Male Circumcision: for or against?

[Deactivated] on 19/11/2015 - 19:49
Last edited 19/11/2015 - 20:40 by 1 other user

A family friend , who also happens to be a doctor, is urging us to consider getting our son circumcised.We've discussed it with our pediatrician and he's of the view that our son would benefit from it.My son has no health issues, other than infrequent nose-bleeds which are unlikely to be resolved by having his foreskin removed.Also both of those doctors are biased: the first one regularly performs the procedure and the second one, is muslim.

My wife is strongly opposed to circumcision for many reasons but it really comes down to the belief that only the owner of the penis has the right to decide if he would like its appearance, structure and function altered by circumcision. Even though we are his parents, we do not have the right to make that decision for him. I agree with her.

What are your thoughts? Would you/did you have your son circumcised? Do you regret having/not having had the procedure done?

Cheers,
JJB

Poll Options

  • 124
    My son is/will be circumcised because the benefits outweigh the risks.
  • 22
    My son is/will be circumcised because of religious reasons or to look like me.
  • 92
    My son is/will NOT be circumcised because the risks outweigh the benefits.
  • 2
    My son is/will NOT be circumcised because the procedure is too expensive.
  • 470
    My son is the only one who has the right to make that informed decision.
  • 16
    Other
Health & Beauty

closed Comments

    • xsacha on 22/11/2015 - 17:19

      I find that a lot of people who got circumcised as an adult don't recommend circumcision but, yes, mostly circumcised want to justify what has happened to them because it isn't really reversible.

  • Billygoat on 22/11/2015 - 13:22

    Off with his head

  • caveat emptor on 22/11/2015 - 13:35
    +3

    If you’re going to spend 40 years roaming the desert then yes for circumcision.
    If medically required, then yes for circumcision.
    To all the rest I’ve heard of a wonderful new invention called soap & water.
    If people are going to misdirect by referring to studies that claim it reduces disease HIV, maybe 1st world studies and not 3rd world studies (where regular easy access to prostitutes) are more meaningful.
    Objective analysis located http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/STD/vanhowe6/
    After watching a documentary (on SBS or ABC several years ago), I am of no doubt that male circumcision is the same as female genital mutilation. The look of horror and guilt the parents had after viewing the video of medical abuse performed on their child was palpable, the child’s screams left no doubt.

  • hamwhisperer on 22/11/2015 - 13:42
    +10

    OMG I don't wanna get into all this crap on OzBargain.

    Op, I'm nearly 38.
    I STILL resent my parents for doing this.
    It's UNNECESSARY cosmetic surgery on someone, against their will.

    I ******LITERALLY******* have a slightly damaged penis due to my parents doing this to me.
    Go on google images and type in "penile scrotal webbing"

    DON'T do this, it's NOT your choice, OR your wife / husband / partner / priest / doctor / cousin / milkman.
    It's your SONS choice ONLY

    Google "circumstitions" (note the spelling)
    DO NOT DO THIS >:(

    • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 14:07

      I feel for you, man :(

      • hamwhisperer on 22/11/2015 - 14:30
        +1

        It's not too bad dude, my junk still works fine - but the excess skin can cause "extra drag" on a girls taint during sex (graphic but true!) it's also umm gets in the way of their bottom lip…

        Reason for excess skin? "aggressive circumcision" they pull too much 'dick skin' forward and remove too much, slightly pulling the balls basically - up the shaft.
        My ball sack ENDS over half way up my dick.

        This is a SURPRISINGLY COMMON ISSUE with circumcision and many men have it and don't even realise it. It's not the end of the world but it's annoying and I didn't damn well ask for it.

        No one has the right to do this to someone else, it IS male genital mutilation and should be banned.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 16:06
          -3

          Since we're swapping dick stories…

          Mine is tri colored: lighter, almost pinkish at the head and maybe a quarter of the way up the shaft, white where they made the cut and the rest is my normal skin tone, which is brown. My nickname at uni was neapolitan ice-cream/popsicle/dick or any other variation thereof My best friend at the time used to call me the neapolitan mother-um-lover.

          I was told that those markedly contrasting colours on my penis was a result of an aggressive circumcision and my biraciality ( irish mother, black father).

