Which parent decides circumcision?

The decision of whether to circumcise a baby boy rests with the parents, often both, as it's a personal choice based on religious, cultural, ethical, or personal beliefs, with medical guidance from healthcare providers who offer unbiased information on benefits and risks. Major health organizations like the AAP support the procedure's benefits but leave the ultimate decision to the parents, who should discuss it with their doctor for an informed choice, sometimes even after birth.

Who decides if a child is circumcised?

It Is Your Decision

The American Academy of Pediatrics considers circumcision a choice for parents to make. Some parents choose circumcision for religious or cultural reasons. It is important to consider the pros and cons, how the surgery is performed and the potential complications.

Do both parents have to agree on circumcision?

To circumcise or not to circumcise your son is a personal decision between you and your child's other parent. There are extreme views on both sides of this issue and parents who choose to circumcise their children do so for a myriad of reasons including religion, tradition and hygiene.

Is circumcision done by OB or pediatrician?

Who performs circumcisions? The procedure may be done by your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or by a pediatrician, a physician who takes care of the health of children. In some cases, a circumcision may be done in a nonmedical setting for religious or cultural reasons.

Who chooses if you get circumcised?

The procedure offers many benefits, including making the penis easier to clean and reducing your child's risk of developing certain conditions, such as urinary tract infections. But ultimately, the decision whether to circumcise your child is yours as a parent.

Urologist explains the FACTS about newborn and infant circumcision | FOR PARENTS

Are most white guys circumcised?

While the number of white male babies receiving circumcisions declined (65.3% in 2012 and 60.0% in 2022), the study showed NMC prevalence among Black (64.9% to 66.1%) and Hispanic (21.2% to 21.0%) neonates remained stable during that same period.

What is the regret rate for circumcision?

Circumcision regret rates vary, with studies showing roughly 10-27.5% of parents regretting the decision for their sons (especially after revision surgery) and around 9-10% of circumcised men regretting it as adults, though some research suggests higher dissatisfaction with appearance. Regret often relates to appearance or complications, but many men and parents report satisfaction, with longer time since surgery sometimes reducing regret. 

What age is best for circumcision?

The best time for circumcision is generally considered to be in infancy, ideally within the first few weeks or months of life, because it's less complex, heals faster, and carries lower risks, often requiring only local anesthesia. While it can be done at any age, later in childhood or adulthood involves greater risk, more complex procedures (like general anesthesia), longer recovery, and potential psychological factors, though cultural/religious traditions also heavily influence timing. 

Do boys cry during circumcision?

1. It hurts to put it in, almost as much crying as the circumcision done without anesthesia. 2. In really good hands, 25% of the time the anesthesia does not seem to change the crying amount during the circumcision.

How much do circumcisions usually cost?

It will range from $235 to $375. Generally this charge does not result in added out-of-pocket costs, however, please check with your insurance company before the procedure.

How late can a boy be circumcised?

There is no maximum age for circumcision; men can be circumcised at any age, from infancy through adulthood (even into their 80s), for religious, cultural, personal, or medical reasons like phimosis or recurrent infections, though it's a more involved procedure for older individuals with longer recovery times and potential for more scarring. While newborns heal fastest, adults can safely undergo the surgery, often with local anesthesia, but recovery takes longer (weeks). 

What happens when two parents disagree on medical treatment?

The consent of the other parent is not needed, even in major medical decisions. However, the practice should attempt to obtain the consent from both parents for logistical purposes in major medical decisions such as surgeries or behavioral health treatment. With divorced individuals, the default is joint legal custody.

How painful is circumcision on a scale of 1 to 10?

Circumcision pain varies but is generally managed to be mild to moderate (around 2-4 on a 10-point scale) in adults, peaking in the first few days post-op and decreasing over a week, thanks to modern anesthesia; severe pain is rare and often linked to complications like infection, with younger patients sometimes feeling more discomfort. 

What if parents disagree on circumcision?

