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?

Its openminded and respectful to mutilate small children?

TheFarSide Why not? If you're prepared to submit your own defenceless baby to the trauma of this agonising procedure, together with the lifelong disadvantages that follow, it's only right you should be prepared to have it done too!

"Not necessary" does not equate to cruelty and I don't believe it is cruel. My reasoning for this is that boys can suffer from infections (even in the developed world) which means that they have to be circumcised later in childhood. The later it is done, the bigger an operation it is - longer to recover and becomes a general anaesthetic as opposed to a local.

Also, I do feel that unless you are actually in a religious community where circumcision is practised (I am talking in the UK) you are actually not in any position to comment on whether it is cruel. I know people who have had their kids circumcised for religious reasons and the baby in most cases does not even cry.

I haven't time to read the whole thread so perhaps am repeating but my personal opinion is it's like cutting off your ears to clean behind them. My son was born in the US and I was far from the minority in not choosing to circumcise. Probably because we did live in a more 'cosmopolitan' part.

It is not done on the NHS for all the reasons already mentioned.

Your DH "prefers it" ummmm given he's never known anything else I'm not sure what evidence this is based on!

Be brave, buck the tend and don't have a tiny baby operated on for cosmetic reasons. There ARE complications that occur.

"boys can suffer infections that result in circumcision at a later age" yes..... but we don't all have dental clearence in case we get a rotten tooth.

Going now because I can't stand threads like this.

Good on your GP!

"boys can suffer from infections (even in the developed world) which means that they have to be circumcised later in childhood"

Children can suffer from all manner of infections. Doesn't mean that they have to have various body parts lopped off just in case. Stupid argument.

Also, I do feel that unless you are actually in a religious community where circumcision is practised (I am talking in the UK) you are actually not in any position to comment on whether it is cruel.

I disagree. I believe we should be allowed to have an opinion on things even if we have no direct experience of it ourselves.

I do not believe the procedure is necessary.
I do not believe it should be done for non medical reasons.
That is my opinion.
I am allowed to have an opinion.

You can get it done at The Portland, just ring them and ask for the consultant who specialises in it.

Nicer and tidier? Are you for real?

get a bonsai tree if you want a hobby to keep something nice and tidy, leave your boys perfect little bits alone

As a matter of interest why is circumcision required for religious reasons?

Show a little respect and open-mindedness

NO! YOU show respect for YOUR SON & his body & let HIM decide if he wants to have his penis cut.

I am open minded, op...that doesn't stretch to mutilating boys so they 'look like their daddy' 'look nice' 'are clean'.

"I think it's interesting that there has been a law passed about mutilation of animals for cosmetic reasons, but it is still legal for children."

Well, "a resolution against female genital mutilation was passed by the World Health Organisation in 1994, and charities including Womankind Worldwide say that the practice contravenes UNICEF's convention on the rights of the child" (from BBC 1999).

However, it is somehow ok to do it to the little boys.

Op, in your mind, is the foreskin some sort of design fault?

I'm thinking that under your reasoning all babies should logically have their appendix out as infection there is potentially fatal, it could be done under anaesthetic as a keyhole op and the child wouldn't remember it. Balanitis, on the other hand is rarely fatal.

Circumcision is the most common surgery on earth,

Evidence?

It is a personal choice that many make

Bollocks! A personal choice is something you choose to do to yourself, your body, your car, your home....YOU are not letting YOUR son choose this, you are choosing it for him. How is that a personal choice? It certainly isn't HIS personal choice, is it?

"Boys can get infections"

I wonder what gp would say if I asked for dd to have a full hysterectomy as a newborn, to avoid possible period problems, ovarian or cervical cancer, side affects of pregnancy and childbirth, etc etc.

We don't, generally, do amputations in case our children break their legs or get frostbite as adults.

Surely if the op (if she exists) has a better reason than "it looks tidy and he might avoid a possible infection".

it's as if I was forcing you to circumcise your child against your will

Nope, YOU are just forcing your child to become circumcised.

"My reasoning for this is that boys can suffer from infections (even in the developed world) "

Spot on Onelittlefish, thats why I have DS1 booked in to have his tonsils out, you just never know. And he is having his all of his fingernails pulled off next week just incase he ever gets an infection on the nail bed. Im also having my cervix removed as I have an increased chance of getting cancer so might aswell get it lopped off now

Wow! That was really, really uncalled for, OP. Nasty, nasty.

Debster7808 quite clearly realises the argument has been well and truly lost and is resorting to insults.