          I am lucky in that I mostly had positive reactions from the ladies ( you would think they were talking about a little puppy the way they would describe it : "oh! its so cute" ,"soooo sweet"..etc ) or at the very least, curious, where they couldn't wait to get hands-on and explore. One person did ask me if it was fake. When I queried as to what she meant by "fake" ( this happened while we were 'getting it on'), she said: " you know, like did you get another dick attached to yours,some kind of dick enlargement program or something?" O.O

          Since that incident, I usually pre-warn potential lovers.

          I've also avoided using public urinals for as long as I can remember. I've always thought it was because of my slight OCD with germs but since starting this thread and clicking on the links, and doing my own research , I've come across a lot of dick pics. It brought home how very different mine look and I can't help but wonder if, unconsciously, I was avoiding taking it out in public, where other men would see it, because I felt embarrassed at how different mine is.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 14:55

      Who did your procedure? A trained doctor?

      • hamwhisperer on 22/11/2015 - 15:24
        +1

        Yeah, standard run of the mill hospital in the late 70s.
        It was far more common back then.

        The physical issue I have is VERY common and many men don't even realise they have it.

        For an unnecessary procedure, all this could have been left alone.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 15:25

          I'm sorry :(

          Originally in Jewish families the father did the son. That means he only did it what twice in his life? It's not like you could really practice.

  • MoMoney on 22/11/2015 - 14:06

    I really don't understand why everyone gets so bent out of shape about this topic. I've had it done and it wasn't my choice. I don't resent my parents for getting it done, and I don't begrudge other people for making choices on behalf of their kids.

    • xsacha on 22/11/2015 - 17:27
      +1

      People get bent out of shape because:
      1) Some people have experienced with and without and know the difference
      2) There's actually absolutely no reason to do it — all the supposed benefits have no weight in Australia. It is purely a religious / cultural tradition.
      3) It has a number of side-effects and can cause permanent damage (such as the posted above). This happens even when an experienced doctor is doing the surgery.
      4) You lose skin that has a real and useful function of: providing more sensation and providing natural lubrication, among other uses (also listed here).
      5) We do not remove tonsils that have a) more issues/infections and b) less of a purpose than foreskin, and yet it is seen as acceptable to remove foreskin. If people were really concerned about removing the skin for supposed 'benefits', they would also remove their tonsils at the same time. Why not? Because that's not the reason. People are removing their kids foreskin because of cultural / religious reasons only.
      6) It is permanent and that kid will never be able to get it back unless we can reverse scars in the future and reconnect tens of thousands of nerve endings.

      • MoMoney on 22/11/2015 - 17:49
        -2

        I don't have foreskin, and I don't care.

        Based on some of your comments above, you clearly don't know a lot about it.

        1. I have only experienced it without, and I don't care.
        2. If there was no medical reason to do it, then nobody would have the procedure done as an adult; but they do.
        3. Yes, and like any medical procedure, there are always risks involved. You can die from infection after cutting your finger.
        4. WTF are you talking about? You made another similar comment below which makes absolutely no sense.
        5. You're really reaching here. Tonsils provide more of a function than a foreskin does. If we lived by your logic, then you would have your appendix out as well? If people develop gangrene later in life and end up getting them removed, then why not save them the trouble and do it as a baby? It's not the same thing, so don't try and lump the two procedures together.
        6. You can restore it http://www.restoringforeskin.org/beginners-guide-foreskin-re…
        • xsacha on 22/11/2015 - 17:58
          +1
          1. Like I said 'Some people have experienced with and without and know the difference'. That's not you.
          2. There is no medical reason to do it. People do for religious and cultural reasons as I stated. The Australian medical stance is to not do it.
          3. Yes there are risks involved and the risks outweigh any supposed benefits. As already posted on here with links to VIC and NSW medical advice, there was 8 out of 1000 issues prevented by circumcision (that could have been prevented in other ways too) and 20 out of 1000 complications.
          4. I'm sorry that foreskin having benefits makes no sense to you. Again, is provides more sensation and natural lubrications (among others) as I said originally.
          5. Foreskin has more benefits than tonsils. I suppose you just never realised what it is used for as you've never had it. Maybe look it up.
          6. None of the methods mentioned remove scars or reconnect nerve endings meaning the sensation is still lost. Did you read what I wrote?

