When my son was an infant, we brought him in for his first pediatric appointment. After checking his vital signs, the doctor began examining his body, moving from head to toe. Upon reaching my son’s uncircumcised penis, the physician unexpectedly pulled back the foreskin, took a look inside, and then covered it back up again. It was as if this procedure was completely routine.
For me, however, it was anything but. I exchanged a bewildered glance with my partner, unable to process what had just occurred. I was shocked and deeply unsettled by the doctor’s actions. While I had never opposed circumcision in a strong manner, having done some research and discussed the topic with other parents, we decided not to circumcise. I believed in the principle of “you do what’s best for you, and I’ll do what’s best for us.”
This incident, however, transcended personal choices. When that doctor retracted my infant son’s foreskin—an incredibly delicate part of him—I felt an overwhelming urge to shout, “STOP! Is that really necessary for my precious child?” Yet, like many new parents, I remained silent, a decision I still regret today. I ultimately switched to another doctor in the practice to avoid the same situation in the future.
Since that appointment, I’ve conducted further research and discovered that my instincts were spot on. Premature foreskin retraction is entirely unnecessary and can be detrimental. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports this view, clearly stating that the foreskin should not be retracted. According to the AAP, a boy’s foreskin will naturally retract on its own, though the timeline can vary significantly. As boys grow and become more aware of their bodies, they may begin to retract it themselves.
The AAP emphasizes that foreskin retraction should never be forced. Premature attempts to pull it back can lead to significant pain, bleeding, and skin tears. Dr. Emily Thompson, a pediatrician and author, goes even further to warn that early retraction can result in infections and other complications. In a 2013 article for a parenting publication, Dr. Thompson highlighted that injuries from forced retraction could even require emergency treatment.
Despite the declining popularity of circumcision in the U.S.—with approximately 1 million boys remaining uncircumcised each year—many medical practitioners still perform this outdated practice. Dr. Thompson notes that while circumcision has fallen out of favor, physicians seem to have forgotten the wisdom of previous generations that allowed the foreskin to develop naturally, similar to practices in Europe.
Moreover, the penis is designed to be self-cleaning, and there is no evidence-based rationale for retracting the foreskin. Dr. Thompson explains that the foreskin serves a protective function, similar to a membrane found in females.
Thankfully, my son did not suffer any harm from that initial retraction, but not every child is so fortunate. This experience has fueled my frustration over the potential risks associated with this practice. What if my child had been injured? Additionally, I felt a significant breach of trust when the doctor retracted my son’s foreskin without prior consent.
To any new parents of uncircumcised boys, I urge you to inform your doctor before any examinations that you do not wish for your child’s foreskin to be retracted. Feel free to bring along the AAP’s guidelines, which can serve as a helpful reference. If your doctor disregards your wishes, don’t hesitate to speak up. We are our children’s advocates, and it’s crucial to voice our concerns, regardless of how intimidating that may feel.
This is not an attack on medical professionals; we recognize their value and dedication. However, it is vital to remember that not every doctor is fully informed on this issue, and we must advocate for our children’s well-being.
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In summary, parents should be informed that retracting a child’s foreskin is not only an outdated practice but also poses serious risks. It is imperative to communicate clearly with healthcare providers and advocate for the safety and well-being of our children.