When my son was an infant, we visited the pediatrician for his initial wellness check. After assessing his overall health, the doctor proceeded to examine his genitals. Upon reaching my son’s penis, which had not been circumcised, the doctor casually retracted the foreskin, looked inside, and then returned it to its original position—as if it were a routine procedure.
To me, however, this was anything but routine. I exchanged a bewildered glance with my partner, silently asking, “What just happened?” I stood there, shocked and horrified, unable to voice my concerns at that moment. While I am not vehemently against circumcision, having chosen not to circumcise based on discussions and research, this particular action felt profoundly unsettling.
My instinct screamed that this was wrong. I wanted to shout, “Don’t do that! It can’t be necessary!” But, like many anxious first-time parents, I remained silent, a decision I now regret. I subsequently switched to another physician within the practice to avoid experiencing that again.
Following this incident, I delved deeper into the subject and discovered that my instincts were spot on. Premature foreskin retraction is not only unnecessary but can also be detrimental. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises against this practice. They clarify that the foreskin will retract naturally over time, and attempting to force it can cause significant harm.
In the AAP’s guidelines on caring for an uncircumcised penis, they emphasize that the foreskin typically retracts on its own during the early years of life, though the timing varies for each child. As boys grow more aware of their bodies, they may even retract the foreskin by themselves, but this should never be done by a caregiver or physician.
The AAP warns: “Foreskin retraction should never be forced. Until the foreskin fully separates, do not try to pull it back. Forcing the foreskin to retract before it is ready can cause severe pain, bleeding, and tears in the skin.” This is alarming, to say the least.
Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatric specialist, elaborates on the risks associated with early retraction, including potential swelling and infections. In a 2013 article for a health publication, Dr. Carter described the injuries resulting from forced retraction as premature foreskin retraction (PFFR), which can even lead to emergency room visits.
Despite a decline in circumcision rates in the U.S., with approximately 1 million boys remaining uncircumcised each year, many medical professionals seem to have forgotten the wisdom of allowing the foreskin to develop naturally. Dr. Carter noted, “The penis is self-cleaning,” and there is no evidence-based justification for forced retraction. The foreskin serves a protective function.
Fortunately, my son wasn’t harmed by the doctor’s actions, but many children are not so lucky. It is crucial for parents to understand the dangers associated with prematurely retracting this sensitive tissue. The more I learn about this issue, the more frustrated I become about what happened. It feels like a breach of trust that the doctor did not seek my permission prior to retracting my son’s foreskin.
To any new parents of uncircumcised boys: Be proactive. Inform your doctor beforehand that you do not want the foreskin retracted during examinations. Consider bringing along the AAP’s guidelines to reinforce your stance. If your doctor disregards your wishes, do not remain silent as I did; advocating for your child’s health is paramount.
This is not an indictment of medical professionals. Most are dedicated and compassionate individuals. However, they may not always have the latest information on certain practices. It is essential for all caregivers to recognize that retracting an infant’s foreskin is an outdated and potentially harmful practice.
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In summary, it is crucial for both parents and healthcare providers to understand the risks associated with premature foreskin retraction. This practice is unnecessary and can cause harm. Parents should communicate their preferences clearly to ensure their child’s well-being.