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@Pink Champagne: I should have clarified - I was referring to the vast majority of circumcisions that are done in the US for non-cultural/religious reasons. Also, I think the argument of kids being teased is a rather silly one. I ran that by DH (who is British and grew up in Australia where circ is not done at all) and he laughed. He said if a guy made fun of another guy's penis, HE would be the one getting made fun of for checking out another guy's stuff in the showers. Also, if we go along those lines, isn't it a slippery slope? Do we perform nose jobs on children with large noses so they don't get teased? Do we give our late developing 15 yr old a boob job so she isn't teased for being flat chested? Shouldn't we be teaching our children to accept and love themselves, and others, regardless of how they look? Also, performing the surgery so your child doesn't get teased would most definitely qualify as a social surgery (I know you said you're Jewish and did it for religious reasons, but you also made the point you wouldn't want your son teased etc, suggesting it's ok to have it done for that reason).

We chose not to circ for many reasons and find the STD/HIV reason laughable. If my uncut son is having unprotected sex and gets an STD it won't be because of a decision I made before he was born. I also believe the stats are skewed. I saw this video and many more when I was researching and think both sides of this debate can come off as radical. I live in Canada and DH is cut but it's not the norm here anymore.

@Maysprout: I was coming in to share the data that you just shared. Thank you.
@Claire.Peonies: I am looking for good, recent US based articles and am coming up short. Most of the studies are conducted in Uganda. I'd love to see your sources.

I no longer do circs. I have seen a few hospitalizations due to infection, but really I just don't see it as necessary. Those who want to do it culturally have a mohel, those who need it, I refer to Espion and her colleagues, and the rest I refer to another provider if they really want it.

AAP guidelines say that the benefits outweigh the risks "for families who choose it". I don't see that as the strongest policy statement ever.

@Ree723: Love your last response; I so agree with your sentiments.

Should we have sons in the future, we will not circumcise. We see no reason, as we don't feel any religious, cultural, or medical obligation to do so. I do, however, support a parent's right to choose what is best for their boys, and their families, without judgement.

We will teach our sons proper, genital hygiene, starting from a young age. My husband is not circumcised, and has been playing competitive sports his entire life. He never experienced any locker room teasing, and has always had excellent....penile health? Ha.

Speaking to the STD argument, consistent, adequate protection should be a priority, no matter what. Thankfully, our children will likely be the first generation to have the Gardasil vaccine encouraged and enthusiastically offered by their doctors before they are sexually active.

As much as the research means to me (and it does mean a lot!), for me it comes down to bodily integrity.

I cannot in good concience change my child's body (irreparably) without his consent. That decision lies in his hands alone, when he is old enough to make it for himself.

@Navy_Mommy: yes. My husband was in incredible amounts of pain and has scarring that make him self conscious too. It doesn't bother me either way but I don't want our kids to possibly have to go through the same thing!