Please explain...

[jaesmummy]

No judgement... I'm just really trying to understand why parents decide to circumcise if it isn't medically needed. I have seen a lot of posts that say "we have decided to..." but without a reason. Is it mostly the "like father, like son" reason, or are there other things that pull parents in the direction of circumcision? Please... I don't want to offend anyone or cause an arguement - I know this is an emotional subject. Thanks for your help.

[Ra Ra Superstar]

My DS ended up having problems were he needed to have it done, however, I was going to do it anyway.

Why?

Two of my brothers ended up having serious problems when they were 11 and 7 I think. Anyways, they had to have their foreskins removed and my mum said that it was one of the worst experiences she has ever been through. Being aware of the procedure they were quite horrified afterwards. They are both adults now and remember it all and that it wasn't a nice experience. My mum had another child years later and had him done to save any more anguish incase there were problems again. She has no regrets now that the little one is 9 and a very happy kid with no foreskin. My decision was influenced by her experience.

[MoonGecko]

I don't have a boy, but DH and I had BIG discussions about circumcision when I first fell pregnant.

TBH, no one SHOULD have to justify why they chose to do it. If our next is a boy, he will be done, end of story and I will give no one any reason why.

[Opaque]

I don't have a boy, but DH and I had BIG discussions about circumcision when I first fell pregnant.

TBH, no one SHOULD have to justify why they chose to do it. If our next is a boy, he will be done, end of story and I will give no one any reason why.

Amen to that! My child my choice. End of story.


Sent from my Atari 2600

[Father]

Why did we circ our two boys? I did a great deal of research prior to our first boy being born. This research was quite broad and included info from both 'sides' of the debate. Once I overlooked the overly-emotional aspects (which seems to be the only argument in the case against), and focussed on the facts and figures, it was quite a clear decision for us. In our opinion, the benefits well and truly outweighted risks.
This was further concreted when we brought it up with some family friends. One of which told us about how hard it had been on their 8 year old - who had been fighting foreskin related infections for years. He was circumcised shortly thereafter.
So I guess you could say it was a prophylactic circumcision in both cases. They are both very happy healthy boys:)

[delirium]

We circed bc we believe there are clear health benefits which lots of research shows. Nothing to do with looking like daddy or doing it bc I'm more attracted to circed penises like is always insinuated. We did the research, found a growing body of evidence all around the world showing health benefits, DH and I weighed up the pros and cons, and we made the decision.

I've grown a thick skin since being on this forum. At first I was hurt over the mean things that were said here and the gross generalisations about parents that circ. Now it's water off a ducks back. If someone is going to think badly of me as a parent based solely on this, it's their loss not getting to know who I am, not mine. I'm more than happy to discuss my reasons bc I couldn't give a hoot what others think ;)

[delirium]

umm this is the pro circ section yeah? If people wish to demand others give their reasons maybe a thread in the Discuss It section is in order?

This thread was aimed at those that circ asking why. How people wish to respond and how much info they wish to give is their choice.

[Atropos]

umm this is the pro circ section yeah? If people wish to demand others give their reasons maybe a thread in the Discuss It section is in order?

This thread was aimed at those that circ asking why. How people wish to respond and how much info they wish to give is their choice.

Where better to request info on why people choose to circ than the pro-circ section?? The OP asked what reasons people consider, not do you/don't you. I'm genuinely curious too, as TTC #2 and hey, it's a 50/50 chance of a boy!:yes:

[delirium]

Where better to request info on why people choose to circ than the pro-circ section?? The OP asked what reasons people consider, not do you/don't you. I'm genuinely curious too, as TTC #2 and hey, it's a 50/50 chance of a boy!:yes:

I have no issue with the OP, it was respectfully worded (although this question has been asked a squillion times by anti circers). My issue is people responding by basically insinuating that people *must* give their reasons and the comments about not wanting or feeling the need to give their reasons (and who could blame them) aren't good enough.

People comment on how they see fit, and given this is a question we are asked over and over, those that circ get a little tired not only of the question but people saying that the fact they don't give those reasons mean they feel guilty or regret their decision - and this has been said lots.

[JohnC]

umm this is the pro circ section yeah? If people wish to demand others give their reasons maybe a thread in the Discuss It section is in order?

This thread was aimed at those that circ asking why. How people wish to respond and how much info they wish to give is their choice.

No one was "demanding", just asking.

Why?

Because a better understanding of other people's motivations and decisions ultimately enriches the discussion and helps everyone make more informed choices. That's why we're here, no?

