Should we have our son circumcised?

At birth, boys have skin that covers the end of the penis, called the foreskin. Circumcision surgically removes the foreskin, exposing the tip of the penis. Circumcision is usually performed by a doctor in the first few days of life. An infant must be stable and healthy to safely be circumcised.

Scientific studies show some medical benefits of circumcision. However, these benefits are not sufficient for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to recommend that all infant boys be circumcised.

Because circumcision is not essential to a child's health, parents should choose what is best for their child by looking at the benefits and risks. Circumcision may be more risky if done later in life, so parents should decide before or soon after their son is born if they want it done.

Approximately 55% to 65% of all newborn boys are circumcised in the United States each year, though this rate varies by region (western states have the lowest rates and the north central region has the highest). The procedure is much more widespread in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East than in Asia, South America, Central America, and most of Europe, where it's uncommon.

Parents who choose circumcision often do so based on religious beliefs, concerns about hygiene, or cultural or social reasons, such as the wish to have their son look like other men in the family.

Routine circumcision is usually performed during the first 10 days (often within the first 48 hours), either in the hospital or, for some religious ritual circumcisions, at home. If you decide to have your son circumcised at the hospital, your pediatrician, family doctor, or obstetrician will perform the procedure before you bring your baby home.

Many new parents find themselves torn when it comes to whether or not they should circumcise their newborn baby boy. There are many myths and flat out false information out there, which does not help scared parents make a decision that, is right for them or their baby. The best thing to do is to look and the pros and cons of circumcision in order to decide for yourself which route is best for your family.

Going Without the Circumcision

This is a decision that is hard for some fathers who are circumcised themselves because they want their sons to know that they look like their dad in that region. Deciding against the circumcision of a baby does mean however that as the child grows into a man, he can make the decision for himself as to whether or not he wants to be circumcised. In addition, you avoid the possibility of infections from the circumcision itself.

Something to remember though is that a baby may grow up to later want to be circumcised and this is an event can be painfull.