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp10112003.shtml

[The Lone Liberal]

31. Think of the Sperm Whale

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=860283

[Mass_Liberal]

32. DON'T!!!

I love my parents, but that is the most cruel thing they have ever done to me. PLEEEASE DONT!!! It's mean and cruel and inhumane. Don't fuck with what humans are!! It's biology that we shouldn't fuck with.

[northzax]

33. does that include orthodontics?

that's messing with what humans are, right?

[Mass_Liberal]

34. I stand defeated

n/t

[kevinam]

35. Congrats...

I would suggest if you get a boy do circumsize. It seems like I have read that in the US, roughly 70 % of men are circumsized. Really, the only true medical reason that I have come across is increased chances of bladder infections when not done, but really there are other reasons. I don't really want to go to all the kids are doing it card, but it is kinda true. Socially it is more acceptable. I have heard women make negative comments about guys that aren't circumsized, specifically that being uncircumsized is gross. Also, when the kid grows up, it is not alot of fun to be different from most of the other boys. Yea, I know, we don't parade around nekkid all the time. However a kid plays sports, showers at the school, and other kids will notice. Again, we are talking about teenagers, most of which are pretty self conscious about themselves, so they see someone "different" and kids being kids, they will be mean about it. Just my 1.3 cents...Kevin.

[mitchum]

36. Do it! The ladies in his life will be very pleased

there are definite long-lasting benefits to desensitizing in this area. It also looks better.

[private_ryan]

41. how about your feelings down there?

learn to take deep breaths and you can last all night. Once you cut the skin off, you're done, and it does have nerves.

Ladies please don't PM me, I haven't mastered the deep breathing thing yet :)

[mitchum]

56. I just checked...

IT FEELS GREAT! Uh...I'll be back later:)

[private_ryan]

63. listen

he said it desensitized. In other words, not 100% "great". Even 95% WOUL FEEL GREAT but it's not 100%.

[put out]

37. My son is circumcised.

Mostly because his daddy wanted it done, and I was weak and went along.

I would not do it again. Apparently no harm done, but you never know. I felt guilty for a long time after it was done.

[buddhamama]

39. WOW !

I feel like an expecting aunt or something, how exciting.

circumcision is a topic of conversation i'd rather not get into.
i will tell you that i had my son circumcised but, if given the chance to do over again i'm not sure i would.

Reed--i like name Reed as a first name for a boy.

Congrats! Keep us posted :toast: :loveya: :toast:

[JVS]

43. Smegma is bad, umkay.

[Dookus]

44. so is toe jam

teach the kid to bathe. It's simpler than removing a part of his penis.

[MAlibdem]

45. whatever you want

circumcision would be my choice

[ulysses]

46. thanks, everyone

:)

[efhmc]

47. No way. I think it is brutal and unneccesary and I think

that it will soon be banned from most hospitals. Many insurance companies are not funding it now. If it is for relgious purposes, then can be done later accordingly.

[LanternWaste]

48. Christopher John

I am in no way going to even offer a thoughtless opinion on circumcision. Good luck with that descision. However, on the name thing...

Christopher John sounds pretty darn good. Espcially if you and the Mrs. use both names together habitually. It sounds traditional and somewhat genteel, yet also very contemporary and bright.

[CanuckAmok]

49. I've had it both ways...

I was snipped at age 20, after a couple of years of sexual activity.

I can only speak for myself, but I find being circumcised far, far more comfortable and appealing, during sex.

Also, I think it looks nicer, and speaking as someone who was the only uncircumcised guy in my elementary school gym classes, I cannot possibly express how dificult it can be to be 'different' at that age and in that environment.

If I had a son, I would definately have him circumcised, but I would probably wait until he was old enough to have a general anesthetic, and have him done in a modern medical environment.

For the record, anyone who doesn't know first-hand (please pardon the expression) the difference in nerve sensitivity before and after really shouldn't post their opinions on the subject. Without getting too graphic, I can say from a position of absolute authority, that sexual activity and particularly orgasms are far more intense without the foreskin.

