How to talk to a pediatrician about circumsicion?

[texmati]

I want to find a pediatrician who is comfortable with not retracting an intact penis... but I don't really know how to approach it. Or do I even need to? Should I just stay on top of things during any examinations?

[nummies]

Lurking to see the answers.

[Fyrestorm]

Definitely keep on top of things during an exam. You can even insist on keeping the diaper on.

I would ask a pediatrician to explain intact care to you. If they are incorrect, whip out the 'intact care agreement' and let them know that they need to update their information.

You can also request that they not touch your son's penis. If the doctor has any concerns, you would be happy to do that for him/her since you have heard far too many horror stories about boys being 'accidentally' injured during an exam.

[Fellow Traveler]

I would say do both. What you can do when you are looking for an interviewing pediatricians simply bring it up. Say, we are having a boy who will remain intact. According to my research the care of intact boys is as follows... and you shouldn't do this, that or the other thing. Provide him copies of the information you've gathered, such as the AAP care guide. Then ask him his thoughts on that. Follow up questions might be needed depending on how he/she responds.

Even if they respond favorably, you still have to keep on top of them because we have had stories of parents whose pediatrician retracted even when they said they wouldn't. It seems there is a confusion on what retraction is defined as.

[Cersha]

Just don't let them touch the penis. I have a ped that is the most "natural" in the area and claims that she knows about intact penises, and SWEARS that she NEVER retracts, but that is EXACTLY what she tried to do at the very first visit. She claims that pushing it back a little isn't retracting. For my sanity, I just don't allow them to touch it at all.