By way of analogy, I am strongly pro-vaccination but quite sympathetic to those who make different choices based on their perception of what is in the best interest of their children (see my most recent post (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?439319-Groundhog-Day&p=6272327#post6272327) on this for more). Similarly, I am not unsympathetic to those who decide to circumcise on health grounds, indeed I can also understand circumcision as a purely aesthetic decision (which I suspect is both more prevalent and more interesting). Disagreement does not imply disrespect.

So why in this thread? Because this is where those who choose to circumcise feel most comfortable posting, because they know that anyone who even hints at belittling other members' decisions will be swiftly and decisively moderated. And that's a good thing :).

So a happy and healthy festive season to all :yes:

[Atropos]

I have no issue with the OP, it was respectfully worded (although this question has been asked a squillion times by anti circers). My issue is people responding by basically insinuating that people *must* give their reasons and the comments about not wanting or feeling the need to give their reasons (and who could blame them) aren't good enough.

People comment on how they see fit, and given this is a question we are asked over and over, those that circ get a little tired not only of the question but people saying that the fact they don't give those reasons mean they feel guilty or regret their decision - and this has been said lots.

Of course people respond how they want to- I don't think JohnC said anything disrespectful, just was reiterating what the OP was after- info from those who are pro-circ with the assumption that pro-circ people have good reason for their choice and curiosity as to why. Such info may help others to make a decision. Saying "yes I did it but won't say why" is fine but doesn't really shed any light on such a difficult choice, which seems to be what the OP was after IYKWIM. No one *has* to give their reasons but in a thread specifically after reasons/info.... it seems kind of redundant to post specifically that you won't provide reasons.... Does that make sense?
For me, I think I lean toward anti-circ... But I need to do more reading on the subject. And I don't judge others for making this choice, as I said I haven't had to make it, and I may feel differently if/when I have a DS :fingerscrossed: Hence my interest in the topic.

[delirium]

Like I said, I'm 100% comfortable with discussing my reasons but I hasten a guess as to why others have responded like they have 1)there are lots of these threads around so people may not see the point of repeating themselves 2)they may feel every thread started by an anti circer in the pro circ section isn't really created as an attempt to understand but rather to create a thread where they can rebut other people's reasons and argue, which isn't what this section is for... and this has happened lots in the past.

So I'm thinking the responses are maybe a polite way of saying - sick of being asked and it's actually none of your business what others personal reasons are, particularly when you are anti circ so have already made your mind up.

I have just woke up from a nanna nap lol so not sure if that made any sense...

[xkwzit]

I have just deleted a few off topic posts. If you want to explore the relevance of activist sites (both pro- and anit-circ) vs medical advice, that seems best done in a new thread in the discuss it section. I will reopen this thread now for those who have circed and are willing to share the reasons behind their decision.

Cheers

[SmithJane]

I will reopen this thread now for those who have circed and are willing to share the reasons behind their decision.

You deleted my post too.:( It's so disappointing that the anti-circ people need to always argue with people in this section.

I guess I'll explain again. We circ'd because we think it is cleaner and healthier. I have a couple of now adult friends who both had a pretty bad time with their penii? They no longer have their 'beanies', and are both very happy with the improvement that it has made.
It's a little weird how similar their two stories are. Both in pain for years and sort of thinking it was normal.
I think they were a little embarrassed telling someone about it, which is why it caused them so much grief for so many years.
Anyway, those personal stories was enough for us. We are glad that we have done as much as we can to protect our children from possible pain and embarrassment in the future.

[jaesmummy]

Thank you to those of you that responded. I did not mean to cause offense or alarm or bore anyone by asking the same question. :freakingout: TBH I haven't visited the circ-section before and was unaware that the question has been asked a squillion times before. My apologies. Like I said, I'm not passing judgement. I would never "demand" an explanation from anyone, that's why I tried to ask respectfully of those who did not mind sharing. I have six sons. My husband isn't circumcised and I will admit that it probably was the "like father, like son" reason that we didn't research whether or not we should circumcise, perhaps, from some of your stories, to our future detriment. I wanted to see if this reason was a social trend and if it did have a major impact on the final decision of whether or not to circumcise. I see now that in most cases, the decision made was one of well-informed consideration. For those who feel they don't have to offer an explanation - I agree, you don't have to and I would never try to coerce one out of you. So, thanks again. If anyone else doesn't mind sharing with me, I appreciate your contribution too. :yes: