As a single mom expecting a baby boy, I'm trying to decide about circumcision. I don't have any compelling religious reason to go ahead with it, but I guess I want my son to be "like the other kids." Are most baby boys still circumcised? Are there good medical reasons to have it done?

There are a number of theoretical arguments in favor of circumcision, none of which is particularly compelling with good education and hygiene. For a more complete discussion of these issues, please see the following links:

MayoClinic.com: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/circumcision/PR00040

Kid's Health: http://kidshealth.levinechildrenshospital.org/parent/newborn/medical/circumcision.html

The American Academy of Pediatrics has had a neutral position on circumcision since 1999, leaving the decision to parents. The rate of circumcision is decreasing nationally, currently at 60 -70%, so your son will not be unusual with his peers regardless of your decision.

Unless you're going to have a religious circumcision, talk to your obstetrician or midwife about having the circumcision done in the hospital before you go home. The procedure can also be done by a urologist or pediatric surgeon in their office as long as you have it done before one month of age. After the baby is a month old, the procedure will require general anesthesia, adding a dimension of risk that is unnecessary.

Post-circumcision care is easy, and healing will be complete within 7-10 days. Your pediatrician will instruct you on preventing the residual foreskin from adhering to the head of the penis. Care of the uncircumcised penis is likewise uncomplicated, and the foreskin will start to retract with routine cleaning between 3 and 5 years of age.

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