Thread: Potentially personal, perhaps embarassing

Well, with all these religion and politics, and no holds bared, how about a thread concerning circumcision.

I don't know how to make a poll... But, I guess we can start with a slightly safer question - would you circumcise your kids?

Shall we provide pictures?

If it was up to me alone, no... but I think the mother would have a say in it as well.

Edit: For the record; I've been chopped.

I would say yes- a lot of girls prefer it, and I want to give the little guy a fighting chance

Looks like all I've ever been able to help crank out were girls, so for me this point is moot.

I think it's incredibly variable with cultures, isn't it? As I understand it, it's the norm in USA to the point girls may consider it gross if you're not circumcised? Or is that a little in the past now?

In Europe it's very common to be uncircumcised.

I always thought I would not circumsise my son if I had one. In fact, I was positive I wouldn't, seeing it as unnecessary and unnatural. But marrying into a Jewish family soon changed my view pretty quickly!

And let me tell you, the Bris was one of the most heartbreaking things I had to do. It called into play all the things I dislike about religion, but balanced by all the things I could see as being important in terms of culture, family values, social belief systems, and committment to someone you love.

And contrary to what I thought, it has been no problem explaining to my son why he and Dad are different.

Originally Posted by majurey

I think it's incredibly variable with cultures, isn't it? As I understand it, it's the norm in USA to the point girls may consider it gross if you're not circumcised? Or is that a little in the past now?

No, it's still in the present... and somehow most people here are still convinced that doing it reduces the chances of infection.

The health-benefit perception is changing. Also, in many rural areas of the US you still find uncut to be the norm. Hospitals are now asking parents and treating it as a matter of preference, versus health. A friend not too long ago was asked at the hospital and the parents decided against it. The doctor then told the to be sure to teach the boy the proper methods of maintaining hygiene...the doctor also added that one benefit of being uncircumcised that the glans was more sensitive than with circumcised males, as it is always protected by the foreskin, and this is believed to give the male a greater level of pleasure during intercourse. He finished by saying that beyond the need for attention to hygiene and the sensitivity, the only need for circumcision was to fit into cultural norms....was pretty much the end of the discussion.

If I had a son, I would not do it. It is interesting that male circumcision does not trigger the outrage that female circumcision does.....

I do not see a need for it unless you are trying to meet a cultural norm.

I don't see a need for it either. If I have a son, I'll keep him in one piece. With daily showers, infection is a non-factor.

We just lop off a few inches at birth so women will not be intimidated.