Circumcision Rate Drops

I have been hearing more and more from parents who are deciding not circumcise their boys. I do wonder what has changed. Are more parents informed about the risks/benefits, does it have to do with the cost, or is it a combination of the two?

FROM NBC: Parents expecting a baby boy face a decision at birth on whether to have him circumcised... in the last decade there's been a change in the trend. The Centers for Disease Control released new information about the incidence of in hospital male circumcision.

When Chanel Pender learned she was expected a little boy. Chanell Pender, Mother:"Right away I knew I was going to get him circumcised. Me and his dad agreed let's get him circumcised." Danel was born August 30th at Memorial Hospital Miramar. He already had his procedure and is going home with mom today.

Chanell Pender, Mother:"Because of what I've read on it, it's better to get the baby circumcised -- less infections, it's easier as they get older so that's really why." The incidence of in hospital newborn male circumcision has actually been declining... according to a new trend report from the CDC.

In 1999 the circumcision rate was 63.5 to 56.3 per cent in 2008 according to a nationwide inpatient sample. Rarely is there a health reason for a child to undergo circumcision at birth says obstetrician Simon Weiss. Dr. Simon Weiss, Obstetrician: "We advise patients that if they want to have a circumcision they should look at it either for religious reasons for practical reasons or cosmetic reasons."

No reason was good enough for Kevin Calle's parents. Esther calle, mother: "We decided not to do it because from what I understand it's just basically an aesthetic decision that parents take sometimes. It's easier to clean." And there are cultural considerations. Among Hispanics like the Calles it's not common practice.

Esther Calle, Mother: "Me growing up I never heard about circumcision -- family friends never heard anything about it." Religious tradition is also a huge factor. Dr. Simon Weiss, Obstetrician: "I'm sure if you did this survey in Aventure which has a high percentage of Jewish population you'll find the percentage is much higher than the trend will estimate." The CDC numbers don't take into account Jewish circumcisions not performed in the hospital. Another factor that influences circumcision rates, whether Medicaid will pay for it. it is not covered in 15 states.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Skin Dimensions, SB products are manufactured with Pharmaceutical-Grade ingredients. Products are not just "Feel Good Products," as they contain unique and innovative ingredients in concentrations that can assist you in the achievement of your own personal skincare objectives. Our products contain higher percentages of Glycolic, Vitamin A, C, E, Co-Q10, green tea than what you can usually purchase over the counter.

Circumcision at birth?

We have three boys. So, the topic of circumcision obviously came up at our house. I don't know the right decision. I think it's probably fine either way. Here's what I found on the advantages/disadvantages:

This Essortment article looks at both from a medical perspective-not a mental stand-point:

According to Dr. David Hawker, Overall it is estimated that a quarter of the male population is circumcised - about 750 million males.

Advantages:
1. According to the old testament, it is a traditional for Christians to circumcise their newborn baby boys for cleanliness and hygiene. It is even more common in Jewish and Muslim faiths.
2. Men without foreskin are less likely to get infections around the penis. The foreskin is a warm and moist incubator under which infections can easily develop.

Disadvantages:
1. Excessive bleeding after the procedure: Out of 4,000 patients one may require a ligature, and out of 20,000 one may require a blood transfusion. 2. Infection following surgery: Statistically only 1 in 500 get infected and need antibiotics.

Here's another article on the benefits of male circumcision that talks about several things I never knew.

This WebMD article says circumcision make it less likely for men to transmit viruses like HIV, but I know I have seen other articles that say there is no proof of that.

What is your opinion? Should baby boys be circumcised?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Skin Dimensions SB products, exclusive to Soderstrom Skin Institute, are manufactured with Pharmaceutical-Grade ingredients. In addition to being "Feel Good Products," they contain unique and innovative ingredients in concentrations that can assist you in the achievement of your own personal skin care objectives. This product line contains higher percentages of Glycolic, Vitamin A, C, E, Co-Q10, green tea, than what you can purchase over the counter.