For some types of treatment, agreement is required between those with parental responsibility. Examples include immunisation and male circumcision for religious reasons. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, you should seek legal advice about whether to apply for a court ruling.

At what age should a boy pull back his foreskin?

A tight foreskin is normal in babies and young boys. Most boys' foreskins do not pull back (retract) before the age of 5, but sometimes it's not possible until they're 10 or older. The end of a boy's penis may bulge or balloon when they pee, particularly if their foreskin is tight.

Why is circumcision no longer recommended?

People are circumcising less due to rising ethical concerns about bodily autonomy, skepticism of medical authority, increasing costs/lack of insurance coverage, changing cultural norms, and a shift in AAP guidance from routine recommendation to parental choice, although medical benefits (like reduced UTIs, STIs, penile cancer) still exist. Factors like increased Hispanic/Black populations (who circumcise less) also influence rates, making it a complex decision balancing health, ethics, cost, and culture, say researchers. 

How do guys pee after circumcision?

► Be able to pee after his circumcision. He may refuse to pee because of fear of pain. Encourage him to sit in a warm bath and try to pee in the water, as it may be soothing. The doctor may put a dressing around the penis.

What are the downsides of circumcision?

Downsides of circumcision include surgical risks like bleeding, infection, scarring, and rare severe complications, plus potential pain and psychological distress for the infant, issues with bodily autonomy, potential for poor cosmetic results, and debates over loss of sensation, though studies on long-term sexual function are mixed, with some concerns about removing the foreskin's protective and sensitive functions. The decision often involves weighing these risks against potential health benefits like reduced UTI and STI risks, and cultural or religious factors. 

How long are boys in pain after circumcision?

This pain often gets better in 3 or 4 days. But it may last for up to 2 weeks. Even though your baby's penis will likely start to feel better after 3 or 4 days, it may look worse. The penis often starts to look like it's getting better after about 7 to 10 days.

When should a baby pee after circumcision?

Your baby should pee within 8 to 12 hours after circumcision, with most voiding within 24 hours; if there's no wet diaper within 12 hours, or if you see signs like dribbling, pain, or dark/infrequent urine, call the doctor, as it could signal dehydration or a blockage. Healthy newborns often urinate sooner, with studies showing many voiding within 8 hours, especially if formula-fed, but waiting up to 24 hours is generally considered normal. 

Do Jews circumcise at 13?

No, Jewish tradition requires male circumcision on the eighth day of life (Brit Milah) as a covenant with God, not at age 13, though there are mentions of Abraham circumcising Ishmael at 13, which some connect to Islamic tradition; the standard Jewish practice is infancy. Postponement for health reasons is allowed, but it's generally performed very early, symbolizing entry into the Jewish community. 

Do they numb babies for circumcision?

Yes, babies are typically given local anesthesia, like a lidocaine injection (dorsal penile nerve block) or topical cream, to numb the area and reduce pain during newborn circumcision, often combined with a sugar-water pacifier for soothing, though some studies note varying effectiveness. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends pain management, some providers use different methods, and a small percentage of infants might still show signs of pain, though anesthesia significantly reduces it. 

Why are most American men circumcised?

Most American men are circumcised due to a combination of historical medical trends promoting hygiene, strong religious traditions (Judaism, Islam), cultural norms, and perceived health benefits like reduced risks of UTIs, HIV, and STIs, a practice supported by organizations like the CDC, making it a widespread, though debated, norm in the U.S. 

How many men wish they weren't circumcised?

YouGov's latest research shows that 62% of adult American men report being circumcised, and of those men 86% say that they are happy to have been circumcised. 10% do, however, say that they wish that they had NOT been circumcised.

Why do Christians no longer circumcise?

Christians largely stopped requiring circumcision because the Apostle Paul argued it wasn't necessary for salvation, shifting focus from Old Covenant rituals (like Abrahamic circumcision) to faith in Jesus and a new covenant of grace, making it a cultural/theological choice rather than a mandatory sign of God's people, with baptism replacing it as the new symbol, though some denominations still practice it for cultural/medical reasons.