[private_ryan]

53. you have to wonder why nature left it there though

plenty of people swear to both, but when in doubt I say leave it like nature intended.

[CanuckAmok]

55. Like tonsils, adenoids, the appendix...

...crooked teeth, cleft pallettes...poor eyesight...deviated scepta...

[private_ryan]

60. tonsils, adenoids, the appendix

all are health risks. Crooked teeth, cleft pallettes...poor eyesight...deviated scepta are not standard in all of us.

Next

[lazarus]

67. Well

How nice for you that you had that choice. Why advocate removing the choice from infant boys, though?

FWIW, I was the ONLY one in my class as a child who was uncut. Didn't affect me at all. Sorry if you had problems, but that's not a reason to mutilate your children.

And, btw, the circumcision rate is down to 60%, and dropping fast. People are figuring out how barbaric genital mutilation is.

Most people.

[lazarus]

51. genital mutilation is wrong

That's all. There are no positive arguments for it, and many arguments against it.

But it all comes down to this: you're contemplating genital mutilation because it's "socially acceptable". Think about that for a bit.

[CanuckAmok]

54. It's not 'genital mutilation', any more than...

...orthodontics is 'dental mutilation', or laser eye surgery is 'ocular mutilation'. It's a matter of preference.

And, I'm sorry, but calling a safe and arguably beneficial surgical procedure 'mutilation' diminishes the issue of real genital mutilation, which is a serious global problem.

[Dookus]

57. No

you're assuming that a foreskin is some sort of deformity. It is not.

[CanuckAmok]

62. I'm not. I'm assuming it is unnecessary, and that's a matter of opinion.

Also, recent studies have indicated that circumcised men are less succeptable to contracting the HIV virus than uncircumcised men.

Sorry I can't cite sources, but I read that somewhere credible.

The fact that I no longer have one and am still functional, alive, and happy certainly proves that a foreskin is not essential to life.

[Dookus]

68. we don't automatically remove

the appendixes, tonsils and adenoids of infants. If they don't cause a problem, we leave them alone. The same should be true of foreskins.

Look. YOU made the decision for yourself as an adult. I'm not gonna argue your right to do that. But to inflict it on an infant who has no say in the matter is reprehensible.

[CanuckAmok]

83. As a matter of fact...

if you go in to have inflamed tonsils out, the doctor will also remove the adenoids at the samew time, even if they're healthy.

Not all medicine is reactionary; preventitive maintainence is something to be valued and used.

In my case, the reason I had a late-life circumcision is because my foreskin would sometimes tear slightly during vigerous sex, because it was slightly too small for my fully engorged (gosh, I hate that word!) penis. Not enough to actually bleed, but enough to be uncomfortable. That is a condition which affects 1 in 3 uncurcumcised men, and consider a moment not only the discomfort, but the fact that the membrane of skin is breached, which increases the risk of STDs.

[Dookus]

88. fine

if the kid has such a problem when he's an adult, let him decide.

YOUR decision shouldn't be imposed on everybody else against their will.

edit: I had my tonsils out, but not my adenoids. All my siblings did, too. And we didn't have the tonsils out until we suffered from tonsillitis. Preventive surgery on infants is barbaric.

[CanuckAmok]

93. UGH! Will someone read my post and indicate where I said...

that infants should be circumcised?!

I said, and I quote: "If I had a son, I would definately(sic) have him circumcised, but I would probably wait until he was old enough to have a general anesthetic, and have him done in a modern medical environment."


That does not mean infant.

[lazarus]

106. Nope

Except that very small children can be put under general anesthetic.

Why this fascination with lopping of parts of childrens' penises, anyway? Just use soap and water, and move on.

[private_ryan]

69. that's true

on the AIDS part. How about a new "AIDS" comes up and the opposite is true?

