TW: Circumcision

Let’s talk a little about circumcision and opting out of circumcision..

Origins of circumcision are not exactly known, though some areas of the world have been involved with this medical procedure for, possibly, tens of thousands of years. In modern times, this procedure has been determined unnecessary in several countries, lasting as more of a cultural or religious practice. In 1975, the Canadian Pediatrics Society found circumcision to be medically unnecessary.

Have you ever heard myths about circumcised penises being cleaner than uncircumcised? Have you ever heard that uncircumcised penises are more prone to UTI’s or yeast infections? Me too!

Here’s, at least, part of why;

In 1985, retrospective data was collected from the US Army Medical Records by M.D. Thomas Wiswell, suggesting that slightly more UTI’s were observed in uncircumcised men/boys than those who were circumcised. However, upon peer reviews of his data and methods, it was determined that these findings were unreliable. The Canadian Paediatric Society also reviewed Wiswell’s study, and determined that there was no compelling evidence to justify changing their stance on this procedure being unnecessary.

It’s also important to note that Smegma, a white or yellowish substance fond around the foreskin, (can be a bit smelly) is completely natural. This can be gently cleaned off with a soft rag and warm water. If there appears to be issues, inflammation, irritation, or an excess or change in smegma substance, a check up with your health care provider is advised.

Advice I wish I had known sooner for intact babies;

Uncircumcised babies should never have their prepuce (foreskin) pulled back or “retracted” by force (e.g., during cleaning or medical check-up). Not only is this invasive, but painful for baby. “Forced retraction can cause pain, tearing and bleeding. In normal penis development, the prepuce usually becomes less attached and more retractable over childhood and adolescence.” (Quotes from Evidence Based Birth’s article on Circumcision, see links below.) Meaning, this skin is best left to detach naturally, on its own.

Outdated health care practices, specifically the retracting of the prepuce, have not phased completely out of our health care system. Unfortunately, I have seen this in practice, first hand, as well as the discomfort, pain and inflamation that often follow. It’s very important to know that you can advocate for your child/baby at any time and refuse retraction on their behalf.

For more evidence based information around this topic, visit Evidence Based Birth through the links below. Having this info could help you to make an informed decision and provides you with knowledge to back your choices.

For instructions on cleaning an uncircumcised penis visit Care for an Uncircumcised Penis: What Parents Need to Know - HealthyChildren.org

For curcumcised care visit How to Care for Your Baby's Penis - HealthyChildren.org

Circumcision-Handout-_Final.pdf

Evidence and Ethics on: Circumcision - Evidence Based Birth®