# Would you get your son's penis circumcised? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 24, 2011, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671 "2011-10-24T19:47:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/21 "2011-10-24T21:35:26Z")
> [@Bosstrain](#): > > On top of the health reasons (which is why it’s commanded in Torah, BTW,…what, do you think the creator’s stupid? There’s a good reason for everything in Torah if you take the time to think about it) I hadn’t thought about it like that. Guess I got some queers to kill. ---
**Author:** ![Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hypnagogic_jerk/32/4252_2.png) [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypnagogic_Jerk)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/22 "2011-10-24T21:36:49Z")
> [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](#): > > At the time, almost every adult male born in the US or Canada was circumcised. I know it’s (or was) extremely common in the US, but is the same true for Canada? I had the impression that it’s much less common here. As anecdotal evidence, neither I nor my father are circumcized. (And to answer the question, I probably wouldn’t have it done to an eventual son, unless it’s medically required.) ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/23 "2011-10-24T21:39:04Z")
As a Jew, a son of mine will have his shmeckie snipped on the eighth day of his life. Unless your faith demands it, or you have family history of phimosis or other foreskin trouble, I recommend against circumcision. Health wise, if you keep the penis clean there are minimal benefits to circumcision. Re pain I’ve shared this before. For years, I had a tiny scar on my right index finger. This was from the time I nearly sliced the tip off. A Swiss army knife folded back on the pad of my finger. At first, I thought it had made no cut. Then, I saw how amazingly deep the cut was and bled for about half an hour. Because the knife was so sharp and the cut made so cleanly, _it didn’t hurt at all_. Being held still during the circumcision will make a baby cry. Being cold during the circumcision will make a baby cry. The clamp/guide instrument used looks REALLY cold and uncomfortable. But the actual cut? I’d be surprised if babies feel that at all. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/24 "2011-10-24T21:41:53Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > I hadn’t thought about it like that. Guess I got some queers to kill. Not that again :rolleyes:. The death sentence may only be imposed and carried out by a properly consecrated sanhedrin. Animal sacrifices may only be made at the Temple. Circumcision OTOH may be carried out anywhere by any qualified Jew. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/25 "2011-10-24T21:43:04Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > I hadn’t thought about it like that. Guess I got some queers to kill. I had to LOL on that one. ---
**Author:** ![MostlyClueless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@MostlyClueless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MostlyClueless)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/26 "2011-10-24T21:43:25Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > Since when does it cause loss of sensitivity? > **[Circumcision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_effects_of_circumcision#Glans_sensitivity)** > > Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin from the human penis. In the most common form of the operation, the foreskin is extended with forceps, then a circumcision device may be placed, after which the foreskin is excised. Topical or locally injected anesthesia is generally used to reduce pain and physiologic stress. Circumcision is generally electively performed, most commonly done as a form of preventive healthcare, as a religious obligation, or as a cultural practice.... _“Because the epithelium of a circumcised glans becomes cornified, and because some feel nerve over-stimulation leads to desensitization, many believe that the glans of a circumcised penis is less sensitive.”_ > **[Circumcision](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_effects_of_circumcision#Foreskin_sensitivity)** > > Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin from the human penis. In the most common form of the operation, the foreskin is extended with forceps, then a circumcision device may be placed, after which the foreskin is excised. Topical or locally injected anesthesia is generally used to reduce pain and physiologic stress. Circumcision is generally electively performed, most commonly done as a form of preventive healthcare, as a religious obligation, or as a cultural practice.... _Boyle et al. (2002) argued that circumcision and frenectomy remove tissues with “heightened erogenous sensitivity,” stating “the genitally intact male has thousands of fine touch receptors and other highly erogenous nerve endings—many of which are lost to circumcision.”_ > [@](#): > > And if it’s done by a competent professional there shouldn’t be any scarring. And if we were all great drivers, there wouldn’t be any car accidents. > [@](#): > > And pain is completely irrelevant - I am circumcised and I have no memory of it whatsoever, because it was done when I was an infant. And I’m glad as hell that it was done then and got it over with, because there’s no way I’d want that kind of pain as an adult. So you can smack a newborn kid because they won’t remember it later? There’s no way I’d want that kind of pain _because it’s fucking unnecessary_. > [@](#): > > … and as far as being “necessary”, no it’s not “necessary” - but I think uncut dicks are gross and weird-looking. So there’s that. You consider the possibility you find them weird because you’re so familiar with your own? So there’s that. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/27 "2011-10-24T21:45:11Z")
> [@Bosstrain](#): > > Okay, so because they’re screaming this is a problem? Don’t babies do that anyway? > > The problem with modern circumcision is that it’s often done right away in the first couple days or so, when the Scripture specifically says to do it on the eighth day. No one cares to even realize why (mostly out of defiance I’d say). On the eighth day the blood is much thicker in the child, causing far less bleeding and I’d imagine not as painful. Sure there are mistakes made quite often, but mostly due to the fact that the person performing it is a total moron. A friend of mine had one that was slightly botched, too much extra skin was taken, and even in his mid 40’s he still has some issue with it, but even he still made sure his son was circumcised (he went back and forth on the decision, but then realized that not only were the benefits too great to not do it, but he also couldn’t justify not obeying the commandment to do so). > > On top of the health reasons (which is why it’s commanded in Torah, BTW,…what, do you think the creator’s stupid? There’s a good reason for everything in Torah if you take the time to think about it), have you ever seen one that’s not? It’s by far the most horrendous thing ever to be attached to a persons body, I’ve heard of women totally freaking out and running away screaming when they see it for the first time (granted that’s slightly exaggerated, but not much). Not circumcising the boy is much worse in the long run, you’ve got to weigh the pros and cons, and believe me, from hearing both sides of the argument, the pros win by a very long shot. > > (Just my opinion gathered from several individuals from either side of the fence, I even know of guys who’ve gone to get it done merely because they felt it to be necessary on many levels, and believe me, 30 to 50 year old men don’t make that decision lightly.) Wow. Every single statement is appallingly pat. I don’t know where to start. Surgeons and obstetricians are morons? By what measure? Please state the health reasons you refer to. Or are you assuming that parents won’t attend to their child’s hygiene until he is old enough to learn to take care of himself? _Every_ suggestion in the Torah? [\*All \*of these are rational](http://www.jewfaq.org/613.htm), reasonable, and necessary restrictions and directions? Women run from a little loose skin? Persons familiar with vulva would never make such a statement. And what are the stats you’ve informally gathered from circumcised men who have problems from scarring and loss of sensitivity? Wait… this is IMHO, and this is just Your indefensible opinion, and not based on a decent sample size, peer-reviewed research, or any familiarity with a selection of penii, right? NM. ---
**Author:** ![Capitaine\_Zombie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@Capitaine\_Zombie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capitaine_Zombie)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/28 "2011-10-24T21:47:24Z")
> [@Bosstrain](#): > > have you ever seen one that’s not? It’s by far the most horrendous thing ever to be attached to a persons body, I’ve heard of women totally freaking out and running away screaming when they see it for the first time WTF is that even supposed to mean? ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/29 "2011-10-24T21:47:34Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > Not that again :rolleyes:. > > The death sentence may only be imposed and carried out by a properly consecrated sanhedrin. > > Animal sacrifices may only be made at the Temple. > > Circumcision OTOH may be carried out anywhere by any qualified Jew. Bosstrain was saying: “There’s a good reason for everything in Torah if you take the time to think about it”, I was doing a reduction ad absurdum with the idea. Do you believe there’s a good reason for _everything_ in the Torah which has for necessary implication that if it’s in the Torah, there’s a good reason for it? The fact that death sentences and animal sacrifices require more procedural steps than circumcision are irrelevant to the “it’s in the Torah so there’s a good reason for it” argument. ---
**Author:** ![AngelSoft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/angelsoft/32/440_2.png) [@AngelSoft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AngelSoft)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/30 "2011-10-24T21:49:39Z")
> [@Bosstrain](#): > > Okay, so because they’re screaming this is a problem? Don’t babies do that anyway? This isn’t a normal I’m cold/hungry cry that a baby is expected to make. This is a highly intense, shrieking wail of pain that starts the moment the cutting begins. I think it’s ridiculous that we, as a culture, can be so adamantly against female circumcisions in third world countries as being barbaric and unnecessary and yet maintain that doing the same to a newborn boy is full of ‘health benefits’. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/31 "2011-10-24T21:50:05Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > penii pe·nis (pns) n. pl. pe·nis·es or pe·nes (-nz) ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/32 "2011-10-24T21:50:20Z")