"THe foreskin is not essential to life." Cutting it off is not either. One who still has it, can always cut it off. You can't put it back on.

[lazarus]

77. Jeebus

Well, I read "somewhere credible" that people who circumcise infants are barbaric. Can't cite a source or anything.

A LEG isn't essential to life, but I'm not lopping my kid's leg off just to prevent infection.

Why don't we remove adenoids and tonsils and appendices at birth, too?

[lazarus]

61. Really?

A piece of the penis is cut off, without anesthetic.

That's not mutilation?

What problem is being corrected? Being born with a foreskin? That's a medical issue?

Bullshit.

This is genital mutilation, plain and simple. I can't believe anyone would actually advocate CUTTING OFF A PIECE OF AN INFANT'S PENIS. That's just pathetic.

As for "arguably beneficial", you got that partly right. It's arguable.

I'll argue it plenty. Tell me what the benefits are to having a piece of penis removed.

[CanuckAmok]

65. See post #49. n/t

[lazarus]

70. I did

Just because you had it done and enjoyed it doesn't mean your sons would thank you.

Genital mutilation is wrong. Period.

[CanuckAmok]

75. Nobody is arguing that 'genital mutilation' is wrong.

The argument is whether or not circumcision is genital mutilation.

I believe it is not.

The end.

[lazarus]

79. The end

is what gets lopped off.

A part of the boy's genitals are removed. How is that not genital mutilation?

[CanuckAmok]

98. Is orthodontistry "dental mutilation"?

No? Okay, then we agree.

[lazarus]

103. wrong

Apples and oranges.

[CanuckAmok]

76. Nobody is arguing that 'genital mutilation' is wrong.

The argument is whether or not circumcision is genital mutilation.

I believe it is not.

The end.

[CanuckAmok]

71. One more note:

I never advocated non-surgical circumcision. I advocate save, modern circumcision under general anaesthetic when the patient is old enough to 'go under'.

[lazarus]

78. That's still barbaric

You're not giving the kid the choice.

Do you advocate any other unnecessary surgeries, or just genital mutilation?

[CanuckAmok]

85. Everything, Lazarus.

What do you think?

[lazarus]

87. I think

Your post isn't very clear.

Are you saying you do advocate unnecessary surgery on infants?

[CanuckAmok]

94. I never said "infants". Not once. Here is what I said, verbatim:

"If I had a son, I would definately have him circumcised, but I would probably wait until he was old enough to have a general anesthetic, and have him done in a modern medical environment."

[lazarus]

104. old enough to have a general anesthetic

not old enough to have a choice.

[ulysses]

101. not me.

I'm all for the "sharp-piece-of-rock" approach. ;-)

So, Laz - that would be a "no" then? :D

[ldf]

52. one more NO DON'T DO IT!

checking in here.

it only takes seconds in the shower, so hygiene is not a problem.

all peni (plural for lots of penisseses?) may or may not have other problems. it is not due to the foreskin.

think of the function of a foreskin. it is there for a reason. it is protection, and assists in the sexual experience.

if unsure, wait and let the young man decide for himself. he will certianly thank you for it.

after all, it is for HIS benefit, not your's.

[NewHampster]

59. From one adopted dad to another

when our guy finally arrived home and my wife took him for his first Dr. visit my wife asked the question of our pediatrician.

He being a good Jewish doc answered with a question.

Is Dad circimsized?

Yes then Yes
No then No

Do not make the kid wonder why his tallywhacker looks different than dads.




:hippie:

[CanuckAmok]

66. That's a good answer!

I never thought of that. It wasn't an issue for me, because I never knew my dad, butr I can see how important that would be for a developing sexual identity.

[ScreamingMeemie]

64. We circumsized our son for all the wrong reasons. I pretty much

didn't want him to question why he was different from Daddy. After a botched circumsion (it happens, they left too much skin) and several (painful) attempts at separating adhesions...I've wound up hating myself for putting my baby boy through this. He now looks neither circumsized nor uncircumsized. It's been awful. :(

BTW: His name is James Christopher. I am partial to the name Christopher. Boys are terrific...enjoy him...love him...leave him whole.

