Becoming a new parent is overwhelming. It is equally as exciting and has endless precious moments. When your baby is still in the hospital, there will be a few things you and your spouse will need to come to terms with. Vaccinations is a big one, and the second biggest newborn decision parents of boys have to make is should you circumcise your newborn son?
You may thinking this is an easy answer, but some honestly have no idea what it even entails. If you have never had a child, or spent time around a new baby boy this may all be new to you. Circumcision is when the doctor removes a piece (or in some cases, all) of the foreskin on the penis. It's word derives from the Latin word "circum" which equates to be around. Some have found by having the procedure they can prevent issues with the following ailments:
Alanitis
Xerotica
Obliterans
Paraphimosis
Balanitis
Posthitis
Balanoposthitis
Urinary Tract Infections
There are many who are against this controversial surgery. Some believe it is for those practicing certain religions, while for others it is merely 'what everyone else does'. Many moms have it done because they want their children to 'look the same' as everyone else and not stand out. However, there are more men today that do not have "fixed" foreskin in the world than those that do. It isn't a very popular trend in Europe for example, but in the United States there are around sixty to sixty-five percent of baby boys having it done each year. Some women will suggest they have never even witnessed a male that is one way or the other depending on where they live. Out of those women, most have no preference to the surgery as far as sexual practices may be concerned as well. Most of the things you may have heard are usually from those that have not had the procedure, similar to men that have not had a vasectomy telling others it was horrible. No one can tell the difference unless they have had the procedure well into their adulthood.
In the past few decades however, that number has begun to decrease, even in the states.
You have to make this decision whether or not to have your son circumcised with your spouse. That other party may have very strong opinions of such a practice, and in that case you really should weigh out all of the pros and cons of the surgery and go from there. Ask other family members, even friends that have sons and find out the most information before having your son go through with it.
