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?

You don't think that being called a mutilator, moron, fuckwit are not insults? They are just true? Please clarify. Go on, please. Just so it goes on record.

Actually I think it's a shame that MN have deleted your post, OP. Stops everyone seeing just how offensive you have been.

I'm sorry, deb. Would you like to rephrase that because it is getting late here.

Besides, one who decides to mutilate their young lost the argument ages ago. I am sorry, I will never see your side in this, nor your reasoning. It is a barbaric outdated procedure that was used in times past to prevent boys masturbating, the theory being that it would hurt so much (immediately post op), and would reduce sexual feeling during the act that they wouldn't do it (masturbate, that is)

If you want that for you son, so be it. Just don't be surprised if he holds it against you in years to come.

TheFarSide I know you weren't ;) I just think those who'd subject their own baby to mutilation should at the very least be prepared to have it done themselves! lol

Thanks, Neuromantic.

Debster - if you are so sure what you are doing is the right thing then you souldnt let what people say on here bother you.

The fact that you find people saying its mutiliation insulting and you are getting worked up about peoples opinions on the procedure says alot.

So,HAVE you read those links yet?

Or are you afraid you'll read something you don't want to know?

I wonder what the OP will tell her ds when he is old enough to realise that he and his brother are different from their peers?

The older ds will be told that it was done because he was born in the US and it is the custom there. The younger one will be told that it was done because it made his willy look nicer. I'm imaging the conversation he'll have in the showers after games. Poor lad. He will be a laughing stock.

"The fact that you find people saying its mutiliation insulting and you are getting worked up about peoples opinions on the procedure says alot."

And it well and truly demonstrates why it isn't the cultural norm in the UK.

Right back at ya Gribble.
You seem remarkably bothered by a decision that really concerns my family and not even you. So the fact that you and others are getting so worked up about my decision says a lot.

OP where in the country are you? There is a doctor in Morden in South London who is excellent. GPs where I am were very happy to discuss this and advise - perhaps because we're in a very multicultural area. Anaesthetic is used, it is a quick and simply procedure (as I guess you know from your experience in the US). However you do not need a referral if you don't have one.

I haven't read the whole of this thread, and have no interest in getting into debate on the whys and wherefores, but just wanted to answer your original question. We are not religious btw but had other cultural, health, family reasons for doing this. Interestingly, a friend whose DS had a horrific infection in his foreskin last year has said that she wishes she'd considered this option when he was a newborn. I've never heard any of the (many) men I know who've been circumcised say that they consider themselves to have been mutilated. I guess they are the most informed to comment.

Rarely will you find MNers agreeing in the majority like they are here, op! Really, it isn't common place here because we don't believe the myths that is it cleaner, nicer looking, healthier etc. We tend to like our men as they come (or er) & if you love someone, it doesn't matter if they have a foreskin or if they look neat or whatever.

Seriously, as parents our natural instinct is to protect our children from pain & suffering. You as a parent, are inflicting that on your child as soon as they are born. You are taking a huge gamble with your child's body that could backfire on you in years to come.

There are men who didn't want this done, who have grown up sans foreskin who are unhappy that their parents made this choice for them. Don't bet that your won't feel the same.

Or that they were laughed at in the showers.

My Ds is now 11, and is very self conscious about his circumcised penis.
He has been teased about it regularly, as children pick up on differences from a young age.
Like I said, he had to have it done for medical reasons, but I cannot imagine why anyone would choose to inflict this unnecessary mutilation (and it is mutilation, no matter how you look at it) on their tiny babies, when one day in the not so distant future, they may just question why their parents made this cruel decision on their behalf.

Right back at ya Gribble
People usually say that when one persons argument or statement can be applied directly back to that person. As mine cant, because Im not for circumcision, I dont understand how it can be "right back at" me??

Infact the second part of your post makes no sense either. You say that us getting worked up about a baby having a totally unnecessary painful procedure says alot. Yes, it says that we dont like the idea of a baby having a pointless procedure done and being put through pain for no good reason. You say this as if its a bad thing

So if you wanted to circumcise your daughter you think you should have the right to cause it's your family, your opinion etc. That's not how it works
Male circumcision is a choice for your son to make. It can lead to desensitisation and sexual disfunction. Not to mention the risk of infection and permanent scarring for no benefit other that you think it looks nice?!
That is the mentality of a selfish and potentially abusive person.
Put a bit of perspective on this, it is An unnecessary procedure that will cause your child pain and long term problems.

Message would be deleted by Mumsnet if I typed it, so I won't and will leave a instead.

1701
'I've never heard any of the (many) men I know who've been circumcised say that they consider themselves to have been mutilated. I guess they are the most informed to comment.'

I have never asked a man about the presence or absence of their foreskin or their feeelings about it, even though I have worked in urology departments and seen more willies than most women. Do you seriously discuss that sort of things with male friends? And what could they do about it if they resented being circumcised...sue their parents?

I must be a prude.

Londoner

www.circumstitions.com/Resent.html

I don't get "looks nice" argument. To who?? To OP? Why would OP want to look at his penis?

Londoner - my 11 yo questions why this was done to him, luckily we can explain to him that it was a necessary procedure. I can't imagine how he would feel if we told him we thought it would look nicer

This makes for very interesting reading.

Please read the link, it deals with the subject in a matter of fact and non emotional way.

Wanting a penis to look nice and tidy by getting a bit of it lopped off is like sprinkling glitter on a dog shit. It still looks ugly, and its still a dog shit.

I did a lot of research and talked to a lot of people before I had my DS circumcised. It's not a decision I took lightly at all. I also had sex with a few men who'd had it done when I was younger - so how they felt about it came up (as it were). My husband who was born in the US but grew up in the UK was circumcised. His brother, born and brought up in the UK was circumcised. So yes, I have spoken to a dozen or more men who've had it done. We can agree to disagree.