Circumcision Pros and Cons

Should we circumcise our son?

Circumcision is a hotly debated topic. Parents often ask if I recommend circumcision. It basically comes down to personal choice.

Circumcised males do have a lower incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) than uncircumcised males. However, this amounts to a lower risk of a very rare event. It is also true that circumcised males also have a lower risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. It is hard to convince a new mother that this factor would ever benefit her baby boy.

There are more care issues for the circumcised male in the first two years - mostly retraction to allow for proper healing. While uncircumcised males should be taught to clean and retract their foreskin as they get older.

In my experience, most boys tolerate circumcision well. To comfort them, I swaddle their arms, let them suck on a pacifier (often dipped in sugar water) and use local lidocaine.

Written May 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Orlando Pediatrician