Hugs,and best of all wishes,

Laura

[JohnLocke]

72. Of course; circumcised men have a lessened chance of penile cancer.

[lazarus]

81. and

Castrati have a lessened chance of testicular cancer.

[JohnLocke]

84. Ridiculous

There the risks outweigh the benefits; here, the benefits far outnumber the risks.

[lazarus]

89. What benefits?

The benefits are minor. A slightly reduced risk (maybe) of a rare form of cancer. And the parents get to ignore hygiene. Woo hoo! I don't understand why every culture doesn't routinely mutilate their infant sons' genitals.

[JohnLocke]

90. For starters...

1. Many older men, who have bladder or prostate gland problems, also develop difficulties with their foreskins due to their surgeon's handling, cleaning, and using instruments. Some of these patients will need circumcising. Afterwards it is often astonishing to find some who have never ever seen their glans (knob) exposed before!
2. Some older men develop cancer of the penis - about 1 in 1000 - fairly rare, but tragic if you or your son are in that small statistic. Infant circumcision gives almost 100% protection, and young adult circumcision also gives a large degree of protection.
3. Cancer of the cervix in women is due to the Human Papilloma Virus. It thrives under and on the foreskin from where it can be transmitted during intercourse. An article in the British Medical Journal in April 2002 suggested that at least 20% of cancer of the cervix would be avoided if all men were circumcised. Surely that alone makes it worth doing?
4. Protection against HIV and AIDS. Another British Medical Journal article in May 2000 suggested that circumcised men are 8 times less likely to contract the HIV virus. (It is very important here to say that the risk is still far too high and that condoms and safe sex must be used - this applies also to preventing cancer of the cervix in women who have several partners.)
A BBC television programme in November 2000 showed two Ugandan tribes across the valley from one another. One practised circumcision and had very little AIDS, whereas, it was common in the other tribe, who then also started circumcising. This programme showed how the infection thrived in the lining of the foreskin, making it much easier to pass on.
5. As with HIV, so some protection exists against other sexually transmitted infections. Accordingly, if a condom splits or comes off, there is some protection for the couple. However, the only safe sex is to stick to one partner or abstain.
6. Lots of men, and their partners, prefer the appearance of their penis after circumcision, It is odour-free, it feels cleaner, and they enjoy better sex. Awareness of a good body image is a very important factor in building self confidence.
7. Balanitis is an unpleasant, often recurring, inflammation of the glans. It is quite common and can be prevented by circumcision.
8. Urinary tract infections sometimes occur in babies and can be quite serious. Circumcision in infancy makes it 10 times less likely.

http://www.circinfo.com/benefits/bmc.html

[lazarus]

105. Amazing

Then why is it that the rest of the world, where circumcision is NOT practicised, has a better infant mortality rate and better life expectancy?

One would think that that the rest of the civilized world would be lopping off foreskins in a desperate attempt to improve health to keep up with us.

BTW, virtually everything listed there can be taken care of by one one or two simple practices. Mostly soap and water, and condoms.

But genital mutilation is easier, I guess.

[JohnLocke]

73. I know what your baby's name should be.

Telemachus. :)

[SOteric]

74. WooHoo!

Okay, - personally, - I wouldn't go for "Jack Robert." But that's only because there used to be a rather well-known cheezy appliance salesman hereabouts by that name and I think I'd be reminded of him too often. :7 I could just call him John-Bob, though.

And I don't mean to make this embarrassing, but with regard to the circumcision thing, - whatever you're sporting, - that's the look the kid will parse better. It helps in the evolution of self-esteem and self-concept. It's not imperative, but it helps.

