Clinic Part 2 - The circumcision Question

Another interesting thing that came out of the visit – the question about circumcision. Nickolas is not circumcised – before we found out about the spina bifida, when we knew we were having a boy, we decided that yes we would get him circumcised. Then when we found out about the SB that went out the window, with the idea to keep as much sensation as possible. That and when he was born that was the last thing on our mind, and no one asked/offered/explained the pros and cons.


Well the urologist that we saw asked why Nickolas wasn’t circumcised. I just explained pretty much the same as above. He said that a major pro would be the decrease of infection, and it would actually be a medical indication – and covered by OHIP (saving us $300). Hmmm. So I’m thinking yes. And then we talk about what that means.

Well, as an infant a circumcision means a bit of local freezing, being strapped down and having a kind of clamp attached and cut around. Gross-sounding, wait ‘till you assist with them! As an older baby it does not mean the same thing. Circumcision as an 8 month old means general anaesthetic, and stitching, but also a specialist (urologist) who can make a ‘neat’ job. (Whatever that means). Well now I don’t know what to do! I don’t want Nickolas to go under general (put to sleep), but if it is a medical indication… AND if he does need it, I don’t want to wait until he’s a toddler.

Kyle is no help. I can’t even use the he-has-the-penis excuse for him making the decision. Now he comes back with the you-have-the-medical-knowledge excuse. He wants me to make the decision, I want him to make the decision. And here we are. Time to look up some research papers and do some investigating!

OK enough with the penis talk - time for some cuteness!

Nickolas enjoying a floaty toy

I LOVE this bathing suit - I call it her tarzan swimsuit!