The decision to circumcise your son is weighty for many parents. Pros from the procedure include lowering the risk of STIs for both female partners and also the male themselves. Cons include pain, bleeding, possible infection and sometimes more severe complications.
Parents look to medical service providers because the go-to source for information. However, a recent poll revealed that most parents do not want recommendations from providers on which to do.
The research came from a national poll on children’s health, which found that 81 percent of oldsters felt their baby’s health care provider was the very best source for information on circumcision. However, only 23 percent said the company should recommend what decision parents make.
More than 40 % of parents polled said the provider shouldn’t recommend a particular decision about circumcision. Once parents make a choice, 75 % felt that providers should accept it, with no hassle.
“Our poll implies that parents don’t want or expect a directive from their doctor, but want them in a consultant role, providing information so they can constitute their very own minds,” said Sarah J. Clark, associate director of the National Poll on Children’s Health, in a statement.
Parents do expect their own health?care providers to teach them about circumcision, and nearly 90 % would prefer to understand this information prior to the birth of the baby. Based on the research, however, few parents talk with the pediatrician throughout the prenatal period.
“Although there is good evidence to point out that circumcision is helpful, there are also potential risks to circumcision, as well as socio-cultural and ethical issues for moms and dads to think about when choosing to circumcise their male infant or not,” says Dr. Mark Butterly, pediatrician and director of the pediatric residency program at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill.
“Balancing these problems, discussing the medical benefits, as well as possible procedural perils of circumcision with your child’s doctor is the greatest way to help parents make the most informed decision for their child,” Dr. Butterly added.