Circumcision: In Favor of the Snip

Now to balance out the scale. I found some solid research based information backing the decision to get your child circumcised. Here are the basics:

Research Based Benefits:

• elimination or reduction in physical problems such as phimosis (the inability for the foreskin to retract)
  
• decrease in susceptibility to balanitis (inflamation of the foreskin & penis)
  
• lower rate of urinary tract infections
• prevention of problems with erections at puberty
  
• decrease in susceptibility to certain sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV
• in older men, elimation of penile cancer and a decrease in urinary problems and infections

If you want to read up on more, please check out the following links:

• In Favour of Circumcision by Dr. Brian Morris - I read through most of this book and found it to be very well written and research based. I also love how Dr. Morris warned against the hot-debate of circumcision and being aware that most everything on the internet you may find about the topic is opinion and not research.


• Advice for Patients: New Information on the Health Benefits of Circumcision - from the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. A very informative one-page article. (you'll have to click on 'pdf manual download')
  


• World Health Organization: Study Shows Circumcision Helps Prevent HIV - I read through this article and was amazed at the numbers. The study was random, unbiased, and they did have a control group. It is said that Circumcision in the prevention of HIV is as good as any high-efficacy vaccine.


• Male Circumcision: Assessment of Health Benefits and Risks - this study provides an unbiased look into circumcision. In the abstract you can read all of the benefits found in the 'Results' section.


• More information from Dr. Brian Morris - a whole website that you will just have to peruse for yourself.


• The CDC (Centers of Disease Control & Prevention) Factsheet on Circumcision - tons of research based info

Other posts in this series:

• Circumcision: To Snip or Not To Snip
  


• Circumcision: Referrals Against the Snip

Circumcision: Referrals Against the Snip

I received so many emails after that last post with tons of information! You readers amaze me. So, as promised I am passing on the info...with a small disclaimer.

First, most of the emails I received were from people who are against circumcision. Which leads me to two conclusions...Kind of like the comment cards at a fast food place, you only really fill them out if you have a complaint, you have to feel passionate, and the people who feel most passionate about this topic are the ones against it. Which is fine. Just know that all the info I have to pass on is why not to have it done, so it's very biased.

Or - the people who do have their boys circumcised and are reading this (besides the ones who have commented) really don't know why they did it and don't have a strong opinion.

Second - be smart when looking into any topic, find out where the source is from. Is it just someone's opinion? Or is it an actual scientific study? Any statistics that are presented to you, be wary - if they're not cited, don't state where they got their info, then it's probably not an accurate number. Statistics are a tricky thing. Also, be wary of scare tactics on either side of this argument.

Okay, so that wasn't such a *small* disclaimer. Here are the links...

• International Coalition for Genital Integrity - "...a wealth of information for expectant parents about circumcision. I recommend watching the videos at this page, especially the one showing an actual infant circumcision and "The Prepuce," which describes the anatomy and functions of the foreskin. All of the articles are excellent." - P.F.


• An informative tri-fold handout - "My tri-fold hand out, “CIRCUMCISION FACTS”, contains all the facts any one needs to know. It includes footnotes & references to papers, all, except one, of which can be viewed on the internet. Please let me know if it is helpful. It was very well received by nurses and therapists during my 90 day rehab from 2 strokes..." - J.M., director of the National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers


• Genital Integrity Policy Statement & Non-therapeutic circumcision of male minors "You seem like an intelligent mom who really wants to understand circumcision and genital integrity. I am attaching a PDF file with the Doctors Opposing Circumcision Genital Integrity Policy Statement. This is a 64 page document that will tell you about all there is to know. Our organization strongly supports genital integrity to provide the highest level of health and well-being. I am also attaching a statement from the Royal Dutch Medical Society that was published on May 27, 2010. I can provide more information if you wish it." - G.H., Vice-President for Bioethics and Medical Science, Doctors Opposing Circumcision

Thanks to all of you for sharing your personal experiences in the comments section and passing on info via email. I really appreciate all of the input!

Other posts in this series:

• Circumcision: To Snip or Not To Snip
  


• Circumcision: In Favor of the Snip
  

Circumcision: To Snip or Not To Snip

Okay - I am way in over my head here. A reader who's about to have her first little boy asked me to delve into this topic. I thought - sure, no problem! It seems to be pretty cut and dry...how naive was I? First - you know I only have a little girl. Little boys...I just have no idea about stuff like this.

I started doing research and there are so many differing opinions on this topic and to be quite frank - actual scientific research based studies are lacking in this area. It's mostly opinion. So here are the basics of what I found...

If it's not a matter of religion to you, then it's mostly a matter of cleanliness and cosmetics.

• Some people say it's easier to keep a little boy clean once he is circumcised and that there are fewer cases of urinary tract infections. Other people say it's easier to keep him clean with the foreskin intact.


• Some people argue - "like father, like son - I don't want my child to be made fun of in the locker room since every other boy is circumcised". Other people argue the current rate of circumcision is only 57% (not sure how accurate this # is), so he won't be made fun of in the locker room.


• Some say the procedure is easier and less painful in infancy. Others say it's painful and takes away the child's rights.


• Some say having it done or not having it done increases/decreases sexual functioning and the trasmission of STI's (sexually transmitted infections).
  

I just don't even know. So...now it's your turn! I need you, the readers, to speak up and teach the rest of us.

Those of you who have little boys circumcised or uncircumcised - what do you know to be true? Why did/didn't you have it done to your son?

Feeling exceptionally passionate about the subject and want to be a guest blogger on the topic - email me at barb.themomblog(at)gmail(dot)com

*Update 6/8/10 - the response to this post has been amazing!! I've received tons of e-mails with info I'll be sharing over the next week or two. Keep it coming!!

Other posts in this series:

• Circumcision: Referrals Against the Snip


• Circumcision: In Favor of the Snip