Considering circumcision and don't know what to do

Nov 301 min read

Our son is 3 days old and the hospital asked about circumcision. We're not religious and honestly I (uncircumcised) just never thought about it. Wife's unsure too. We keep saying we'll decide later but now there's talk that it's "easier" in the first weeks and gets riskier as he gets older, which feels manipulative? Not looking for judgment either way, just want to know how other parents approached this decision.

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Comments(10)

MMike R.New Dadjust now

The risk thing they mentioned is overstated. Circumcision at 5 or 10 is totally doable if he ever wants it. It's not like the window closes. That 'easier now' thing is kind of manipulation.

TTony L.Regular5h ago

Congrats on the newborn first of all. The hospital script about "easier now" is pretty standard but you're right to be skeptical. Most of the world doesn't circ and they're fine. You genuinely have time on this one.

RRyan M.New Dad11h ago

The hospital is definitely pushing a particular narrative but like, the "it's easier now" thing is true-ish but also not actually urgent. You have time. Talk to your pediatrician in a couple weeks, not under hospital pressure while your wife is three days postpartum.

DDale A.Regularjust now

The "easier now" argument is kinda manipulative honestly. Yeah it heals faster at newborn stage but it's also not a medical emergency that needs to happen in the first weeks. You have years to decide if anything actually comes up.

TTony V.Regular6h ago

Congrats on the new baby! Real talk - circumcision isn't urgent. You can absolutely wait and let him decide when he's older. The 'easier in first weeks' thing is sales pressure. Getting it done later is still fine if he ever wants it.

SStan D.Regularjust now

You being uncircumcised and fine is actually the most relevant data point here. If you haven't had issues with hygiene or function then there's literally no medical reason to do it to him. Can always wait and ask him when he's older.

AAaron W.Regularjust now

Take the pressure off. You don't have to decide this week. Talk to your ped at the 2-week checkup, do some research when you're not exhausted, and make the call when you're actually ready instead of under hospital pressure.

WWade G.Regular2h ago

Real talk: if you're uncircumcised and doing fine, and she's unsure, the default answer is probably just... don't do it. Circ isn't medically necessary unless there's an actual issue down the road. Hospitals push it partly because it's a revenue thing.

CChris R.Regular1d ago

Talk to your pediatrician specifically about waiting versus doing it now. Not the hospital staff - your actual doctor. They can give you real medical info without the institutional pressure.

BBenny R.Regular4h ago

The hospital's pressure to decide NOW is weird and honestly a bit sketchy. This isn't a time-sensitive thing. You can say 'we're waiting' and move on. Don't let anyone pressure you into a permanent decision on day 3.