Circumcision?

If your wife is expecting a baby boy, you may have already made up your mind about whether to circumcise him.

A generation ago, a full 90% of boys were circumcised and it was clearly the "modern" choice. Now, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics deems the procedure unnecessary and leaves it up to the parents. The current rate of circumcision is near 60% (compare that to 20% globally).

You will want to do more research but you may want to consider:

1. Studies show that circumcised infants are less prone to urinary tract infections, and as men, have lower risk of cancer of the penis and HIV infection.
   
2. Surgical complications from circumcision are rare but do occur. Doctors sometimes perform circumcisions without pain medication. You should request that painkillers such as lidocaine be used.
   
3. Your own cultural, religious, and ethnic traditions will play a large role in your decision.   

We would argue that you as the dad should have a larger say in this decision than your partner, and don't be surprised if this is one decision your wife throws unequivocally to you. You will be asked to consider the possible pain the baby feels in the procedure. (I warn you, there is blood and he will cry through it).

You will ask yourself whether you want your son to “look like you” and question whether that matters. You will ponder cleanliness, sexual attractiveness, and the possible loss of sexual response. In the end, you may feel less than sure about your decision.

If you do decide on circumcision, you must attend the procedure. This will not be fun for you. It will likely be the first time you’ve had to inflict pain on your child for what you feel are his best interests.

There will be many more decisions like this, but this one will feel especially poignant for you, the dad.

PS:  A well-balanced article on the debate appeared in the Boston Globe.