circumcision doubts

[MsThang]

I have an 18 year old son who is scheduled to get a circumcision tomorrow morning. It was his decision, his body and I really didn't want to interfere if this was something he really wanted to do. So just a couple of minutes ago, he texts me and asks if it is too late to call the surgery off. He is having doubts, people are telling him not to get it done. The reason why he wanted the surgery was because of chronic foreskin infections even though he does everything he is supposed to do. I already called the doctor's office to let them know he is having doubts and needs to speak with the doctor. I think we should postpone the surgery until my son is 100% sure this is what he wants to do. Love to get some input.

 

[poptarts]

Postpone, and discuss the pros and cons of the surgery. If it's due to medical issues, ask him if he thinks he could deal with having those continue vs getting it taken care of once and for all. If it's something that will make life easier for him in the future, it's definitely something worth considering having done. So basically just sit down with him and have him figure out what exactly he wants, sounds very simple by listing out things, but sometimes simplicity is what's best.

 

[SparkyNYC]

Postpone

 

[MsThang]

Yeah, he just told me he doesn't want the surgery, he just wants the infection gone.

 

[horny6.5]

Postpone, Maybe talk with the doctor possibility there is some kind or medicine like a cream or ointment that he can use to clear the infections with out having him get circumcised. I would also say have him relearn how to clean the foreskin like they taught you when your brought him home from the hospital.

 

[dickscreet]

By all means call it off until he is comfortable with it !! I myself am circumcised, and not unhappy about it, but that has nothing to do with his choice. This is such a huge and personal decision that I think it should be gone into with the utmost caution. Eighteen is quite young to make such a permanent decision about your body, so I would say to hold off for a while. Check with other doctors and evaluate all the options available, to see if some other, as yet unexplored avenue might alleviate the infection issues. Even if he later decides to go through with the operation, it doesnt sound like he is ready for that now. Good Luck to you both.

 

[forrskin]

Circumcision is a one-way street. I would NEVER want to lose my foreskin, and I think that he would be way better off dealing with issues as they arise. I would hate to be in his position, but I think that treating the symptoms and dealing with the problem is going to be a better call in the long run. If it gets worse, he can always decide to go through with it later, but he should be 110% sure......can't go back on this one!
Good luck and hope it all works out...

 

[MsThang]

I called the surgery off and made an appointment to speak with the doctor next week. He has been using a cream and says that he is obsessively doing everything.

 

[tomcut2000]

good idea to delay it and see how it goes

 

[thedick]

As I'm a med student, I've got to say it's totally right to have cancelled the surgery, beause a doctor is not allowed to perform a surgical intervention whilst the patient is doubtful about it.
I would on the other hand advise ur son to let the circumcision done. Simply because of those infections. Chronical infections are never good, as they can be the origin of cellular changes such as skin cancer etc.
There is also no proof that a circumcision may have an effect on your sexual enjoyability. It may affect the glans sensitivity as the glans will lie free from the day of the circumcision on but that does not mean that it will interfere with the ability to enjoy intercourse nor to be able to ejaculate.
The risks of this surgery, as the doctor will have told you are minimal, too. There ist e.g. no chance to "make you impotent", as the Ramus genitalis of the genitofemoral nerve is not a subcutaneous one.

So in your sons case I would let the circumcision done.

Talk about it and find your best way to handle those infections. Which way you take, they have to fade away!!

 

[tgirlsrgreat]

i am circumcised and love it, but by all means call it off. seek out a specialist and see if they can narrow down what is causing the infection.

 

[326807]

why is this even an issue?
Ive seen all the hoopla about this..its dumb let him do it he will be fine.

 

[B_tim001]

Circumcision is last resort, really. Try everything what's possible before that last option. I'm positive you will work that out without taking him to surgery.

 

[B_thickjohnny]

seems to me that he HAS tried everything medically available to him. It's effectively not working for him and the infections are recurrent. Depending on his foreskin (maybe it is long or tight or both) he can have a partial circumcision (retaining his frenulum and some coverage) to alleviate the infections.

I'm cut and happy with it but can sympathize with any uncut guy who might be scared of the alternative. My ex have recurrent problems with his frenulum (or lack thereof) and had surgery to correct it. his foreskin just wouldn't roll back and if pulled, he bled like a stuck pig. He's still "intact" but lost whatever it was that was not allowing his skin to roll back.

 

[MsThang]

I believe that my son will ultimately have to get the surgery but I don't want him to do it, until he knows there is no other alternative. We have an appointment with the doctor for next Thursday. I did get some excellent information from an lpsg member and I plan on asking the doctor about the various adult circumcision cuts. I have a funny feeling that my son's change of heart has to do with his new girlfriend. Girls

 

[erratic]

As I'm a med student, I've got to say it's totally right to have cancelled the surgery, beause a doctor is not allowed to perform a surgical intervention whilst the patient is doubtful about it.

Exactly. It's the ethical thing to do.

I believe that my son will ultimately have to get the surgery but I don't want him to do it,

If non-surgical interventions don't work, of course he'll have to get it. But I think your radar is accurate in this case: If he has any doubts, he should postpone and think. After all, it's only postponing - it's not like he has lethal foreskin cancer or anything. Infections suck, but he has time to wait and weigh his options.

 

[SirConcis]

How long has he had the problems for ? If they are chronic, then it is likely that his circumcision is inevitable. Might as well get it done now and solve the problems, instead of having to deal with infections over and over again for years until your son decides to get it over with and get cut.

He should not fear the operation itself. And he shouldn't read too much into the anti-circ exagerations.

 

[D_fbq01hbc]

I was circumcised at the age of 29 as I had ballanitis erotica, hardened foreskin. Sex was painful due to a constricted glans upon erection. I am happy with my circumcised penis and wouldn't have it any other way in the circumstances. But unless it gets this bad, you have done the right thing.

 

[Will0027]

I was in a similar situation as your son. I was circumcised at birth although very loosely--I looked uncircumcised and still had plenty of foreskin overhang left. I had recurrent infections, redness, itching, etc. even though I washed and kept everything clean daily. I had a circumcision revision at age 26 to solve those issues and have been very happy with the results. Either way, it is your son's decision and if you need any advice from someone who's been there, let me know.

 

[molotovmuffin]

If I may suggest... try getting him some H2Ocean. It's used for tattoos and piercings. There is spray, foam and cream versions. This stuff works wonders at healing all sorts of skin issues.