          Your responses seem like you didn't read what I wrote. Especially #1, #4, #5 and #6 where to answer your question I literally have to restate the original point.

        • MoMoney on 22/11/2015 - 18:54

          @xsacha:
          1. So if I don't know the difference, then why would I care? This is a weak argument, because most people that have been circumcised don't know the difference, and for them it doesn't matter as they lead normal sex lives. You're talking about people who have had a foreskin as a child, and removed as an adult (therefore can compare the two), which you have already said there is no medical reason to do, so how is this possible?
          2. Phimosis. Look it up.
          4. I've never needed to use Lube, as my body provides plenty of natural lubricant.
          5. Tonsils fight infection as part of your immune system's defence. Having no Foreskin doesn't stop you from reproducing, and doesn't stop you from being able to ejaculate, or achieve an orgasm.
          6. Again, if you've never experienced this sensation, then why does it matter?

          If you "literally" restated your original post, then you would have replied with the exact same post. You need to learn how to use that word properly.

        • xsacha on 22/11/2015 - 19:01
          +1

          @MoMoney:

          1. "I really don't understand why everyone gets so bent out of shape" was your question. I provided reasons why people are 'bent out of shape'. If the first point is not you, that's why you don't care.
          2. Doesn't require circumcision. Although circumcision can remove this issue, it isn't what doctors will choose to give you in Australia as there are several less extreme ways of treating it. Also, it is fairly rare to get this so it is NOT an argument for circumcising every child. You could just as easily get circumcised (or just a slit) afterwards, when you discover you have an issue, as we currently do with tonsils.
          3. —
          4. You may be an exception. The research suggests you will likely need lube for masturbation and you are more three times more likely to hurt a female during sex. If you didn't read the rest of this thread: (O'Hara 1999) (Bensley 2003) (Frisch, Lindholm, Grønbæk 2011) . The problem is even if there is one guy who has a problem, it is worse to circumcise as there are no real benefits. The fact is lots of guys have problems or are worse off than they would otherwise be.
          5. Tonsils also don't stop you from ejaculating or achieving orgasm. Ignoring what I said doesn't make it go away, just makes it a straw man argument. What's next? Laser off your eyelashes because it doesn't stop you from seeing?
          6. I suppose if you've never had eyelashes, you won't care about having them either. You will just need to wear something to stop dust getting in your eyes. I'm sure it has a benefit, like reducing the amount of dust mites on your body. It is a bit of a weak argument to suggest that it is OK to remove something just because you won't know you could have had it.

          It was literally and then I decided to edit it to add more information — though it probably wasn't required. You just needed to re-read it. Like #1

        • MoMoney on 22/11/2015 - 20:26
          +1

          @xsacha: At what point did I say that every child should be circumcised? I never weighed in on the argument until you attacked me for asking what all the fuss was about. You're putting words into my mouth.

          Anyway, I'm over it. I've just realised that I'm arguing with another guy about dicks.

          Peace out.

      • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 18:26

        I had my tonsils removed last year totally electively. Thrilled I did it. I had no need to and have had tonsillitis once many years ago.

        • xsacha on 22/11/2015 - 18:31

          Exactly :)
          I haven't had mine removed but see no issue with removing them and certainly would if I got tonsillitis unless there were some reason to keep it.
          There is this option and yet people are more likely to circumcise their kid than remove their tonsils. It obviously makes no sense.

  • Hahuh on 22/11/2015 - 14:18
    +4

    As a circumcised adult whom had the procedure done for religious reasons, I can attest that I will NOT force my child to have their pinky snipped. Only consider it for issues pretaining to the inability of retracting the foreskin or if an infection is prevelant.

    You better buy him lube for the rest of his teen life if you are to decide for circumcion on his behalf

    • hamwhisperer on 22/11/2015 - 15:24
      +2

      Yep, yep. A lot of lube used in my household. Sigh.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 15:26

      Is it an age thing? I've only slept with circumcised guys and we never needed lubricant. They were in their late teens to early 20s though.