> [@MostlyClueless](#): > > [Circumcision - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_effects_of_circumcision#Glans_sensitivity) > > _“Because the epithelium of a circumcised glans becomes cornified, and because some feel nerve over-stimulation leads to desensitization, many believe that the glans of a circumcised penis is less sensitive.”_ > > [Circumcision - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_effects_of_circumcision#Foreskin_sensitivity) > > _Boyle et al. (2002) argued that circumcision and frenectomy remove tissues with “heightened erogenous sensitivity,” stating “the genitally intact male has thousands of fine touch receptors and other highly erogenous nerve endings—many of which are lost to circumcision.”_ So your cite is Wikipedia quoting one guy + the vague weasel words “many believe”? “Many believe” a lot of shit, my friend. It doesn’t make it true. ETA: _from your very own cite_: “No valid evidence to date, however, supports the notion that being circumcised affects sexual sensation or satisfaction.” (which cites “Circumcision: Position Paper on Neonatal Circumcision”. American Academy of Family Physicians. 2007. Retrieved 2007-01-30.) Apt username/post combo, I must say. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/33 "2011-10-24T21:50:44Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > Bosstrain was saying: “There’s a good reason for everything in Torah if you take the time to think about it”, I was doing a reduction ad absurdum with the idea. Do you believe there’s a good reason for _everything_ in the Torah which has for necessary implication that if it’s in the Torah, there’s a good reason for it? > The fact that death sentences and animal sacrifices require more procedural steps than circumcision are irrelevant to the “it’s in the Torah so there’s a good reason for it” argument. Ah I retract my roll eyes then Whether every commandment has some solid scientific reason or benefit is naturally an ongoing debate in Judaism. The general consensus is that it’s irrelevant. G-d told us to do it. So we do it. Why He told us to do it doesn’t matter so much. ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/34 "2011-10-24T21:51:20Z")
> [@Bosstrain](#): > > It’s by far the most horrendous thing ever to be attached to a persons body, I’ve heard of women totally freaking out and running away screaming when they see it for the first time (granted that’s slightly exaggerated, but not much). Are you shitting me with this? I’ve seen both. They don’t look _that_ different, for Christ’s sake. I somewhat prefer the uncut look from an aesthetic standpoint, personally. ---
**Author:** ![I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/858c86/32.png) [@I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Made_French_Toast_For_You)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/35 "2011-10-24T21:53:01Z")
I voted no, but my answer is closer to “don’t care.” I have no strong feeling either way (I’m circumcised and it’s been great, if I weren’t I think it’d still be great), so I’d probably leave it up to my partner to decide. If neither of us cared? I say leave the penis in peace and let the kid decide later in life. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/36 "2011-10-24T22:03:18Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > pe·nis (pns) > n. pl. pe·nis·es or pe·nes (-nz) Yeah, thanks. As far as the rest of my post: Nevermind. A quick search revealed deliberate chain-yanking behavior: > [@Is this statement homophobic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-statement-homophobic/592009/110): > > …but recognize that when I do troll on a thread, my intention is to get people to think for themselves a little, instead of just having others tell them what’s what, in other words, check to see if there is a ‘man behind the curtain’ so to speak, the color of the horse can always change quickly. 🆒 **Bosstrain** , I retract my questions. _Please_ don’t bother enlightening me further with your bald shtick. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/37 "2011-10-24T22:09:51Z")
> [@Troppus](#): > > Yeah, thanks. De nada. Really it isn’t hard to keep “penis” straight. ---
**Author:** ![lindsaybluth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/90db22/32.png) [@lindsaybluth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lindsaybluth)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/38 "2011-10-24T22:10:44Z")
Given the nod towards it being medically more sound to cut than not to cut (should he ever come into contact with STD’s in the future) I would cut. Should the research change between now and when I get knocked up with a boy, I’d change positions immediately. Nobody was cut by shaky old rabbi, sheesh. Now _that_ is a terrible idea. ---
**Author:** ![Troppus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a587f6/32.png) [@Troppus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troppus)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/39 "2011-10-24T22:13:51Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > De nada. Really it isn’t hard to keep “penis” straight. Don’t I know it 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jem\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@jem\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jem_1)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671/40 "2011-10-24T22:27:07Z")
My 23 yo son was not circumcised. I doubt if any future grandsons will be either. My nursing student daughter witnessed a circumcision recently, and she was quite upset to see the crucifix position of the infant and to hear his horrific screaming cries afterwards. Then, last week, she heard about a botched procedure in which part of an infant’s penis was cut off! BTW, my son has never had any problems with infections. Neither has my 82 yo uncircumcised father. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-get-your-sons-penis-circumcised/600671.md?page=3)