Medically necessary circumcision - resources please?

[skaj84]

Hi. My baby son and 3yr old son have been diagnosed as having not enough skin on the underside of their penis causing the penis to bend down. Doctors say this requires that skin is taken from the top to add to the bottom, which will in effect leave them circumcised. We would not have done this otherwise. Can people point us toward any good resources on the pros/cons/outcomes of this? I don't know much about it and am worried they will have physical and/or emotional bad effects of this. Thanks in advance!

[Kemod]

It's better if your child is circumcised, it will reduce the bad chances for the growth of your child's penis in the future. You can also later explain that he had a health problem with his penis that caused him to be circumcised, and explain that it was all for his good.

[xsevenx]

What’s been suggested by the doctor seems a bit excessive. Perhaps simple frenulum surgery would be less invasive. Time for a second opinion?

[jimfromcalif]

Follow your instinct and leave them alone.

[jaglad]

I would request a second opinion from a specialist. If he does need it you can explain your reasoning when he is old enough. If it is necessary, best now while he is young. You don't want him going through this procedure as a Teenager.

[BexyBoy]

If you're in Europe, only do it if you don't have to pay. If in the US ask whether the doctor recommends infant circucision for all baby boys. if s/he does. Be very suspicious of their motives.

[Lex559]

As an adult looking back I would def rather be circumcised then have a bent down penis!! But it's a lil odd that both kids have same issue. Have u also noticed it on ur boys? And why was Dr looking at both of their penis at same time?

[pentire2]

I think you are talking about chordee a condition which is a congenital birth defect. If a medical professional advises surgery I don't see that there is an alternative. A lot of hypospadeas patients end up circumcised too in having corrective surgery.

[Cristano]

I can only imagine how difficult this decisions must be when taken on behalf of your babies, hard enough for grown men regarding their own parts ! First thing I'd do is is get a second and third opinion, and ask them, by the way, what's their stance on circuncision. Structure the question casually, in a way where it doesn't feel as a test to their honesty and/or integrity. As you know it's a controversial topic and I'd be weary that it could inform a doctor's opinion beyond pure science. You are already doing your best and your children will understand that, and regarding that, you might want to ask for all records and documentation and keep it in case you ever need it. Good luck and please let us know how it goes !

[skaj84]

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate your thoughts. To answer the person who asked why Dr was looking at both, it is because we requested it. Our second son was very obviously not right, but out first is less obvious so wanted them checked. Still debating what to do about him (we think the first one we dont really have a sensible option).