Ok ladies, I went through a few links and made my own handout that captured a few different sites. Does anyone care to read and see if it sounds ok? I am so happy I posted here and decided to educate myself on this issue. Now I can talk somewhat intelligently to clients. FYI: I have not proof read it yet so no need to point out grammer/spelling errors.
Answers to Questions about Circumcision
What is foreskin and why is it there?
The foreskin consists of as much as half, or more, of the penile skin system and has three known functions: protective, sensory, and sexual. Foreskin protects babies from feces, urine and diaper abrasions by staying attached to the glans though out the early years. Throughout the adult life, the foreskin keeps the glans soft and moist and protects it from trauma. Without this protection, the glans becomes dry, calloused, and desensitized from chafing. Millions of nerve endings in the foreskin enhance sexual pleasure.
What is circumcision and how is it preformed?
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin. The doctor will insert a clamp or ring between the head of the penis and the foreskin to separate it. The clamp will remain in place in order to protect the rest of the penis so that the foreskin may be cut away. Once the procedure is completed then the wound will be dressed and the child will be returned to his parents.
Is circumcision painful?
Yes, it is painful for a baby. Babies can and do feel pain. Many babies are circumcised without anesthesia so if you decide to have your baby circumcised, make sure to check with your doctor about his policies on anesthesia. The anesthesia procedure itself is painful to a baby as the needle must be inserted into the penis. Babies are not given pain medication while the wound is healing which could take 7-10 days.
What are the risks of circumcision?
The risks include excessive bleeding, infection, complications from anesthesia, surgical mistakes such as loss of glans, extensive scarring, skin tags and bridges, tearing and bleeding at the scar site, curvature of the penis, tight or painful erections, and impotence. All circumcised males lose some or most of the sensitivity in their glans and all of the sensitivity in their foreskin.
What does the medical community say?
There is no longer any national or international public health authority in the western world which advocates the routine circumcision of children, either male or female. The most recent Policy Statement concluded that “data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision’ and that ‘parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child”.
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Circumcision Myths
Myth: My son will be made fun of if he isn’t circumcised
Fact: Worldwide, only about 10% of males are circumcised. In the United States, circumcision rates have declined from 80% in 1980 to 64% in 1995 and close to 50% today with rates as low at 36% in the West.
Myth:The uncircumcised penis is too hard to take care of and keep clean
Fact: The intact penis is easy to take care of. In fact, until the foreskin begins to retract, no special care is required. Once the foreskin does retract on his own, the child is old enough to retract the foreskin, clean the head of the penis with soap and water, rinse, and then pull the foreskin back over the head of the penis.
Myth: My son will get more urinary tract infections
Fact:Most studies show that uncircumcised male infants have about a 10 fold increase in UTIs, but overall risk of an intact male getting a UTI is relatively low, only about 1%.
Myth:My son is more at risk for STD’s if I don’t circumcise
Fact:The American Academy of Pediatrics says that behavioral factors such as condom use are far more important in determining your risk of STDs and that there are some STDs that are more common in circumcised men.
Myth:My son will be confused because he doesn’t look like his father
Fact:A study has never been done to evaluate psychological harm on the child, when father and son aren’t both circumcised. There are many situations where father and son aren’t the same such as premature infants that are too sick to be circumcised, adoptive fathers, and step-fathers.
Myth: No man should ever be circumcised
Fact:The circumcision of male children is a central feature of both Judaism and Islam. An increasing number of committed Jewish and Muslim people reject circumcision on ethical grounds, although they are certainly the minority at this time.
Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics, Canadian Pediatric Society,
www.healthcentral.com, The Pediatric Clinics of North America: VOL 48 No 6 December 2001
Dr Sears is probably a good choice as he's a household name and people know he's not just some crackpot.
I really need to educate myself more on this issue if people are going to be asking me as a professional.
