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hi sashasmama. here is my (long) story. When I was pregnant with my now 2 year old son, we made the decision not to circumsize as my reserach found no real medical benefits that couldn't be handled with proper washing and other precuations. Well, my son ended up having 4 uti's by the time he was 6 or 7 mnths old and at 10 months we had him circumsized anyways. It was a terrible ordeal and one that landed us in the emergency room, pediatric wing of our hospital, and numerous specialist visits. While my situation is rare and my son had a related condition of hydronephrosis, it does happen. My second son is due to July and we are absolultey having him circumsized. I think the decision not to circumsize is defintely more accepted and common. Good luck

we are doing a circumcision. we decided it before we knew we were haveing a boy.

Before I got my ultrasound I was sure I was having a boy (turned out to be a girl) and wouldn't get him circumcised. I have read too much on possible decreased sexual sensation and read also that it's not really that hard to clean an uncircumcised male and all that jazz. Plus my nephew had it done and it was heartbreaking to change his diaper as his skin kept reattaching around the head and had to be pulled back off all the time and it was just awful. DH wanted a circumcision for a boy but I was willing to go to war with him over it... lol. Good luck with your decision though-- ultimately it is yours to make. You'll find a lot of conflicting information but either way your little one will be fine.

Thank you girls. Bubbasmom, that's very good information. I have been reading on the subject and the everything I find is conflicting, like Sarah said. I read on uti's and the circumcision and really don't want to make our son go through it, I know how bad they are because I kept having them after the stupid catheter during labour.

Just my 2 cents...If I am having a boy, we will def circumcise, no question about it.

Sashasmama - I have 2 boys and both were circumcised before coming home - I found that so long as I kept the anti bacterial ointment on it - there were no issues with diaper changes but I have heard horror stories - but like Sarah said - it's up to you. I was very naive with my first and I didnt' really do any research I just went with the flow- but don't be influenced by others once you decide - he's YOUR baby - Good luck with whatever you decide.

Had ours been a boy he would have definatly ben circumsized. As far as being acceptable practice, I think it depends more on where you live. In the USA it is common practice but I have heard that it is less then common in the UK. Sarah I have heard that as well about the sexual enjoyment thing. I was talking to my husband about it and he said that since he has always been circimsized he isnt missing anything. haha That makes me wonder though how the heck they came to that conclusion. But I have heard that it is still more hygenic to have it done even now a days. Again though if you do not do it, no biggie. Like previous posters have said, it is your's and your husbands choice. GL!!

We don't know the sex this pregnancy but if this baby is a boy then he will definetly be circumcised before we leave the hospital. I just figured that its the right thing to do with all the infections I read they can get and how its easier to get and pass on STD's without it. Dh and I discussed it for the first time a few weeks ago, he says he wouldn't mind if his son doesn't get it done. He says no matter what he will teach him how to clean it properly. Anyhow, our son (if we every have a son) will get it done. I think it will be. . . Hmmm what's the right word. . .cool? No. . . Reasurring (for my son) if my son and his dad look alike down there. (I'm sure he will see it in his lifetime, baths? Peeing?)

my son is getting circumsized; i see no reason not to; & with all the things & infections it can cause to not have it done its not worth all of his pain & suffering not to do it.

Yes, we are too. I've read the pros and cons and think it's the best option for us. Less chance of UTI's, cleaning is easier, he can relate to his daddy etc. My nephew wasn't circumcised as a baby and had so many problems that they had to do it later and it was much harder on him.

Yep - if I have a son he will be circumcised. It is definitely a parents choice though.

Well, if we have a boy (which we wont know until delivery) we wont get him circumcised. Have any of you ever seen this procedure done? you can google a video of it! It's a barbaric practice and there is NO MEDICAL REASON! How do we know what would've happen had a baby been circumcised or not with UTI's and other issues? My brother is not circumcised and he NEVER had issues... actually the ladies loved it and so does he! My friends decided not to get my god son circumcised as well. I know many adults and children that have not been and have actually talked to them about it bc i wanted to know what their opinions are about it. A friend of mine did say that the reason he got his son circumcised is so he's penis would look like everyone elses! That is crazy bc individuality is an amazing thing. But I understand. Another friend did not circumcise his son and when his son was old enough to see the difference he asked why he was different and his dad explained what the procedure was and told him that he didnt want him to go through such a barbaric ritual for no reason... I thought that was an amazing explanation! Once again, everyone has there own opinions, but I say it will at the least make you think twice about this procedure once you see a circumcision being performed. Google it and let me know what you think!

I have been reading all the responses to this post and need to throw in my two cents. Personally we are having a boy and will most definitely have him circumsized before leaving the hopital. I know many people say there is no medical reason to have it done, and no offense, but I think cleanliness is the most important reason. The Jewish tradition, where someone comes in and does it, but is Not a doctor, I find barbaric, but a professional medical liscensed doctor will be performing my sons. I must be honest, I once saw an uncircumsized penis in the flesh and was absolutely disgusted, again no offense to anyone. Also it has been studied and studied for many years, and the majority of psychologists will all tell you the same thing, that the procedure is not traumatic to the infant and he will not even remember it. So I am not trying to stir up anyones emotions here as it is a very personal decision for each family to decide on, but personally I am all for circumscision.

You are correct about the baby not remembering it, but as far as cleanliness being a reason! I'm pretty sure that cleaning a penis whether circumcised or not is common practice. I remember as a kid my parents teaching my bro and I the importance of keeping those areas clean. But, like I said on the ridiculous Cat24 posts from her and about her, opinions are like a**holes every one has one! We are all entitled and I love the fact we get to hear everyone's ideas and views. To each his own and who knows maybe one day the uncircumcised penis will be the norm in the locker room and won't be so disgusting to some females to look at! Have you ever seen the statue of David? He isn't circumcised, so I wonder how long ago they decided that this was "necessary for cleanliness"? Just a thought!

I'm going to have my son circumcized. My hubby is but his younger brother wasn't. He was embarassed by it and at 15 the experience is a lot more painful and has a longer recovery. He's not the only male I know that decided to have it done as a teenager/young adult. Honestly, if I were a boy I'd want it done and I'd be thankful to not have to remember anything about it.

Boodahbaby I think it is very rude that you say circumcision is a "barbaric practice/ritual". Maybe these pregnancy hormones have me feeling sensitive today but you could have simply said your against circumcision and left it at that. I think I'm finally started to understand what women on this forum mean when they explain the difference between stating an opinion and being a jerk. (Better late than never, hehe) I don't know millions of women BUT I haven't met ONE who says an un-cut penis is attractive and loves it. I'm sure there are men that keep their extra fleshy penis' super clean but I'm sure that their are just as many that don't and have problems with it. The percentage of men getting it done as adults is going up as well. I'm sure its way more expensive and hurts a lot worse then.