      • xsacha on 22/11/2015 - 17:30
        +2

        It hurts more without lubricant if they are circumcised. There's enough juices in there to make a bit of lubrication.
        For the female, it is a bit of an age thing. Girls are dryer as they get older, so it will hurt more for you as you get older.

        They aren't talking about sleeping with girls though. Notice he said 'teen life'.
        They are talking about using their hand…
        If you are circumcised you will need lube for that.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 17:50

          It has never hurt for either of us.

          My mother has never had an issue with my father either. Hopefully that stays the same for me too.

          Ohhhhhh. Right. I see.

  • gravel on 22/11/2015 - 14:52

    The sex is better, no it's worse. It's there for lubrication or is it. It's mutilation, takes weeks to recover. No evidence to support the value in circumcision or is there. It's mutilation , no it's not.
    But of all the comments, those that have suggested it is akin to female circumcision are deluded and ignorant. I would have thought every female commenter would have been outraged at the suggestion. Female circumcision involves the removal of an integral part of the reproductive system male circumcision does not. Female circumcision is a barbaric procedure that is illegal in most countries around the world…and so it should be.
    Is there are bargain here I have missed? Is someone flogging foreskins at a discount?

    • hamwhisperer on 22/11/2015 - 15:25
      +1

      Not as bad as FGM, agreed. It's mutilation none the less and not something which should be forced on to others

    • xsacha on 22/11/2015 - 17:33
      +1

      There are different types of female circumcision. There is one that is exactly the same as male circumcision (where the outer skin is removed). I believe that is the most common and that is the one that people are talking about.

  • DEvok on 22/11/2015 - 15:43

    Wait till his 18 then ask him to decide.

  • TRANCE on 22/11/2015 - 16:23
    +4

    Wow I didn't realise there is so many unintelligent people around. Circumcision is ridiculous.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 16:24
      +4

      and the one true ozbargainer:

      My son is/will NOT be circumcised because the procedure is too expensive.

  • azshade on 22/11/2015 - 18:56
    +3

    It's pretty simple.

    Unless there's a medical need. Don't do it. We don't cut off fingers unless there's a medical need, why cut off the end of a person's penis?

  • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 20:54
    -1

    oh jar jar just go live in a hole and stop trying to get attention here… really do you spend nights thinking what to post on ozbargin this is not even related to saving money… I wonder what the mod's are thinking too.

  • Equivoque on 22/11/2015 - 21:20
    -2

    I've just scrolled through this post in order to avoid some pretty full-on comparisons with male circumcision and the female removal of the clitorus that are so ignorant. The beginning of this discussion should start with the difference.

    Male circumcision involes the removal of skin - Not the nerves that actually invoke an orgasm. I don't approve of this proceedure but for medical reasons. (I had a gentleman friend who suffered pain during extreme arousal.) Male children should be tought to clean that area well - every day.

    The clitorus is small but has an incredible number of nerve endings which when stimulated properly, will actually induce an orgasm. That is the only thing it is for. Penises do lots of things, the clitorus does one. Learn that and you will be good in bed.

  • cannedhams on 22/11/2015 - 21:28

    I once was with an Egyptian girl (not Muslim, Coptic Christian) who had been circumcised (not FGM, the clitoral hood had been removed but the clitoris itself was intact). Apparently even Christian girls in Egypt tend to get it done. She was from a middle class family and fortunately had the resources to have it done in a civilised manner.

    It didn't affect her sexually, if anything it was easier to reach the clitoris without the hood getting in the way.

    Also, without smegma from the clitoral hood, the smell of her nether parts was always perfectly neutral. Amazing how much difference it made. Apparently having the smell of smegma around ones body parts is a big faux pas for Egyptians.

    Ultimately, I didnt last very long with her, she tended to get bored of people quite easily. Still think of her from time to time though.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/11/2015 - 21:31

      How did you know this? Did she tell you?

      • cannedhams on 22/11/2015 - 21:38

        I thought it was apparent from my post, but we had a sexual relationship.

        I was aware that her experience was uncommonly privileged, and that most girls who undergo the procedure end up far from a hospital bed and losing part or all of their clitoris.

  • Moderatorneil on 22/11/2015 - 21:38

    OK, I think the OP got their answer. Thread closed.

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