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We were really happy to find out our first child was going to be a girl. Not only because I myself am a girly girl who could imagine putting her hair in pigtails and wearing matching Hanna Anderson dresses (just kidding – I'm not that girly), but because it hurt our brains to think about having to make the decision of whether to circumcise our child.

We honestly breathed a sigh of relief when that final ultrasound was done. Phew. Girl.

Yet now we find ourselves a couple of weeks from my due date from having our son and have to face the inevitable: do we or don't we?

It would be a much easier decision if we had religious reasons – I know for many, this decision is not a hard one.

But, honestly, we both didn't know much about the other reasons, for or against, and wanted to make an informed decision. We also didn't want to do something that is fairly a significant alternation of anatomy just because most other people do. You know, the whole jumping off the bridge analogy.

So, we did some researching and are weighing the pro's and con's.

Some Pro's.

The medical argument: While there are some small medical advantages, a decreased risk of urinary tract infections and decreased risk of penile cancer, both conditions are still rare overall. There may be a decreased risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. None of these medical reasons are significant enough for physician groups to recommend circumcision for medical benefit.

The benign procedure argument: The procedure itself is relatively safe with few complications, as long as it is done with some kind of analgesia. Infants show evidence of experiencing pain and psychological stress as a result of the procedure if not given pain relief.

The hygiene argument: It may be easier to keep a circumcised penis clean.

The U.S. Culture/locker room/like father like son argument: The majority of U.S. boys are circumcised (about 60%), although this number has been decreasing over the years. Of note, the majority of the world’s men (about 70%) are uncircumcised.

Some Con's

The cosmetic procedure argument: Since it's medically unnecessary, some argue that this is basically a cosmetic procedure. One that is not made by the actual recipient. And while the complication rate is low, it is not zero.
 
The natural argument: This is the way babies are born and the way they should stay as nature/whatever deity you believe in made it.

The individual body rights argument: Every human being has a right to his own body and some argue that such an alteration of one's body, even by one's own parents, is not justified.

The sexual argument: Circumcised males may have less sexual sensation.

So….here's hoping that the ultrasound was wrong and we'll hear a "Congratulations! It's a girl!"

Ultrasound predictions, you know, have been known to be wrong.

_{Disney Family does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Call your doctor regarding any medical condition. Never disregard your doctor's advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Disney Family site.}