When my obstetrician asked my partner and me if we intended to circumcise our future son, I quickly turned to my partner, Jake. As a woman, I recognized that I didn’t have personal experience in the matter, so I deferred the decision to him. Given that Jake is circumcised, he confidently replied, “Absolutely.” Great, that was one less thing on my mind.
Then, our son arrived.
During our pediatrician’s visit, we inquired about the timing for the circumcision. The doctor explained that since our son didn’t have much foreskin, performing the procedure could lead to complications as he grew older and experienced erections, so he recommended against it.
Alright then. Jake had a lot of questions swirling in his mind, but ultimately, we trusted the doctor’s advice and moved on.
Once we brought our son home, it didn’t take long for others to notice, and soon we were met with a barrage of unsolicited questions and concerns (that really are none of anyone’s business). Now that my son is two years old and I’ve heard it all, I’d like to address the top four concerns people often raise and explain why they really don’t matter.
1. Aren’t you worried he won’t resemble his dad?
Well, Jake has dark hair while our son has light brown. Jake has a robust build, and our son is quite lean. In fact, many people say our son looks more like me, especially with my nose. So why the fixation on their “matching” anatomy? It seems rather trivial, doesn’t it?
2. He won’t fit in with other boys.
Interestingly, I’ve found that at least half of the moms I know have sons who aren’t circumcised. Our pediatrician mentioned that the trend is shifting away from circumcision, so by the time our son hits high school, he may actually be part of the majority. Besides, every body is unique, right? Why stress over having identical body parts?
3. Isn’t it harder to keep an uncircumcised penis clean, leading to infections?
Are we really doubting my ability to teach my son proper hygiene? If I can guide him in washing his hair, brushing his teeth, and using deodorant, I’m sure I can show him how to clean himself properly. Thanks for the lack of faith in us!
4. What if his future partner is uncomfortable?
Firstly, I’d like to think my son will remain a child forever—because, let’s face it, the idea of him growing up is terrifying for any parent! But when he does eventually find a partner, I’m confident that their excitement will far outweigh any concerns about anatomy.
Ultimately, my son’s genitals are his own business. However, since so many seem invested in the matter, let me clarify: He and his uncircumcised penis will be perfectly fine, thank you very much. If you’re concerned, perhaps it’s time to find a new hobby or focus on something more productive.
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In summary, the decision regarding circumcision is a personal one that varies from family to family. The most important aspect is ensuring our children are loved and cared for, regardless of the choices we make.