GP not being very helpful regarding Circumcision

[Debster7808]

I went to see the GP recently at the first check-up after DS2 was born, and I said that because DS1 was circumcised (-he was born in US, where it kind of gets done as a routine just after boys are born-), we wanted to get DS2 done as well, while he's still a newborn. I was really surprised when the GP tried to talk me out of getting it done, which means that I'm a bit lost as to where next to turn to get this done. I can understand that circumcision isn't available on the NHS, which is fine, but if I want to go private, don't I need a GP referral? Should I just seek a second GP's opinion?
Anyone have any experience of getting their boys circumcised in a culture that generally doesn't do it?

Can you not speak to your rabbi and get advice or recommendation?

I'm neither Jewish or Muslim, so unfortunately, I don't really have any contacts into the religious community. In any case, I prefer to treat circumcising my boys as a medical issue, rather than get involved in other people's religious communities, if that makes sense.

Your gp wouldn't be interested unless the circumcision was medically necessary.

Maybe get in touch with your local private hospital, see what they say?

I spoke to Nuffield and Bupa, and both say that for insurance reasons, they only perform procedures on children aged 3 and over.
Surely there are people in this country who get their sons circumcised as babies. Where do others go to get it done?

Get onto the books of a private paed at your local private hospital and do it through them?

Very few people in this country have children circumcised now unless for medical reasons thankfully those that do are mainly for religious reasons and as such have the contacts that way to get it done. I think your only option will be to try to find somewhere willing to do it privatly but no idea how likely that is going to be.

Why don't you just not do it and let the poor boy keep his foreskin?

Sorry, but unless it is medically necessary or a religious requirement I think you will struggle to find a doctor who will perform this mutilation operation.

It's strange that it circumcision is not more common in the UK, given that the UK is such a cosmopolitan society, with lots of people from parts of the world where it's considered normal to circumcise. When I first met my DH, I must confess that circumcision was new to me, but since then, and getting my DS1 done, I am quite in favour of it. Pity it's not more readily available to those that want it. Or maybe it is, just that I'm not looking in the right place!

Why on earth would you put a poor unsuspecting newborn baby through a painful and dangerous operation for no bloody reason?!!

Of course I'd insist on anaesthetic being used, so therefore, it becomes a non-painful operation. (Well, only minimal pain). Having it done at this age, it heals really quickly, and my son gets to have a much cleaner and healthier willy for the rest of his life. So that's my reason.

"It's strange that it circumcision is not more common in the UK"

Because it isn't necessary except for medical or cultural/religious reasons. I agree with FriggFRIGG

why would you risk this?

more reasons not to

Yeah, pity that in this country there aren't more doctors willing to cut bits off baby boys unnecessarily, isn't it.

It's NOT cleaner,or healthier,that is a MYTH.

It is cleaner and healthier. It's a fact. If the head of the penis is permanently exposed to the air, as when circumcised, then there's no way for bacteria to collect. Simple as that.

That is bollocks.Fact.

I urge you to read the links posted,and to reconsider.

circumsion MYTHS

It is healthier because of the HIV issue but you have to ask yourself how likely he is to be exposed to that - I would struggle with it because I really do think its harder to enjoy sex/playing with yourself.

It just feels wrong to me.

Here is the fact lifted from the link you didn't want to read:

Myth: "Circumcision improves hygiene."

Fact: Circumcision was once believed to improve male hygiene, but current medical information shows this is not true. Circumcision does not make the penis any cleaner or healthier. Normal bathing and healthy hygiene are advised for all men, circumcised or not.

Perhaps in the bad old days, when people didn't wash as frequently as we do now, it might have been more hygienic.

If it is not necessary for either medical or religious reasons you will not be able to find any reputable organisation willing to mutilate do this to your baby.
Have you thought about a trip back to the US? Or keeping his penis clean?

Each to their own. I'm not attempting to convert anyone else. But my DH likes being circumcised and believes that our sons are better off circumcised. Given that DS1 coped with having it done amazingly well, (barely a whimper), I am very happy getting DS2 done as well, in the belief that I am doing something positive for him.

You should let you son decide.