[ulysses]

100. now see,

"John-Bob" works for me, and this being the south, he'd fit in with the hyphenated name. :)

I'm circumcised, as is my dad and (as far as I know) as were previous male Ulys going back for some time. I hadn't figured on the importance of sameness, and I'm wondering if that could play even more a role given the adoption situation.

Thanks, Julsy! The thing's not done yet - the birthmom's due date was last Wednesday and we haven't even met her face-to-face yet, so we're a tad on edge...

[Xithras]

80. My son is snipped, and so am I. There are different ways to do it

Yes, for religious reasons, but there are definite advantages to it. Despite all of the talk about "deep breathing", the simple fact is that snipped guys tend to be more sexually "pleasing" to women. The desensitization makes circ'd men far less likely to succumb to premature ejaculation. Many women are also very reluctant to perform fellatio on hooded males...too much danger of smegma ingestion.

I should mention that neither my son or I have "full" circumcisions. In a full "traditional" circumcision, the foreskin and hood are completely removed from the penis, exposing the entire glans at all stages of erection. What I have is a partial circumcision...the foreskin is "trimmed" so that excess skin hanging beyond the glans is removed while still retaining the hood through childhood. At my age, the hood covers about 50% of the glans when unexcited, and retracts of its own accord when erect. When I mentioned this to my sons pediatrician, he knew exactly what I was talking about (it's apparently somewhat common) and did the same thing to my son. This method imparts the practical benefits of circumcision without the complete removal of the nerves and tissues surrounding the glans. It's less painful, less bloody, and my wife says it's kinda sexy. :evilgrin:

But really, it's your choice.

[burythehatchet]

86. Nah...don't do it

he might need that extra 1/8 th inch at the finish line

[Lars39]

91. Congratulations, Uly!!!

:toast: :party: :toast:

I like the two names you've picked out. Some thoughts: There's a good chance that they would/could be shortened to initials, though. Are you comfortable with JR or CJ? Throw in your last name initial and what do you have?

We almost named one of ours without checking if the initials could be made into a name. I still break into a cold sweat thinking about it.
:silly:

[ScreamingMeemie]

95. While I love my son's name I am uncomfortable with people referring

to him as JC which they sometimes jokingly do. You are so right Lars!!

:hug:

[Lars39]

97. Oh, lord.

Pardon the pun. :) All my family's names spell short innocuous words. Names are so tricky. Trying to keep in mind all the nuances, connotations, slang, family traditions to name a little bitty thing we haven't even seen yet in most cases. :crazy:

[ulysses]

99. JRC or CJC.

The Christophers seem to have won out here...

Thanks! It's not a done deal yet by any means and we're definitely white-knuckling it here.

[BBradley]

92. Leave it intact, until he's old enough to decide...

All these arguments for are moot. I'm uncircumcised, and my did is circumcised, it's really not all that horribly difficult for a child to accept that he didn't have part of his body cut off at the whim of someone Else's personal preference or religion. Do what my parents did, and explain that you can get the procedure done at a later date if it causes any problems.

Also, I just love how the people who are for it like to talk about how it's so much cleaner... it takes 5 seconds to pull back your foreskin and wash it.

No partner of mine has ever been disgusted by my uncut penis. I wouldn't want them to be if they were...

Imagine going into your teen-aged son's room, and while he was sleeping, cutting off his foreskin. Either way, you're doing it to a person who can't voice his opinion. Hell, it's even worse to do it to a baby, because they can't understand the arguments for and against.

But then again, I guess all of you circumcised people know that having an uncut penis will only lead you to a life of bitter loneliness.

[VOX]

96. "Helmet" vs. "Anteater"

All supposed health gains made by circumscision are suspect. There are as many arguments for leaving the "boy in the hood" as there are for removing it.

It's strictly preference.

[Vernunft II]

102. I´ve been circumcised as a small kid for medical reasons.

It´s a very unusual procedure here in Germany and I have problems with it to this very day. I´d never do it to my kid.